BREWSTER COUNTY, TX (KWES) - Guadalupe Mountains National Park announced that McKittrick Canyon will open back up to the public on Thursday.
The Coyote Fire in the Guadalupe Mountains has been burning for weeks, resulting in the closure of many parts of the park, but it finally looks like things are starting to settle down.
Fire managers increased the containment level of the fire up to 85% and they say it's mostly because of the weather.
Higher daytime humidity levels combined with low winds made for a good weekend for fire crews, who were able to evaluate 31 miles of trails and back country campsites.
This type of fire is not like a normal natural disaster as fire plays a natural and important role in the Park's fire adapted ecosystem.
By burning through a build-up of brush the fire actually encourages new growth on the desert landscape and forest floor and new grass has already begun to grow in the park.
According to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park Facebook page McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, Guadalupe Peak Trail, El Capitan Trail, Frijole Ranch, Frijole Trail, Foothill Trail, Smith Spring Trail, Salt Basin Dunes and the Pine Springs Campgrounds are now open to the public.
However Dog Canyon Trail, Devil's Hall Trail, and McKittrick Canyon Trail beyond Pratt Cabin remain closed. All backcountry areas of the Park will also remain closed until further notice. The Pine Springs Visitor Center remains open with regular hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
