Bush Mountain–Blue Ridge Loop

Tejas leaves the trailhead and steadily climbs out of Pine Springs Canyon for about 3.7 miles to Pine Top. This is not a gentle warm-up: you gain the high country early, and the way back down is the same trail. Above the canyon, the scenery shifts toward a cooler-looking mix of pine, oak, juniper and Douglas fir. At Pine Top, turn onto Bush Mountain Trail for the southern loop; continuing north on Tejas heads toward other high-country routes.

Bush Mountain Trail crosses the summit at 8,631 feet, the second-highest peak in Texas. The Bush Mountain Wilderness Campground sits just below the summit, a useful landmark on this remote stretch, not a water stop. The trail works across high ridges and woodland before meeting Blue Ridge in a grassy meadow by the western escarpment. Take the junction east onto Blue Ridge here; following Bush Mountain Trail north beyond it is a different route toward Dog Canyon.

Blue Ridge connects Bush Mountain Trail to Tejas in about two miles. It climbs steeply toward its crest when walked westbound, then levels near Blue Ridge Campground; on this loop you're heading east, so the crest comes first and the steeper descent follows. The west-side meadow is the route's big open payoff, with the cliffs and broad country below the escarpment. Give yourself a pause there, and include some of the ridge in a photo so the view has scale.

At the eastern Blue Ridge junction, turn south on Tejas. It's about 2.6 miles back to Pine Top through high-country woods and drainages, then 3.7 miles down the same approach to Pine Springs. Keep an eye on the junctions and carry a detailed topographic map; this is designated wilderness, and the National Park Service says detailed maps are a must for planning here. Treat it as a full-day commitment and leave enough daylight for the climb, junctions and breaks.

There is no water source along this itinerary, so carry everything you'll need for the full day. The trailhead has flush restrooms and picnic tables, but there is no food service on the loop. Pets aren't allowed on this route. Day-hiking groups larger than 20 need a special use permit, and overnight wilderness camping requires a backcountry permit. Pine Springs Trailhead is at the end of Pine Springs Access Road beside the campground; its area often fills first on busy weekends, and the visitor-center lot connects back through the campground if you need the alternate parking area.

This ridge is a striking change from the desert below. The Guadalupe Mountains formed as an ancient reef, and the higher, cooler slopes hold a mix of conifers and oaks that feels far from the dry country around Pine Springs. The loop gives you that transition twice: first as Tejas climbs into the woods, then from above as the Blue Ridge escarpment opens onto the park's western side.