The geologist and his wife spent their summers at the cabin until a flood convinced them that living outside the canyon would be prudent. In the late 1950s, Mr. Pratt gave the structure and surrounding land to the government. It was the nucleus for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I start the 4.2-mile climb near the Pine Spring Campground. Wide and well maintained, the trail ascends steadily as it parallels the south side of Pine Canyon.
Views become increasingly lofty.
The campground shrinks below while the corrugated sides of Hunter Peak pop into view across the valley. Ribbons of vegetation fill gullies. A pair of mule deer leap ahead on the trail. They stop, look back, then bound away. When the route begins to zigzag up grassy hillsides, I appreciate my hours spent exercising on Stairmaster machines.