The Unique Hike In Utah That Leads You To Plane Wreckage From 1955
Utah’s trails are each unique and offer hikers something a little bit different. Some feature waterfalls; others city views. Here’s a popular trail that will lead you to plane wreckage – if you know where to find it. Take a look:
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Either of the two trails to Mount Timpanogos will take you to Bomber Peak, which is the site of the plane wreckage. You can start from the Aspen Grove trailhead, or from the more popular Timpooneke Trail.
Read our more detailed article about the Timpooneke Trail here.
Once you reach the basin on the Timpooneke Trail, there's a side trail that leads to Bomber Peak. It's a short, one-mile trip from the basin to the wreckage.
On March 9, 1955, a Airforce B-25 stopped at Hill Air Force Base to refuel on its way to March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. A winter storm created complications, and the pilot became disoriented. The plane crashed into the side of the mountain, instantly killing all five people aboard.
The following morning, search planes scoured the area during a brief break in the storm, and one was able to spot the wreckage, but poor weather made it impossible to reach the plane that day. Crews weren't able to reach the crash site on the ground until March 12th, and the first four bodies were removed on March 15th. The fifth victim's body was found and recovered on March 30th.
Though most of the plane wreckage was also removed, the engine of the B-25 still sits on the mountainside.
You can hike Mount Timpanogos during winter months, but the snowy and icy trail requires crampons and an ice axe. Before you attempt this one in the winter, make sure you have the appropriate skills and knowledge.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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