B-17 Plane Crash Site

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
9.0 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
371 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Hike the woodland path to the B-17 Plane Crash Site. The World War II Bomber went down on June 13, 1944. Killing 4 of the 10 onboard, the haunting remains of the crash remain etched in the mountain side. Now hidden among the towering trees in the Colorado wilderness, this primitive hike is a popular historic destination.

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Route Description for B-17 Plane Crash Site

Hike up the primitive path to the B-17 Plane Crash Site. This stunning forested nature trail will guide hikers up to the jagged metal remains of the 1944 plane crash. The initial segment of this hike is explicit and well-marked, but as you near the plane crash site it becomes a treasure hunt. We recommend having the trail GPS handy to help you navigate the unmarked route.

Embark on your hunt for the B-17 Plane Crash Site from the Stormy Peaks Trailhead. From the trailhead, track the Stormy Peaks Trail southeast. Hike along the path and you will confront an intersection. Veer left onto the Twin Lakes Reservoir Trail. Hike along the shore’s edge and the path will morph into the Old Sawmill Trail. Trek up to the Old Sawmill and along the Twin Lakes Creek. Climb up this path as another trail merges. Ignore the merging route and continue hiking. Continue southeast up the forested trail and you will eventually enter the clearing filled with the B-17 Plane Crash wreckage.

Explore the eerie remains of the World War II Bomber. This sobering sight is unforgettable, see the engine and the wings that litter the granite slope. When you are done exploring, simply backtrack along the route all the way back to the trailhead and parking lot.

Getting to the B-17 Plane Crash Site Trailhead

The hike to the B-17 Plane Crash Site begins at the Stormy Peaks Trailhead at the end of the Pingree Park Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Dispersed Camping Permitted

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

B-17 Plane Crash Site Elevation Graph

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B-17 Plane Crash Site Reviews

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