Day hike suggestions for the bowl?

[CJW]

I am going to Pine Springs sometime in Nov.and I have not seen the bowl and want to do it as a day hike does anyone have any route suggestions?Is the store at Nickle creek still open?

[okiehiker]

Easy or hard dayhike in mind??

Easy...  Up from Pine Springs via Tejas Trail... dayhike up Hunter Peak, spur of Bowl Trail through the Bowl itself and back via the Bear Canyon trail

Medium... Up from Pine Springs via Tejas Trail, to Bush Mountain via Bush Mountain Trail, Blue Ridge Trail back to Tejas Trail, Tejas Trail back through the Bowl, to return via Bear Mtn. Trail

HARD!!!!.... but really awesome route....  up to the Bowl via either Bear Mtn. or tejas Trail... then follow the drainage out of the Bowl down into McKittrick Canyon
The route down to Pratt Cabin is cross country except for the last mile and a half to Pratt and then three miles to the McKittrick Canyon parking area.  You need a vehicle shuttle but is AMAZING.  The bottom of the canyon is truly amazing.  The last week of October it is a ribbon of flame as the Maples change color.

Good luck and have a great hike!

[CJW]

Hiking thru to McKittrick sounds great but I dont think I am up to it.
I have been up thru McKitrick to the Hunters cabin where the trail got confusing as to its whereabouts several years ago it was great so I may have to do it again on this trip.
I have done Guad. peak and the short trip up to the springs.
Still need to do Devils Hall I think it is called?
I sure miss the old chat board on the Nat. Park sight it had lots of great info.
Do you know of any more active boards about the Guad's?

[Al]

I am going to Pine Springs sometime in Nov.and I have not seen the bowl and want to do it as a day hike does anyone have any route suggestions?Is the store at Nickle creek still open?

Pine Springs up and then back down the Tejas Trail is the "easiest" way to do it.  AND I would not describe it as an easy day hike. I forget the elevation change but it's at least 2,500 feet. Plenty of day hike particularly if you are carrying enough stuff to be safe.  It's wonderful when you get to the top surrounded by the pines and their smell with an incredible view of the desert.  You could hike around the bowl a bit, as time allows, and then go back down.  You will have earned your Wheaties.

Al

[Al]

Here's a good description of the trails:

http://www.nps.gov/archive/gumo/gumo/trails.htm

Al