Trip
Hiking – Crown Point B-17 Crash Site
This EXPLORATORY hike to the Crown Point B-17 crash site takes us through the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire burn zone, where charred trees and regrowth tell the story of nature’s resilience. As we near the crash site, the terrain opens up to reveal scattered pieces of wreckage, including engines, wing sections, and metal fragments, still remarkably intact after decades. The site offers a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into history, with a stark contrast between the natural recovery of the land and the tragic remnants of the 1944 crash. This is the fifth and final hike in the series of hikes to visit plane crash sites.
Contacts
- Thu, Sep 25, 2025
- Bobcats Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Challenging
- Challenging
- Mileage: 13.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,403 ft
- Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH
- 8 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This hike to the Crown Point B-17 crash site from the Browns Lake Trailhead is a challenging 13-mile round-trip adventure that traverses through the burn zone created by the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire. The trail, which gains approximately 2,400 feet in elevation, ascends steadily through an area that was severely impacted by the wildfire. Along the way, we'll be immersed in the haunting remnants of the fire's aftermath, followed by the rugged terrain leading to the crash site. At the site, we are met with the well-preserved wreckage of the B-17 bomber from the 1944 crash, providing a poignant historical moment amid the surrounding wilderness. The hike not only offers a physical challenge but also invites reflection on both the resilience of nature and the tragic past tied to this historic crash. We'll stop at a comfortable spot for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~13 miles and ~2400 ft elevation gain. (Crown Point Plane Crash Site - CalTopo)
The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster-paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenge, discovery, and camaraderie. You can search the CMC Calendar for Bobcat trips any time by selecting “Bobcats Section” in the CMC Trip Calendar “Section pull-down menu. To join our free mailing list and become a member, select the Bobcats Section anytime in your Member Profile. (Bobcats Section — The Colorado Mountain Club)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the King Sooper (NW corner) at 7:00AM, for a 7:15AM departure (King Soopers Marketplace - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Browns Lake Trailhead Parking Lot (Browns Lake trailhead parking lot - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
Ten essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.