The Bowl is the Guadalupe's equivalent of the Basin only more lush, higher in elevation, devoid of a water supply, undeveloped and accessible only by hiking up 2,500' from the Pine Springs area. A unique, challenging, and probably against park regulartions route goes up McKittrick Canyon from Pratt Cabin and stays in the canyon floor when the trail goes up to the McKittrick Ridge campsite. When South McKittrick Canyon branches off to the west continue due south. The route is a little over ten miles long from the McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center.
The Bowl is a lot smaller than the Basin and ringed by gentler though higher (all above 8,000') peaks. The most notable is Hunter Peak, an absolutely marvelous place to watch the sunset.
Sounds quite fantastic! I must go ... can't wait to see your photos
~ edd