smith spring

The trail is not paved, except for the small section leading up to Manzanita Spring. We thoroughly enjoyed the hike and the scenery. At one point we weren't quite sure we're on the right trail, as the signage is very limited, and we seemed to be going further and further into the mountains. But once we got to the little spring, we were pleasantly surprised. In the end, we quite enjoyed the hike and scenery throughout.There definitely is a rise and decline in elevation as you ascent up to and descent from the spring. And since we where there in December there were some icy patches that was kinda slippery-scary. I would recommend brining hiking sticks of you have them. We had forgotten to bring ours and were kicking ourselves as we came upon the icy downhill patches.The whole hike, including looking leisurely at Friole Ranch and being slowed down by ice patches, took us about 2.5 hrs. Primitive bathroom facilities were availble at the Frijole Ranch parking lot, else 10-15 mins down the road at the Pine Springs visitor center.

This was a little oasis in the middle of the dessert, there were mule deers nearby and it was an easy hike. It might have taken 30 minutes to get to the spring.

Smith Springs was okay. You hike up into the treeline, and the spring is sort of hidden up the trail. It was a pleasant hike, but nothing special.On the way you pass Frijole Ranch, but it was closed...and looked like a modern shack house.

I could argue with Mr. Pratt that not McKittrick Canyon but Smith Spring is the most beautiful spot in Texas. Although Smith Spring is just a small spot on the side of a hill, it is an oasis! Fresh water spring cascading down the hill with small pools where wildlife gathers. Lovely ferns and lush vegetation. The hike is uphill and seems looooong but you also pass Manzanita Spring and then walk thru a lovely little canyon before your oasis destination. The last half is all back downhill so it is easy on the way back.

We are mid-sixties and in reasonably good but not great condition. We did this trail on a very windy day with temperatures in the middle 70's. It was moderately hard for us but not a problem to finish. There are vistas and Smith Spring near the highest point on the trail and where you loop back towards the beginning is absolutely gorgeous. Recommend you do the trail counterclockwise to complete the harder part first. Lots of loose rocks underfoot, so be aware. Also, the incline ultimately is 400 feet. Do not forget water.

On 22APR2013, my good friend Chris Gafafer-Luthi, Melchnau-CH, was visiting and we motored from my home in El PasoTX-USA East on familiar & excellent biketouring route Montana Avenue/US62-180 some 150miles/240kms, intent upon hiking the highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Mountain. However, by the time we arrived--late morning--we knew such an arduous hike would be difficult, if not foolish, so late in the day and especially without sufficient nutrition. So we motored onto White City and supped at the Cactus Cafe, expertly staffed by Wendy. Now energized, we returned to GMNP and reluctantly accepted a less strenuous hike, this one to Smith Spring, with the trailhead at the Frijole Ranch, a mile/1.6km East of HQ. There are actually two trails here, the first going to Manzanita Spring. It is an easy relatively flat, smooth surface paved path, good for disabled/wheelchairs/toddlers/etc., and is an amazing water pond in an arid environment. Very enjoyable. However, if you wish to continue on a more arduous path, take the marked route uphill. No pavement here, it is cross-country of rocks, stone, cacti, and increasing vegetation with the ascent. The turnaround is a barricaded (to keep Smith Springs as pristine as possible, though I've seen individuals duck under the bar to refill their water bottles with the presumably delicious H2O--don't ever get caught in the desert without adequate hydration, like I did 4miles/6kms South of ValentineTX--USA on 13JUN2011, while on my Trans-Texas Bicycle Odyssey; I survived thanks to Lily & Jay, US Border Patrol!) water hole shaded by magnificent trees, an excellent rest stop. From there, it's primarily downhill across rough territory with stunning views to the South. It made for a very nice 3-4 hours round trip hike. Be sure you have sturdy shoes--no sandals, flip-flops, biking shoes--and carry at least 1-2 gallons/4-8L of drinking water, snack(s), and a decent camera. Though this is a national park, there are some careless individuals and/or the wind that can trash the area with contemporary debris (anything ancient must be left alone) like cigarette butts, paper diapers, etc., pick it up for the trash can at the parking lot. Remember, take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Take this hike early in the day to get a chance at spotting wildlife and avoiding heat. The Spring at the mid-way point offers a cool place to enjoy the spanning view.

