By: Erica Salinas
Our Youth embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park this winter break. The trip was more than just a getaway, it was an opportunity to connect with nature, bond with each other, and challenge ourselves in ways we never imagined.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Before the sun even peeked over the horizon, the Youth Odyssey office was buzzing with excitement. Youth begin to arrive with sleepy eyes but eager hearts, ready to embark on our adventure to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The journey from Corpus Christi, Texas, would be a long one, but the excitement in the air was undeniable. The youth were especially surprised when they saw Hannah, a past facilitator here to volunteer on the trip along with Deb, another Volunteer.
As the hours passed and miles stretched behind us, we marveled at the changing landscapes outside our windows. Flat coastal plains gradually gave way to rolling hills, then to rugged desert terrain. The m-transformation was a visual reminder of the adventure ahead. Finally, after countless hours on the road, there it was – El Capitan, standing boldly against the vast West Texas sky. It was a breathtaking sight, a promise of the beauty and challenges waiting for us.
Upon arrival at our campsite, we wasted no time rallying together to unload gear and set up our tents. The teamwork was seamless, with laughter and chatter echoing as we built our temporary home in the heart of the majestic wilderness. That evening, under a canopy of stars, we gathered for our check-in. The journey here had been long but we were finally ready to immerse ourselves in the adventures and discoveries the next few days will bring.
Day 2: Adventure on the Devil’s Hall Trail
After a quick breakfast, we packed up our lunches, snacks, and plenty of water, ready to tackle the Devil’s Hall Trail. This 4.2-mile round-trip hike promised to test our endurance and reward us with breathtaking scenery. The trail began gently, winding through a rocky wash bordered by towering canyon walls. But as we ventured further, the terrain became more challenging, requiring careful footing as we scrambled over boulders, and navigated narrow passageways.
Along the way, a few of our youth who had rock climbing experience – Will, Cruz, and Vinny – spotted handholds in the rock and couldn’t resist trying their skills. Under the watchful eye of Program Director Tony Minter, PhD, they took turns testing their climbing knowledge, laughing while just hanging on these handholds.
The highlight of the hike was reaching the iconic “Hiker’s Staircase,” a natural stone staircase leading to the trail’s namesake, Devil’s Hall. We decided it was the perfect spot for lunch, spreading out on the rocks to enjoy our meals. Kiki found the coziest nook to settle into, while others sprawled out to take in the incredible views. After a restful break, we resumed our hike. Some youth tackled the staircase directly, with Arizona, Max, Will, and Cruz, climbing it up and down with no struggle. Others chose an easier path along the side of the staircase. Program Facilitator Erica hesitated at first, but with encouragement from Youth Leader Cruz, she conquered her nerves and made it across.
Finally, we reached Devil’s Hall – a stunning slot canyon framed by steep, weathered rock walls. It felt like stepping into another world, one shaped by time and elements. Together, we paused to soak in the moment, reflecting on the beauty around us. The hike had pushed us physically, but the sense of accomplishment and the wonder of the landscape made every step worth it. The day was a vivid reminder of the power of perseverance, teamwork, and stepping out of our comfort zones.
After returning to base camp, tired but fulfilled from the day’s challenging hike, we were all eager to relax and recharge. The weariness in our legs was matched only by the satisfaction of our accomplishments on the trail. As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in warm hues, we gathered to enjoy a well-earned dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and reflections on the day’s adventures.
Day 3: Exploring McKittrick Canyon Trails
On the 3rd day of our adventure, we set out to explore McKittrick Canyon, a trail renowned for its lush beauty and historic charm. Before hitting the trail, we were greeted by Ranger Leah. whose enthusiasm for the park was contagious. She shared fascinating insights about the history of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and emphasized the importance of safety on the trail. One of the highlights of the pre-hike talk was when she passed the pelt of a ringtail, a nocturnal mammal that calls the park home. Everyone was captivated, marveling at the soft fur.
The hike began with eager footsteps and excitement in the air. With a few river crossings, we finally reached our first major stop at Pratt Cabin, a historic stone structure nestled amidst the canyon’s foliage. We took a well-deserved break here, relaxing on the rocking chairs on the back porch. The serene view of the surrounding landscape was a treat for everyone. Arizona, always the jokester, brought some laughter to the moment by playfully treating Kenadee as Santa Clause since she happened to be dressed all in red that day. The mood was light, and the group’s camaraderie shone brightly.
After recharging at Pratt Cabin, we continued our journey toward the Grotto. This stretch of the trail was a bit more challenging, but the group’s determination never wavered. One more mile later, we arrived at the Grotto, a picturesque spot featuring unique rock formations and a tranquil atmosphere. With picnic tables scattered around, it was the perfect place to pause for lunch. As we unpacked our meals. The group shared stories and laughter, further strengthening our bonds.
Once we were done with lunch, it was time to head back. Max stepped up and became the pacesetter for the hike back. With everyone tired, he made sure to stop for breaks when needed and kept a pace that everyone could manage. His leadership and thoughtfulness helped the group stay together and make the return journey enjoyable despite the fatigue.
The hike to Hunter Line Ridge via McKittrick Canyon trail was a memorable experience for everyone involved. It combined the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the joy of learning.
Day 4: Exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park
This would be our last day on the trip. We set out to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, just a 30-minute drive away. The group was in awe of being in a new state and finally at the famous caverns. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a ranger for a safety talk and received Junior Bat Biologist booklets to work on.
We split into two groups- one heading to the King’s Palace guided tour and the other starting the self-guided tour at the caverns entrance. Program facilitator Robert led his group through the self-guided tour, drawing on his previous experience at the park. We descended the cavern for about a mile, marveling at its grandeur, until we reached the end of the section. Taking the elevators back up, we paused for a break and swapped tours with the other group.
After both groups experienced the guided and self-guided tours, we reunited for lunch. With renewed energy, we embarked on one final exploration of the Big Room, an enormous underground chamber that left everyone speechless with its sheer size and stunning formations.
Once our cavern adventure was complete, we returned to camp for dinner and began preparing for an early departure home the next morning. As temperatures dropped, it became the coldest night of the trip. Avery, Mox, and Kenadee volunteered to help clean up dishes, showcasing teamwork and spirit. To keep warm through the chilly night, everyone tucked into their tents and sleeping bags with a warm Nalgene bottle – a comforting end to a remarkable day.
Day 5: Returning Home
On the final morning, we woke early to the chill of the coldest night yet. Despite the frigid air, the group worked together seamlessly to pack up camp. There was a sense of bittersweet excitement as we loaded our gear, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past few days. The drive back to Corpus Christi was filled with laughter, shared memories, and a few naps as everyone recovered from the adventure. It was clear that this journey had left a lasting impact on each of us.
As we pulled into the Youth Odyssey office, there was a sense of accomplishment and pride in all we had achieved. The trip pushed us out of our comfort zones, strengthened our friendships, and deepened our appetite for the natural world. We returned home not just as individuals but as a closer, stronger community, already dreaming of our next adventure.
