Hunter Peak and The Bowl via Bear Canyon Loop in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Hike Hunter Peak and The Bowl via Bear Canyon Loop Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Class 1 10.1 miles 3000 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Dec 6, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Hunter Peak and The Bowl via Bear Canyon Loop GPX Track

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This loop to Hunter Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park follows the Bear Canyon Trail to the summit, which is a pleasant hike in a cozy forested canyon/gully setting. The trail switchbacks a bit toward the top of Bear Canyon and emerges on the rim. From the rim you could head west to Hunter Peak. However, I wanted to check out The Bowl, a meadow just north of the summit that is likely more pretty when it's not winter. I left a dotted line on my map if you want to skip The Bowl and reduce the hike length slightly. Hunter Peak is a nice viewpoint looking southwest toward the other peaks in the range. The trails for the whole route are well marked and maintained, and the views are great up on the rim and summit.

From Hunter Peak, I continued west and descended along the Tejas Trail. This trail switchbacks many times as it winds around on the slopes and back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Hunter Peak
8368 ft
528 rise

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Starting along the Frijole Trail.
Starting along the Frijole Trail.
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Bear Canyon ahead.
Bear Canyon ahead.
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The Bear Canyon Trail switchbacks up this gully.
The Bear Canyon Trail switchbacks up this gully.
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Approaching the top of the Bear Canyon Trail, looking back down Bear Canyon.
Approaching the top of the Bear Canyon Trail, looking back down Bear Canyon.
Entering The Bowl, along the Bowl Trail.
Entering The Bowl, along the Bowl Trail.
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The Bowl.
The Bowl.
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Heading up to Hunter Peak, looking back into The Bowl.
Heading up to Hunter Peak, looking back into The Bowl.
A view of Guadalupe Peak along the rim to Hunter Peak.
A view of Guadalupe Peak along the rim to Hunter Peak.
Hunter Peak ahead.
Hunter Peak ahead.
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Looking back, almost at the summit.
Looking back, almost at the summit.
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Hunter Peak summit.
Hunter Peak summit.
Guadalupe Peak on the left.
Guadalupe Peak on the left.
Back along the Bowl Trail, headed toward the Tejas Trail along the rim.
Back along the Bowl Trail, headed toward the Tejas Trail along the rim.
Hunter Peak in the distance while heading toward the Tejas Trail.
Hunter Peak in the distance while heading toward the Tejas Trail.
Start of the Tejas Trail, the route down to complete the loop.
Start of the Tejas Trail, the route down to complete the loop.
Tejas Trail visible switchbacking down the slope. Guadalupe Peak top right.
Tejas Trail visible switchbacking down the slope. Guadalupe Peak top right.
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Devils Hall below.
Devils Hall below.
Close-up of the Devils Hall.
Close-up of the Devils Hall.
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Random cool rock formation along the way.
Random cool rock formation along the way.
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Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
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I did just the Tejas Trail a few years ago, and this was my favorite photo from that day. Thought I would keep it in here.
I did just the Tejas Trail a few years ago, and this was my favorite photo from that day. Thought I would keep it in here.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!