The Bowl
This strenuous hike combines several trails to reach an iconic viewpoint in the park.
Plan Around The Bowl
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
The Bowl Details
This strenuous hike combines several trails to reach an iconic viewpoint in the park. Start from the Pine Springs Campground trailhead, on the Frijoles Trail, then link up with the Bear Canyon trail. At the top of the Bear Canyon Trail, you'll intersect with The Bowl Trail. The bowl trail takes you along a pine and conifer covered ridgeline with epic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You can opt to take an out-and-back spur trail to the summit of Hunter Peak, and then descend via the Tejas Trail back to Pine Springs Campground trailhead. The overall hike is considered strenuous, with 2,500 feet of climbing over the course of nine miles. Budget eight or nine hours for the trip. Park at the park headquarters lot and start from the trailhead next to the campground.
Difficulty
High
Distance
9 miles
Estimated time
8-9 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around The Bowl
Compare nearby parks around The Bowl when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around The Bowl
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond The Bowl while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Tejas Trail
This 12-mile trail travels north-south across the park from Dog Canyon to Pine Springs.
0.1 mi away
Devil's Hall Trail
A strenuous 4.2-mile out-and-back hike that begins at the Pine Springs Trailhead
0.1 mi away
Guadalupe Peak
This strenuous 8.5-mile trail climbs 3,000 feet to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, the tallest point in Texas.
0.1 mi away
El Capitan/Salt Basin Overlook
This moderate hiking trail takes you from the Pine Springs Campground Trailhead to historic Williams Ranch.
0.1 mi away
Pine Springs Campground
Pine Springs campground is located near the park headquarters visitor center near the southern entrance to the park.
