Around The Bend - Forest Transition & Falcon Cliffs

Looking down at where a trail curves around a steep ridgeline

The forest opens onto a cooler, north-facing slope where two-needle pinyon, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and southwestern white pines thrive in shade. This dramatic vegetation shift occurs at roughly 1.5 miles into the hike, where slope aspect reverses the sun exposure—cooler microclimates favor higher-elevation species. Peregrine falcons nest in the cliffs above Pine Spring Canyon each spring, making this a prime raptor-watching point. The trail moderates from here upward.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 31.897357617258066,-104.83907461166382
Accessibility: Hiking trail only; steep initial section (400–600 ft gain in 0.3–0.5 mi); no wheelchair/ADA access. Switchbacks minimal; direct ascent.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Guadalupe Peak, El Capitan, Permian Reef Trail, McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, Frijole Ranch Museum.
Nearby Facilities: Pine Springs Campground (group and individual sites), visitor center ~1 mile north, ranger station.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (March–May) for peregrine falcon nesting; fall (September–October) for cooler temps and pinyon/pine foliage shifts.
Tips Advice: Bring 2+ liters of water—no sources on trail.
North-facing slope provides shade early/late in the day; summer midday hikes are still doable but hotter at low elevations before the turn.
The steep initial 0.3–0.5 miles is the hardest pitch—trail flattens markedly after Around The Bend.
Spring visits: scan cliff faces above the canyon with binoculars for peregrines around sunrise (most active 5–8am).
Photo ops: shoot from the ridge overlook facing into Pine Spring Canyon at golden hour for canyon-wall backlighting.
The forest transition is the main event—stand at the boundary and look back downslope vs. forward upslope to see the vegetation zone shift.
Insider Tips: The vegetation transition is abrupt—pause at the ~1.5-mile mark and compare the forest composition.
Peregrine Falcons are easiest to spot from a vantage point facing the cliffs; binoculars are essential (10x magnification).
North-facing slope means shade in AM and afternoon; sun exposure increases lower on the trail—plan accordingly.
The trail becomes notably less steep from this point onward—good turnaround option for hikers with limited time.
Early morning (5–6am) start catches the best light, lowest crowds, and highest peregrine activity.

