Round Trip Distance: 8.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2800 ft.

This is probably one of the best single hikes in Texas and is a loop, so very little of the trail will have to be repeated on your way back down. For those with weak knees, it may be better to use the Tejas Trail both ways because the Bear Canyon Trail is very steep and slippery in places. You will also find this mountain much less crowded than its neighbor Guadalupe Peak. The view from the summit is one of the best views in Texas, if not the best. Be prepared for high winds as with any place in the Guadalupes.

Approach

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.

Route Description

Hike 3 and 1/2 miles up the steep and sometimes switchbacking Tejas Trail to the intersection of the Bowl Trail and the Bush Mountain Trail. Make a right turn on the Bowl Trail and hike approximately 3/4 of a mile to a sign directing you towards Hunter Peak. Hike 1/4 of a mile to the summit. A small bit of scrambling will get you to the relatively flat summit rock.

To return, hike back down 1/4 of a mile to the bowl trail and take a right. Hike approximately 1/2 mile to the intersection of the Bear Canyon Trail. Hike down the VERY steep and rocky Bear Canyon Trail and make a right turn on the Frijole Trail. Follow the Frijole Trail back to the trailhead. Total round trip distance is 8.2 miles with about 2800 ft. of elevation gain.

Essential Gear

The trail is rocky in places so you will need a good set of trail runners or boots. It can be windy on the summit so a warm jacket will be needed in the winter. The VERY steep Bear Canyon Trail can be slippery because of some loose gravel, especially going down hill. Older ones may choose to retrace their steps back down the Tejas trail for a less steep descent.