Hunter Peak
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area.
The hike to Hunter Peak is a challenging day hike done as a loop up the Bear Canyon Trail and down the Tejas Trail that provides solitude, stunning views, and opportunities for side trails into the Bowl area. Distance: 8.7 miles (14.0 km) round-trip, loop Elevation Change: 2,700 feet Time Estimate: 6-8 hours Difficulty: Strenous Hunter Peak is at an elevation of 8,368 feet above sea level, rising 2,700 feet above Pine Springs. Hunter Peak was named after ranchers J. C. Hunter and J. C. Hunter, Jr., who owned much of the land now included in the park. The summit of Hunter Peak may have among the best views in the park—half the panorama is of the vast desert to the south, and the remainder is of other mountains and the sheltered pine forest of the Bowl to the north, as well as an unparalleled view across Pine Springs Canyon at Guadalupe Peak. The hike to the summit involves climbing 2,540 feet, along two trails—either the first 3.6 miles of the Tejas Trail up the side of Pine Spring Canyon, or the Bear Canyon Trail along the next ravine to the east of Hunter Peak. These two routes are linked by the Bowl Trail, from which a short spur leads to the Hunter Peak summit, hence the trip can be done as a loop up one trail and down the other, a total hike of 8.7 miles. Which Way Up? While the climb is steep, rangers recommend that hikers ascend Bear Canyon, rather than hike down it. Bear Canyon gains 2,000 feet in just under two miles, while the Tejas Trail takes the twice the distance to climb the same elevation.
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6-8 Hours
For most hikers, plan to take from six to eight hours to complete the hike.
Park entry fee required for all adult visitors.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Day
Trail surfaces are loose rock or hardened rock surfaces. Hiking or trekking poles are highly recommended. Trail widths vary from two to six feet depending on the trail. Parking All trailhead areas have accessible parking available. Service animals Only service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park and on trails.
No — Pets disturb wildlife and are not allowed on trails. Your pets should remain at home as opportunities for pets are very limited in the park.
No — If done as a day hike, no reservations are needed. If done as part of a multi-day overnight itinerary, a Wilderness Use Permit is required.
Loop hike to the Hunter Peak Summit