Shumard is one of 5 peaks (see also El Capitan, Bush Mountain, and Bartlett Peak) that line an escarpment that rises over 5,000 ft above the salt flats to the west. It ranks as the third highest Texas summit, only 134 feet lower than its neighbor Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas. Shumard Peak has outstanding 360 degree views in all directions, just like Guadalupe Peak; however, its summit is rarely ever climbed, in stark contrast to the frequently climbed Guadalupe Peak. A difficult bushwack up rugged terrain affords this peak the pristine beauty of isolation many seasoned climbers seek.

Shumard Peak and some big walls from the summit of Guadalupe Peak.

Photo by Brian Jenkins

Shumard Peak is located in the romote and beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park (for more information on the park, see the Guadalupe Peak page), located in West Texas just south of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Guadalupe Mountain Range is the largest exposed ancient fossil reef in the world. Overshadowed by the other more popular national park in Texas (Big Bend), the Guadalupe Mountains have something that Big Bend doesn't have; bragging rights to the best view in Texas (Hunter Peak), and the prettiest spot in Texas (McKittrick Canyon). The view from Shumard Peak is just as spectacular.

CAUTION:

The Guadalupe Mountain area is one of the windiest places in the nation. Winds in excess of 100 mph have been recorded and high winds are common year round. Bring your Wal-Mart tent at your own risk.

Mountain Lions and rattlesnakes are located in this area. Read all the precautions and warnings at the ranger station. Despite their presence, I haven't seen any snakes nor lions in 7 trips to the Guadalupes other than some lion tracks in the snow. Dawn is the most likely time for a lion encounter. See this for information on mountain lion safety.

Getting There

The trailhead to the base of the peak starts at Pine Springs, the headquarters for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Pine Springs is located in west Texas on U.S. 62/180 110 miles east of El Paso and 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. There are no food, gas, or lodging services in Pine Springs. Don't show up with an empty tank. This is one of the most isolated parks in the lower 48.

The trailhead is about 1/4 of a mile up from the park headquarters where the road dead ends in a parking lot. At this point you will have two route choices. You can either take the Guadalupe Peak trail 4.2 miles to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, then traverse over to Shumard along the escarpment, or you can take the Bush Trail via the Tejas Trail about 3/4 of the way over to Bush Mountain, then bushwack over to Shumard from there.

Don't be tempted to access Shumard via the Devil's Hall trail. It is possible, but you will regret it. The canyon beyond Devil's Hall is extremely rugged.

Red Tape, Camping, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Information on Red Tape and Camping seem to change quite frequently so I will refer you to the Guadalupe Peak page so I will only have to maintain one section for all of the peaks in the Guadalupes.

Guadalupe Peak Page

When To Climb

The most ideal time to hike or climb in the Guadalupes is in the winter months. Be prepared for any sort of weather. It can be cold with extremely high winds, or it may be very pleasant. Snow is possible in the winter but infrequent. Get a pre-dawn start in the warmer months and beware of rattlesnakes and Mountain Lions. See this for information on mountain lion safety.

Caution: There are no water sources in the back country. Take plenty of water in the summer months. A gallon of water per person per day is recommended. Temperatures in the summer can be very hot and oppressive. Hiking up one of the steep, rocky trails in the heat of the day is not recommended.

Mountain Conditions

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