More details

Park Area: Pine Springs area
Family Friendly Notes: Ages 8+ with hiking experience recommended. Steep pitch is doable for fit kids but requires parent supervision and encouragement. No water sources = must plan hydration. Cooler north-facing slope helps summer hikes. Peregrine-spotting is engaging for wildlife-interested families.
Recent Updates: No closures as of 2026; Pine Springs Trailhead road remains open year-round pending winter weather advisories.
Attraction Type: Microclimate & Forest Transition Zone
Elevation Feet: 6200
Distance From Entrance: 1.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead (5 miles south of park entrance on US-62/180)
Accessibility Level: Moderate scramble with steep initial section; fitness required.
How To Get There: Pine Springs Campground is 5 miles south of the main park entrance on US-62/180. Park at the signed Pine Springs Trailhead lot. Hike north on the main Pine Springs Trail—Around The Bend is marked at 1.5 miles.
Parking Availability: Pine Springs lot holds ~40 vehicles; fills by 8am most summer weekends; few overflow spots nearby.
Road Type: Paved to trailhead (US-62/180 to park road).
Seasonal Access: Year-round; road typically remains open all year, though winter snow is possible at higher elevations.
Entry Fees: $10 per person (16+) for entrance; America the Beautiful annual pass $80.
Main Features: North-facing slope forest transition (pinyon/Douglas fir/ponderosa pine), cooler microclimate, Peregrine Falcon nesting cliffs above Pine Spring Canyon.
What Youll See: Two-needle pinyon, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and southwestern white pines on a north-facing slope; views into Pine Spring Canyon; cliff faces (nesting habitat); mule deer tracks; cool air compared to lower park elevations.
Unique Characteristics: Rare ecological transition zone where slope aspect (north vs. south) drives forest-type boundaries; Peregrine Falcon nesting cliff habitat directly overhead; highest-elevation section of Pine Springs Trail marked by cooler microclimate.
Safety Considerations: Initial steep pitch (first 0.3–0.5mi) can be slippery when wet or icy; use caution and test footing. Cliff edges above Pine Spring Canyon—stay on trail, do not approach canyon rim. Afternoon thunderstorms possible June–September; exposed ridge = lightning risk; descend promptly if storms approach. Loose rock on steep sections; proper footwear essential.
Best Viewpoints: Ridge overlook facing Pine Spring Canyon; north-facing slope forest boundary (looking back downslope vs. forward upslope).
Photo Opportunities: Golden hour shots of canyon-wall backlighting; forest layering (pinyon in foreground, pines in middle ground, cliffs in background); close-ups of bark texture (pinyon vs. Douglas fir); peregrine-spotting moments (spring).
Photography Spots: Ridge crest facing canyon; forest floor with textured bark; peregrine nesting cliff faces (from safe distance with binoculars/telephoto).
Stargazing Quality: Good—minimal light pollution; park elevation and clear desert sky favor dark-sky viewing.
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Sunrise exceptional for light on canyon walls and peregrine activity. Sunset moderate (facing west over lower elevations; not direct).
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault toilet at Pine Springs Trailhead parking area.
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Weak to no service; rely on offline maps.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Pine Springs Trail (continues to Guadalupe Peak and beyond).
Connecting Trails: Continues north on Pine Springs Trail to Guadalupe Peak (7 additional miles); south to Pine Springs Campground.
Nearby Services: Pine Springs Campground (water, restrooms, campsites). Nearest town: Dell City, TX (30 miles); Carlsbad, NM (35 miles).
Common Wildlife: Mule deer, peregrine falcons (spring), Steller's jays, juncos, squirrels.
Best Wildlife Times: Spring (March–May) for peregrine falcon activity; early morning (6–8am) for deer and songbirds.
Wildflower Peak: Late spring/early summer (May–June) for desert wildflowers and mid-elevation blooms along lower trail sections; peak diminished at higher elevation.
Fall Colors Peak: September–October; pinyon and Douglas fir shift subtly; aspens (lower elevations) more dramatic.
Geological Formation Type: Tilted fault-block mountain with Permian reef substrate (Guadalupe uplift); north-facing slope microhabitat.
Scientific Interest: Slope-aspect-driven ecological boundary; Permian reef geology underlying Tertiary block faulting; peregrine habitat restoration (DDT recovery post-1970s).
Road Opening Dates: Year-round; winter storms may temporarily close US-62/180 (check NPS website for advisories).
Snow Lingering: Patches may linger until April at the highest sections (>6,200 ft); typically clear by late March.
Winter Access: Hikeable year-round; winter ascents require traction (microspikes) if snow/ice present; north-facing slopes retain ice longer.
Best Visit Times: Weekday mornings (6–8am) for solitude and wildlife viewing; 1–2pm weekdays for fewer crowds.
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October); summer feasible early morning; winter possible with appropriate gear.
Weather Patterns: Spring: variable (wind, occasional rain). Summer: afternoon thunderstorms June–September; daytime heat at low elevations, cool at high-elevation sections. Fall: stable, cool. Winter: occasional snow/ice above 6,000 ft; morning temps near freezing.
Peak Fill Times: Parking lot capacity exceeded 8–10am most summer weekends; midweek or winter preferred.
Busiest Season: June–August weekends; spring break (March–April); Thanksgiving week.
Fishing Nearby: 0
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 0
Climbing Areas: 0
Review Summary: Visitors appreciate the dramatic forest transition, cooler microclimate, and spring peregrine falcon activity. Many comment that the steep initial pitch is worth it for the relief and views. Complaint: no water sources requires planning. Overall: valued as a 'must-do' for Guadalupe hikers and falcon enthusiasts.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth the effort if I'm a casual hiker?

Yes—the 1.5-mile trek rewards you with a dramatic vegetation transition (pine forest to Douglas fir) and a cooler microclimate on the north-facing slope, plus spring peregrine falcon nesting above the canyon cliffs. The steep initial section is the hardest part; it flattens after that.

How long does the hike take?

Plan 45–90 minutes round-trip depending on fitness and how long you linger. Most visitors spend 20–30 minutes at the overlook itself to take photos and spot birds.

What makes this viewpoint different from other park trails?

Around The Bend sits at the junction of three forest zones—you'll see the forest transition shift beneath your feet as you climb. It's also directly above Pine Spring Canyon where peregrine falcons have nested for generations, so spring visits offer rare raptor-watching opportunities.

When should I visit to see wildlife?

Spring (March–May) is prime for spotting peregrine falcons nesting in the cliffs above the canyon. Year-round, the cooler north-facing slope attracts mule deer and birds earlier in the day than sunnier park areas.

Will I have water or shade for the hike?

Bring at least 2 liters—there's no water source on this trail. The cooler north-facing slope provides shade for much of the initial climb, which helps in summer heat.

Is the steep section too hard to turn back?

No—the steep pitch only lasts about 0.3–0.5 miles, then the trail moderates. You can bail out anytime and still enjoy the early forest transition zone.

What's the elevation gain?

Roughly 500–600 feet over 1.5 miles—moderate for Guadalupe Mountains standards. The north-facing slope and higher elevation (starts ~5,000 ft) keep temps cooler, making even summer hikes more pleasant than lower park trails.