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A difficult and rugged climb lead to a stunning view of the western end of Texas.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.4

KM

57%

Runnable

5,518' 1,682 m

High

4,872' 1,485 m

Low

646' 197 m

Up

47' 14 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Runner Notes

This trail is particularly rocky and is not maintained by park rangers. Careless individuals have been hurt while trying to gain the Transmountain Summit. Experienced runners will be able to navigate the trail without too much trouble, but use the typical precautions of advising a friend where you will be and when you will return.

The depicted trail ends at a viewpoint over Transmountain Drive. The trail is at grade with one of the "shelves" of the cut through the mountains, but use extreme caution if exploring further. Footing is slippery and a fall would be dangerous or fatal.

Description

Leading to an expansive view of Transmountain Drive, the west end of Texas, New Mexico, the Juarez Mountains, and Mexico beyond, the Summit trail is one of the finest the west Franklin Mountains has to offer.

Transmountain Summit turns off of Thunderbird near intersections with North Clyde's Trail and South Clyde's Trail. After a short segment directly toward the mountain, the trail doubles back on a long, steep clockwise climb. This is the most difficult section of the trail. Runers will have to navigate between softball sized rocks and sharp yucca and cacti while ascending a 20% grade. A brief respite can be had as the trail briefly flattens near the half-mile point before turning north and continuing its climb. Look for the faint turnoff for Fusselman Canyon Overlook to the right.

The trail widens at a flat viewpoint near its end. The path continues downhill a short distance before reaching its end, towering over the mile-high summit of Transmountain Drive and the scenic viewpoint below.

Flora & Fauna

Typical desert vegetation. Yuccas, sotols, cacti and sumacs. Birds and lizards .

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#12897

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#273

in Texas

#12,897

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,073 Since Sep 1, 2015
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Photos

The upper half of Transmountain Summit.
Sep 1, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
Transmountain Summit and Far West Texas.
Sep 1, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
View of Transmountain Summit
Dec 14, 2019 near Canutillo, TX
View of Mammoth Rock from the trail
Apr 21, 2018 near Canutillo, TX
Beginning of trail
Dec 14, 2019 near Canutillo, TX

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