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A steep incline on the edge of La Espina Hill looks out into the northwest corner of Texas.


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Map Key

0.2

Miles

0.4

KM

74%

Runnable

4,647' 1,416 m

High

4,517' 1,377 m

Low

26' 8 m

Up

130' 40 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Because of the steep grade and smooth rock, this trail should not be attempted in wet conditions.

Description

Connecting La Espina Ledge and Granola Bowl, La Espina's short distance features a nice viewpoint and either a challenging climb or precipitous descent. Switching back a short distance into La Espina Ledge, the trail climbs briefly to a viewpoint at the top of the hill. The path continues north briefly before turning left and beginning a very steep descent along the northwest face of the hill. Smooth flatrock helps control the pace on the way down, but care needs to be exercised as a fall here could easily result in injury. As the trail smooths out, it turns south and joins Granola Bowl.

Flora & Fauna

Cacti, agaves, alliums and Lyreleaf jewelflowers in the spring. Birds and lizzards

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 2 votes

#25936

Overall
  3.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
50%
3 Star
50%
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#618

in Texas

#25,936

Overall
2 Views Last Month
213 Since Aug 28, 2015
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Photos

A cliffside section of La Espina Ledge.
Aug 28, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
A view from the top of La Espina Hill east towards the Franklin Mountains. The Suicide Drop is to the left, La Espina is to the right. Mayberry, Broke Back, Little Moab West and even Transmountain Summit are all visible in the distance. It's hard to capture the variety of the foothills here.
Aug 28, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
View of South Franklin Peak and Jewel Flowers
Jun 9, 2020 near Canutillo, TX
Jumps for cyclists, or really fast runners, brave enough to descend the La Espina Suicide Drop.
Aug 28, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
View from the top
Mar 27, 2020 near Canutillo, TX
Texas rainbow cactus
Jan 25, 2019 near Canutillo, TX

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