|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: From the trailhead proceed to the right past the first cave,then to the left past the second cave . At 0.58 miles as you reach the ridge-line, turn right and follow the trail north. At about 1.45 miles, there is a split in the trail. Follow the slightly lower trail to the left. The trail is hard to find over a few rocky areas as you continue to climb. At 1.75 miles, you will climb a wall to The Window. At The Window, climb the left wall up to find the trail on the top. Continue along the trail past the FAA towers. The descent is steep and loose, be careful. Follow the trail down to the parking area at Smuggler's Pass on the crest of Trans-Mountain Rd. Stay to the left and follow the ridgeline down, do not go down the arroyo. Trailhead: From the junction of US-54 and I-10, proceed north on US-54 to the Fred Wilson Rd. Exit. Turn left (west) on Fred Wilson Rd. Proceed up the hill and around the left bend to the Mc Kelligon Canyon Rd. Entrance. Turn right into Mc Kelligon Canyon. Proceed to the far end of the park. The trailhead is in the back parking lot. (Lat:31.84366 Lon:-106.49121) Trail Guides for FMSP - Ron Coleman Trail: 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 54 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by GA on 9/15/2007 Hiked from Transmountain. took trail to east rather than standard trail to west and went staight up. With rains, mountain was green. Various critters spotted including frogs, blue jays(?), hummingbirds and squirrels. Practically anyone should be able to do the hike although it will wear you out and some people probably won't be able to do the climb from McKelligan Canyon just below the window.Trail can easily be lost on the east side of the mountain so keep a sharp eye. 
Reviewed by CLASS 02-07 14J on 2/18/2007 The hike was awesome ! If you ever want to do this don't do it by yourself . Teamwork was definitely the key to success . We started off at McKelligon Canyon and ended up at Trans Mountain . The most treacherous area had to be the area leading up to and the 40ft wall . Great hike with great views . Good Job Guys ! 
Reviewed by BEC on 8/16/2006 I went out for a nice four hour hike with family. And found the 10ft boulder and 40 ft wall too much. After four hours of hiking I had to turn around at ~ 1.5 mile marker. All three of the group felt luck to have survived. Now I just say remember the time we almost died on the mountain and everybody laughs nervously. It is a most memorable mountain climbing I have done. And the trail markers are blue dots that disappear often!! Good luck!!
Reviewed by DWL on 1/3/2006 An absolutely dynamite hike, but don't go alone (like I did the first time). From McKelligon up to the peak is VERY rarely traveled -- almost all traffic is from Trans-Mountain south to the peak and back. But the untraveled part is by far the most spectacular and rewarding, so find a friend, do the car spot and go for it! As other reviewer said, not great if you're afraid of heights, and does require a little scrambling up steep cliffs. But aside from huffing and puffing on the initial haul out of McKelligon up to the ridgeline, it's not that bad a physical challenge. It is wild, rugged, spectacular and a really unique mix of unspoiled mountain in front of you and well-developed city all around. Trail is now marked by blue paint do 
Reviewed by Cherry on 10/11/2004 I marked pleasant, but wouldn;t hike again, meaning not next week...next year maybe...but it was my first hike ever...and being 56,female, out of shape and fearful of heights....I accomplished the hike and it was awesome...If you hike this...be sure you are with a great Team !!! Thanks Team !!!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||