We loved this hike. We were fortunate to have a beautiful day. This hike has many personalities. In some areas it was quite easy. It could be a bit rugged and challenging in other spots. We really enjoyed resting by the Spring and picturing what it might have been like way back when the Native Americans enjoyed all that this area had to offer. What a wonderful oasis!

Wanting to experience a slice of the NP but only having 2-3 hours, we chose this hike based on the recommendation of the ranger. (highly recommend you stop at Headquarters Visitor Center before any exploration of the park). The path starts with the horse corral and a paved path but quickly turns into a more rugged rocky path. If you head to the right of the loop you quickly come upon a small spring and a few beautiful Madrone trees. Hiking next to the mountains meant constant weather changes. Thunderstorms rolled in without much notice and we had periods of rain. Be prepared for these changes, there is no shade or large trees to hide under. Definitely plan on 3 hours for average hiking pace.

Were looking for a break on our Roadtrip and passed the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Rangers recommend this hike, as it was only 2.3 miles and would be doable before sunset. We got in close to deers and javelinas. Definitely worth a hike if you've got the time.The walk can be done in1 to 2 hours depending on walking speed and breaks.

We were looking for a less strenous hike since we are a bit older and have not been regular hikers. The hike took us 3 hours. It was the end of April, Temp in the mid 80's with a constant wind blowing. By taking time to view the scenary around us, the vistas were magnificent when stopping for a breathe. Enjoyed the close up view of the Texas-Mexican Mahogany tree ( I want one) My only thought , "would there really be a spring at our destnation or would it all be dried up as the rocky, dusty trail, shrubs and creekbeds around us?" Ahhh and yes the springs were worth it. Shade trees, a bench to sit and have a snack, a batch of Blue Azure butterflies flinting around us and the largest butterfly I have ever seen, a double winged yellow swallowtail, that looked to be the size of my hand. The trek back from the springs was more flat land. Middle of the day is not the time for this hike.

On a group roadtrip, we sent the men on the Guadalupe Peak Trail, while the women checked out the trails around the Frijoles Ranch. The hike is pretty easy. It took three women about 3 hours to do the 5 plus mile loop from the ranch to the springs and around west near the visitor's center and back to the ranch. In the spring, it was a nice desert hike. The flowers were in bloom. The highlight of the hike is Smith Springs. It pops up out of nowhere like an oasis. Lots of trees and greenery and the scenic little springs and creek. Nice place to rest for a bit. Certainly don't go out of your way to do this hike, but if you want to take a few hours to explore Guadalupe, it is a nice, easy hike.

If you accept Smith Spring for what it is - a small spring - it is a nice hike. Most of the trail is through open desert with small brush and a few small trees. The mountains are huge and rise up straight in front of you. It is best to not do this hike in the middle of the day during th summer. The spring is a surprising small green wet spot. I would imagine it would be a nice place to view wildlife near sunrise or sunset. Manzanita Spring, in this same area, which is a much shorter hike would perhaps be just as good a spot to view wildlife.

This is a 2.3 mile hike up through scrub, to a moment or two by a spring with trees, and then returning back through the scrub. There is no shade on this hike except at the spring. THe scrub is unexceptional from start to finish. I felt that the reason for this trail was probably that the NPS must have felt it needed at least one mid length trail from the Frijole Ranch entrance.There was one other group on the trail, on a 100+degree day mid afternoon-----a busload of kids from a Houston inner city school, all of whom looked miserable, and some of whom lamented that fo their complete surprise, they wished they had stayed back in school for the day. I knew just how they felt.

Zunächst läuft man - bei uns bei 95°F - ein wenig durch die Wüste, durch dry washes. Dann schlängelt sich der Weg entlang eines Bergrückens in ein Tal hinein.Wieder durchquert man einen Wash und man sieht schon ganz hinten viele Bäume.Und hier ist es dann. Ein wirkliches Kleinod in der Wüste. Irgendwie fühlt man sich in einen Märchenwald versetzt.Dann noch ein Bavarian Sheep, dass die Quelle als Wasserloch nutzt.Nach einer Pause geht es auf der anderen Seite wieder durch die Wüste zurück bis man die Ranch erreicht.