Near Domingo Baca
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.
Near Domingo Baca
Water flowing amongst moss blanketed rocks
Near Domingo Baca
A nice view of Albuquerque shortly after beginning (or ending) the Domingo Vaca Trail portion.
Near Domingo Baca
This is the turnoff from the first creek bed. It is sometimes marked with a cairn, but was not when I visited.
Near Domingo Baca
Part of one of the Martin 4-0-4's rotary engines.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Domingo Baca

4.0 (4 Ratings)
Climb along two creek beds through a canyon to the crash site of a TWA airliner.
2.7
mi
Distance
2,095
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Trail should not be attempted when snow is on the ground as it will be difficult to find.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.69mi
Distance
2,095ft
Elevation Gain
27ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,617ft
High Point
6,547ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Brendan Ross