Transmountain Summit

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

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. Hikeers 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.

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