The McKittrick Canyon trailhead is the starting point for trails for destinations in McKittrick Canyon as well as above and beyond the canyon. Trail destinations inside the canyon make excellent day hikes. The trailhead is located on the other side of the visitor center from the parking lot. This is a day use area and visitors must exit before the gate closing time each evening. 

Trails and routes beginning here include:

• McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail
• Pratt Cabin
• The Grotto and Hunter Line Shack
• The Notch
• Permian Reef Trail
• Overnight on McKittrick Ridge
• Overnight on Wilderness Ridge
• McKittrick Canyon to Pine Springs
• McKittrick Canyon to Dog Canyon