Just after passing the trail to the Guadalupe Peak Wilderness Campground, the trail begins a brief descent and crosses a cliff on a wooden bridge. Just after the bridge the trail spans a saddle looking down into Guadalupe Canyon. From here begins the one mile final ascent to the summit. 

Views immediately open up to the south, looking over highway 62/180 descending from Guadalupe Pass. Several switchbacks on the south side of the mountain are high enough to provide views of El Capitan. 

After climbing a few switchbacks the trail enters another small pine forest on the north side of the peak. When you emerge from the forest, fantastic views begin to open up in all directions. The climb here is steep and rocky, but the outstanding vistas help to take your mind off of the physical exertion.