Pratt Cabin — Attraction in Carlsbad

A somewhat moderate 2.4 mile hike to the cabin, although Strava showed it at almost 3 miles. I"m sure everything at this cabin was in working order when Wallace Pratt donated this to the National Park service in the 1960's but it is obvious it has been in decline ever since. The interior is pretty well preserved because it is indoors and locked. The exterior and surrounding grounds needs some work. I'm sure this is due to budget restrictions and red tape. but this is typical for the NPS just letting things go without upkeep. Hope to see some work done here but it will probably take volunteers and private donations. I was just expecting to see it in better...

The place is picture perfect..The trails are for stamina driven individuals. The top is the most relaxing place on the planet.O did I mention they have open camping trips if you plan ahead.You can almost pluck the stars out of the night sky. During the day there is a lot to see , from roadrunners to coyotes to deer to lizards to bunny's I mean the wildlife is awsome. Also note that the summer heat was so Hot there were brush fires and I have the privilege of watching a helicopter slowly fade away into the land as I accented the top of EL Captian Moutian at 8,750ft Texas highest...

Hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail, a very manageable hike, up to The Grotto, just under 7 miles total (it's early April). Wandered through diverse views and microclimates criss-crossing a dry Creek bed (with some pools and flowing water here and there). We stopped in at the Pratt Lodge/Cabin where a ranger was stationed. He was a fount of information about the history of the home, the wildlife, vegetation and the park as well. We turned around at The Grotto, deciding not to continue the next 7(?) miles to camp at McKittrick Ridge. Wonderful hike, highly...