Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. This is one of the most strenuous hikes in Texas, and is prone to lightning storms. The views from the top over Texas and New Mexico are amazing. You also get an impressive view over El Capitan and Pine Springs Canyon.
At the top is an aluminum pyramid marking the highpoint of Texas, commemorating the Butterfield State Route, and also marking the loss of an airplane due to a crash in the Guadalupe Mountains.
You have two choices at the very beginning to get up to the top - the longer horse trail or the hiker switchbacks - take the hiker switchbacks, they are in pretty good shape.
Many people backpack up to the campground on the mountain, but don't feel like you have to - the campground is a little over a mile short of the summit, but most of the climb is done by that point, and you will struggle to carry all the water you need on your back for the hike up, hike down, and spending the night up top. Much more fun to backpack into Pine Top or another camp site in the Bowl where you have a variety of trails to choose from.
