Last updated: December 19, 2022
Thing to Do
Hunter Peak
NPS/Buehler
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.
Details
Duration
6-8 Hours
For most hikers, plan to take from six to eight hours to complete the hike.
Activity
Hiking
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.
Search and Rescue Policy
Search and rescue actions are conducted on a discretionary basis. The level and necessity of the response is determined through evaluation of the situation by field personnel. Rescuer safety is always our first priority. This park expects visitors to exhibit a high degree of self-reliance and responsibility for their own safety in line with the difficulty of their chosen activities.
If you choose to carry a hand-held electronic signaling device, be familiar with its operation, limitations, and frequency of failure to transmit. Do not rely on it to summon rescue personnel or notify family that you are “OK”. The device only acts as a communication link. All decisions regarding rescue will fall to park field staff. If you do activate the emergency help function on the device, understand the consequences of what you may be asking of rescue personnel.
If you find yourself in a true emergency and have exhausted all means of self-rescue/help, contact a ranger in the field or call 911, or Texas DPS Pecos Dispatch (432) 447-3533. There is little to no cell reception in most areas of the park. When you make contact, provide clear and concise information regarding the nature and exact location of the problem or injury, as well as the number of people involved. Be aware that help may be several hours to several days out. You must be prepared to help yourself.
If you have any questions, please contact the Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251.
Pets Allowed
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.
Location
Loop hike to the Hunter Peak Summit
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. 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.
Rangers advise going up the steeper Bear Canyon Trail, and down the more consistent Tejas Trail.
Reservations
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.
Season
Year Round
While the steep Bear Canyon Trail (2,000 foot elevation gain in 1.8 miles) can be intimidating, during the fall colors season (mid-October to mid-November), the canyon is likley to be vibrant with changing color.
Time of Day
Day
Sunrise and sunset views from the summit can be breathtaking. If attempting a sunrise or sunset viewing at the summit make sure to carry headlamps or flashlights.
Accessibility Information
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.