Trail Run Project Logo

Climb along two creek beds through a canyon to the crash site of a TWA airliner.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.9

Miles

4.6

KM

66%

Runnable

8,621' 2,628 m

High

6,549' 1,996 m

Low

2,072' 632 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Trail should not be attempted when snow is on the ground as it will be difficult to find.

Runner Notes

In the upper third of the trail, it can become indistinct and steep at times. One area will require you to climb a ten foot boulder to continue on. Poison oak has been reported along the trail at times, so use caution.

Description

The Domingo Baca trailhead branches off from EG Trail 230. From here, you'll begin the climb into Domingo Baca Canyon. Much of the trail will follow alongside creekbeds. Roughly a half mile into the trail is the foundation of a shelter. Not long after this the trail will enter into the trees and welcome shade.

Soon the trail will move directly alongside the creek bed, occasionally crossing it. At some points, a second trail will parallel the creek, a bit higher up. If you choose to take the higher trail, which is a little wider and more clear of rocks and roots, keep an eye on your GPS for where the trail leaves the creek bed, as it can be difficult to spot and is not well-marked (N 35 10.886' W 106 27.594', also shown on the map). If you miss the turnoff, you'll eventually run into a dead end canyon.

After leaving the creek, the trail begins to climb more steeply, gaining most of its elevation over the remain mile and a half. After passing through a short sandy area, you'll soon join another creek bed, which you'll stay along most of the way. Watch overhead for the cables of the tramway; the crash site is almost directly beneath it.

Shortly before reaching the crash site, you'll come across a large rock formation that you'll need to climb to continue. A well-placed branch has been left there to help out.

Continue past the rocks through some dense brush for about a quarter mile to the final resting place of TWA Flight 260. The trail continues directly to the first pieces of debris; part of the fuselage near the cockpit and a large section with the number 416 on the side. Please respect the site as the location where sixteen people lost their lives and do not disturb the wreckage.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11733

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#172

in New Mexico

#11,733

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,872 Since Aug 21, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

The view of the Sandia ridgeline from the trail, with the tramway cables visible overhead. The upper station of the tramway is visible on the right side of the picture. The crash site is at the base of the large rock formation on the left.
Aug 18, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
Water flowing amongst moss blanketed rocks
May 5, 2019 near Sandia…, NM
A nice view of Albuquerque shortly after beginning (or ending) the Domingo Vaca Trail portion.
Aug 18, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
This is the turnoff from the first creek bed. It is sometimes marked with a cairn, but was not when I visited.
Aug 18, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
More of the TWA wreckage. The large section on the left appears to be part of the vertical stabilizer (the smaller "wings" that are part of the tail).
Aug 18, 2015 near Sandia…, NM
Part of one of the Martin 4-0-4's rotary engines.
Aug 18, 2015 near Sandia…, NM

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 15 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.