Thistle on Smith Spring Trail

Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers the visitor great nature experiences. A few days ago, we featured a photo of elk sighted in the park. Today, a smaller example of nature-viewing, a thistle seen near Manzanita Spring on the Smith Spring Trail in the park. One of our favorites, this 2.3 mile looped trail takes hikers across the desert floor, into small canyons and through a wooded area fed by a natural spring. Part of the trail is even paved--making it accessible to every visitor. For more information on the park, visit: www.nps.gov/gumo

For information on hiking in the region, visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/hike