The Ron Coleman Trail is an approximately 3.8 mile hike from McKelligan Canyon
to Smuggler's Pass via the ridgeline of the Franklin Mountains. It requires some
class 4 scrambling and the endurance to gain around two thousand feet in elevation
gain. The trail is somewhat marked with rock cairns and some blue painted  blobs
along it's entirety but has some side trails that can be slightly confusing. As long as
you are headed north, there should be no problems with navigation. The only
drawback is that it is within the state park system and in a fee area. I think the
current fee is $4. Since you will need two vehicles, one for either end, the cost is
doubled.

Park one vehicle at the gravel parking lot at Smuggler's pass on loop 375. ( see
pics at right)
Pay the fees for the vehicle and
leave it. Proceed to McKelligan
Canyon and park near the
trailhead furthest to the rear of
the park. (See below)

                                             


                                           From this trail you gain the ridgeline,
                                           following it through a series of switch                        
                         backs and one small climb ( below)
                                               



It goes past the telecommunications
towers, down into a west valley and
terminates once you pass Elephant
Rock. ( pics below)



























The end of the trail leads you directly to the parking area on loop 375 and one
simply drive back to the canyon for the other vehicle.
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RON COLEMAN TRAIL