Hiking – Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead - Harrison Plane Crash

Trip

Hiking – Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead - Harrison Plane Crash

This EXPLORATORY hike to the Harrison Plane Crash site along the Ice Cave Trail offers a challenging but rewarding journey through dense forests and rugged terrain. As we ascend, we’ll encounter scenic views and historical significance, reaching the site of the 1976 crash where wreckage still remains. The final portion of the trail can be steep and rocky, but the experience of visiting the crash site amid the stunning natural beauty is memorable. This is the fourth hike in the series of hikes to visit plane crash sites.

  • Thu, Sep 11, 2025
  • Bobcats Section
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Challenging
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,530 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH

This EXPLORATORY hike to the Harrison Plane Crash site along the Ice Cave Trail is a captivating journey that combines natural beauty with a poignant piece of history. Starting with a steady climb through dense forests and rocky terrain, the hike gradually unveils stunning alpine vistas. The final stretch becomes more demanding, with steep and rocky sections requiring careful navigation, but the reward is the remarkable site of the 1976 plane crash wreckage. The blend of outdoor adventure and historical significance makes this hike an unforgettable journey for those seeking a deeper connection with the land. We'll stop at a comfortable spot for lunch/snack and then make our way back to the trailhead by the same route. Our pace will be consistent with completing the hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~11 miles and ~2400 ft elevation gain. (Harrison 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 Ken Caryl PnR at 7:00AM, for a 7:15AM departure (Ken Caryl Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead Parking ($5 parking fee) (Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead - Google Maps)

Route/Place

Palmer Lake Reservoir Trailhead


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.

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