Hunter Peak Loop

The recommended direction is Bear Canyon for the climb and Tejas for the descent. From Pine Springs Trailhead, reach Bear Canyon through the Frijole Trail connection; the route uses the Foothills path between Pine Springs and Frijole. The often-quoted 1.8 miles for Bear Canyon is just the steep section from its lower junction to the ridge, not the whole hike. At the top, take the Bowl Trail to the short Hunter Peak spur. Retrace the spur, then continue west on the Bowl Trail to Tejas and follow Tejas back to Pine Springs. This route stays on the summit loop; the longer walk through more of the Bowl is a different itinerary.

Bear Canyon climbs about 2,000 feet in 1.8 miles, one of the steepest climbs in the park. It rises up the eastern escarpment, with switchbacks near the rim. Parts of the canyon have tree cover, but much of the climb is exposed to midday sun. The park recommends ascending this trail rather than descending it; Tejas takes about twice the distance to gain similar height. Expect loose and hardened rock, with the trail narrowing to about two feet in places. Hiking poles are a good idea on the steep, rough sections.

The route opens onto the rim above Pine Springs Canyon before reaching the summit at 8,368 feet. Turn south for the desert plain, then north for the mountains and the Bowl’s dense pines; look across Pine Springs Canyon for Guadalupe Peak. The short spur puts you on a small, exposed summit, so give yourself time to take in both halves of the view. It’s also the route’s best photo stop: shoot south over the desert, then turn north toward the forest and surrounding peaks.

The Bowl is a sheltered remnant forest high in the mountains, a striking change from the sun-baked lower slopes. Deer and elk may be seen there. Keep an eye out for remnants of a ranch-era water system along the trail.

Hunter Peak is named for J. C. Hunter and his son, ranchers who owned much of the land now inside the park. The Guadalupe Mountains expose a fossil reef formed in a shallow sea during the Permian, roughly 270 to 260 million years ago. You cross that ancient limestone landscape on the climb, then see its canyons and ridges spread out from the summit.

Carry all the water and food you’ll need; no water source is listed along this route, and the park has little to no cell reception in much of the backcountry. Take a detailed topographic map. Day hikers don’t need a reservation, but an overnight trip requires a Wilderness Use Permit. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails, except trained service animals. Bear Canyon’s fall colors are most likely from mid-October to mid-November. Pine Springs Campground near the trailhead has toilets and drinking water, but it’s a separate facility, not an on-trail stop.