West Texas Hiker Snaps Leg, Exposing Bone After 150-Foot Fall

A hiker attempting to trek through Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso was air lifted to safety after he suffered several extreme injuries, including an open fracture in his leg, after losing his footing and plummeting 150 feet.

Hiking Trip Gone Very Wrong

On February 19, a 21-year-old decided to begin his hike along the Mammoth Rock Trail. This particular path is "considered by some to be the most difficult trail in Franklin Mountains State Park," according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The 21-year-old didn't let that stop him, and insisted on hiking this route, despite the dangers of steep cliffsides and sudden drops. Unfortunately, the trail was too much for the young hiker, and one misstep sent him tumbling down a 150-foot drop.

Air Evacuation After Suffering Broken Bones

At 9:45 a.m. that morning, the El Paso Search and Rescue (COMSAR) alerted U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations that a hiker had fallen a significant distance and was suffering severe injuries.

The hiker broke his knee so badly that the bone was poking through the skin, and he was not able to move.

Ground evacuation was deemed not feasible due to the rugged terrain, so responders opted for an air evacuation while they administered emergency medical care on the hiker.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was immediately dispatched, and the hiker was then strapped to a harness and hoisted 250 feet via a cable to reach the helicopter.

Due to the nature and severity of his injuries, the hiker was rushed to a Level 1 trauma center for advanced medical care.

A Message to All Hikers

Wanting to experience nature by hiking trails and navigating new paths can be incredibly rewarding, but it must be done with extreme safety.

You should always tell a friend or family member of your plans if you intend to hike alone, and it's best to map out your path before you embark in order to avoid unseen dangers.

To see the full list of Texas' State Parks that are always open to exploration, you can visit the TPWD State Park page. Happy Hiking!