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 Reporter |
Summary: From the parking area, climb the road to the water tank. Follow the trail east from the tank and up hill. The trail will turn right around the arroyo, then right again and downhill. When the trail turns left, look for a large rock on the right (west) of the trail. This is waypoint W-1 (N 31.80579 W 106.49340). Turn left (east) and follow the arroyo up. When the arroyo splits, follow the left side. You will return down the right side. See photo one. The red trail is up. The blue trail is down. The yellow circles are rock out-crops used as markers. The major wreckage is at the south (right) rock outcrop at N 31.80662 W 106.48733. Trailhead: From the junction of US-54 and I-10 west, proceed west on I-10 to the downtown exit. Exit I-10, and turn right (north) on Stanton Street. Follow Stanton Street north to the end. Park in the dirt lot. The hike begins on the trail up to the tan water tank. (Lat:31.80794 Lon:-106.49986) Trail Guides for FMSP - B-36 Crash Hike: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Franklin Mountain State Park. (915) 566-6441 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Michael P. Olbrisch, who has posted 55 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Rob on 8/30/2008 Great hike, recommend looking up the history of the incident to add value as you hike up the hillside. Easy start until you turn up the arroyo then the pace definetly slows. Looking up stay t o the left arroyo and aim for the split rock in the center. The split rock is center of the wreakage. You will start to see numerous small pieces of wreakage before encountering the larger pieces. I started to realize this is more than a hike when I reached the main wreakage and come to understand nine airmen died where I was standing. The return route is down the red trail fairly easy some loose rock, it gets slippery when wet be careful. Overall a great experience and I would hike this again to show others that are interested. 
Reviewed by Helaine Moesner on 10/7/2007 My second climb to the site in three months. As always, very rugged, but my job as a pilot and a safety officer makes it a site to keep seeing. Saw many small parts lower down the draw but I kept climbing upwards. It was almost at the ridgeline that was the point of impact. There was one blade of the prop, pieces of the engine, exhaust fairings, huge landing gear, cloth, sheet metal, etc. It was a sobering experience. Received many stab wounds and scratches from the cactus. Suprised to see new trash at the site. Down was easy when walking on the rock face with a good pair of hiking boots. Recommend to anyone in the safety field.
Reviewed by Richard on 9/8/2007 This is one of those hikes you only do to take someone else there for their first time. On my fourth hike I guided my daughter and son-in-law. On this hike I also wanted to see the memorial that had been placed on top of the large cracked rock at the middle of the crash site. My son-in-law climbed atop the rock and read us the inscription. It was very moving realizing that nine airmen had died where we were standing. The memorial cross and solar lights took a lot of hard work to implace I think. My daughter and son-in-law were amazed to see the landing gear, propeller and jet engine wreckage but were more amazed to see the little bits and pieces still present after 54 years of exposure to sun, wind and rain.
Reviewed by Tony and Patty on 4/29/2007 Difficult but great. We really enjoyed the hike and it was just amazing how small parts of the plane still remain there. Fascinating and rewardind experience. We strongly recommend it. We will be going back. 
Reviewed by Isaac on 4/15/2007 I had extreme difficulty finding the site. The verbal dirrections were confusing. my gps cordinates didnt match up. I made it to the top of the franklin mtns while a great view also a very difficult hike. wont do it again. no trail and unfriendly cactus.
Reviewed by David on 1/14/2006 I went up to the big rock, but I'll hold off on heading up the arroyo to the crash site until my ankle heals (I severely sprained it about two months ago. The hike to the site is very rugged!
Reviewed by Sterling on 12/17/2005 I hiked to this crash site about 5 years ago after researching the location(El Paso Times archives)at the El Paso library. I was living in El Paso as a 12 year old kid when the crash occurred on a snowy, foggy day. The burnt area was visable for some years,however, now it takes a trained eye to spot it. It's a tough climb but well worth Too bad someone has not placed a small memorial at the site.
Reviewed by Col Alford USA on 11/22/2005 Plants are brutal, but fascinating artifacts. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Texas Hiking, Texas Trails, Texas Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||