Shumard is one of 5 peaks (see also El Capitan, Bush Mountain, and Bartlett Peak) that line an escarpment that rises over 5,000 ft above the salt flats to the west. It ranks as the third highest Texas summit, only 134 feet lower than its neighbor Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas. Shumard Peak has outstanding 360 degree views in all directions, just like Guadalupe Peak; however, its summit is rarely ever climbed, in stark contrast to the frequently climbed Guadalupe Peak. A difficult bushwack up rugged terrain affords this peak the pristine beauty of isolation many seasoned climbers seek.

Shumard Peak and some big walls from the summit of Guadalupe Peak.

Photo by Brian Jenkins

Shumard Peak is located in the romote and beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park (for more information on the park, see the Guadalupe Peak page), located in West Texas just south of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Guadalupe Mountain Range is the largest exposed ancient fossil reef in the world. Overshadowed by the other more popular national park in Texas (Big Bend), the Guadalupe Mountains have something that Big Bend doesn't have; bragging rights to the best view in Texas (Hunter Peak), and the prettiest spot in Texas (McKittrick Canyon). The view from Shumard Peak is just as spectacular.

Mountain Conditions

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