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Ron Coleman Trail - Strenuous Hike / Not for Beginners Mckelligon Canyon to Transmountain and back ————————————— DATE: Saturday, April 4, 2026 MEET: 6:30 a.m. MEETING POINT: Smugglers Pass Unit – Transmountain Rd. ADDRESS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xhot3KJX1wMs2H1T6 TRAIL LENGTH: 7.7 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 1,900 ft AVERAGE DURATION: Approx. 4 hrs. ATTENDANCE LIMIT: 10
Test yourself against one of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park.
We will meet at Smugglers Pass Unit at Transmountain Road, leave a few cars, and carpool to McKelligon Canyon. The hike begins with a steep incline over loose gravel and rocks leading to two natural rock shelters. After reaching the first cave, the trail hooks around on the right side and requires scrambling on all fours over bare rock to make it up to the second cave, and will continue to the ridgeline. We will hike the ridgeline until we reach three sections of chain-assisted rock ascents ranging from 15-40 feet. Once there, we will have a great photo-op at The Window! Shortly afterwards, we will pass South Franklin Peak and make our way to Mammoth Rock. After a short break, we continue descending until we reach our vehicles at Smugglers Pass. We will then drive back to McKelligon Canyon to get the rest of the cars.
Registration Required: please call 915-240-7580 915-355-1079 10 hiker limit
Contact Name: Ruth / Juan
Contact E-mail Address:
Contact Phone Number: 915-240-7580 /915-355-1079
