The trailhead to the base of the peak starts at Pine Springs, the headquarters for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Pine Springs is located in west Texas on U.S. 62/180 110 miles east of El Paso and 55 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. There are no food, gas, or lodging services in Pine Springs. Don't show up with an empty tank. This is one of the most isolated parks in the lower 48.

The trailhead is about 1/4 of a mile up from the park headquarters where the road dead ends in a parking lot. Hike 3 and 1/2 miles up the steep and sometimes switchbacking Tejas Trail to the intersection of the Bowl Trail and the Bush Mountain Trail. Make a left turn and hike about 2 and 1/2 miles on a trail that has several up and down sections. The overall slope of the trail is up. The bushwack starts about 1/4 of a mile before the summit of Bush Mountain.

Look for the primitive trail that heads straight down from the Bush Mountain Trail.

Route Description

Here is a photo of this trail from Bartlett Peak. The peak to the left of the trail is Bush Mountain. Follow this rough and steep trail down to the gully below Bartlett. At this point you will arrive at the summit by bushwacking straight up.

Essential Gear

The photos do not reveal two foot high shrubberies, cactus, and lechugilla plants that can stick and scratch. It is highly recommended that you wear long pants. The limestone is very rough, so high top shoes or boots are recommended.