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An scenic day trail that begins at the Frijole Ranch and takes you to a lush, shady spring-fed pool.


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Map Key

2.4

Miles

3.8

KM

89%

Runnable

5,921' 1,805 m

High

5,533' 1,687 m

Low

394' 120 m

Up

392' 119 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Most of this trail is easy, but watch your footing for loose rocks.

Description

The beginning of this loop trail starts at the Frijole Ranch, which is a good place to get a history lesson about the area as it doubles as a museum and historical ranch.

This trail takes you through the typical Texas Chihuahuan Desert environment, and visitors will be able to see cactus, yucca, agave, some junipers and small oaks and scrub along the way. Your outing will generally be easy, with mostly flat to small hills being the only obstacles that you'll need to navigate around. Take a moment to practice your navigation skills at the top of any of the small hills along the way!

There's a seasonal wash below the mountains that provides an interesting visual break, as there are more trees here than in the surrounding desert. At the high point of the trail, you come upon Smith Spring, which the trail is named after. It's a lush, flowing spring that creates a large pool in the desert environment. The riparian system creates lots of shade and opportunities to witness wildlife such as birds and other mammals.

Flora & Fauna

Lizards of all kinds can be seen in the lower areas, and it's possible to have bird sightings by the spring, or deer, elk and javelina. Oaks, junipers and plenty of the typical desert flora, yucca, agave and cacti.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dawson Plowman

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#14836

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
71%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#335

in Texas

#14,836

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,064 Since Sep 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

13%
13%
63%
0%
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0%

Photos

Guadalupe Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
Apr 1, 2020 near Pine Sp…, TX
Frijole Ridge mountains
Sep 30, 2015 near Pine Sp…, TX
Beginning of Smith Springs Trail.
Apr 7, 2016 near Pine Sp…, TX
Beginning of Smith Spring Trail.
Apr 7, 2016 near Pine Sp…, TX
View of the limestone cliffs and mountains from the Smith Spring Trail.
Mar 9, 2016 near Pine Sp…, TX
View into the distance returning from Smith Spring.
Mar 9, 2016 near Pine Sp…, TX

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