Are you looking for an excellent hiking place in El Paso, Texas? Franklin Mountains State Park has it all: dozens of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and trail running tracks. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as picnicking, rock climbing, biking, hiking, and bird or nature watching. You can opt for a day trip or camp overnight.
Franklin Mountains State Park is open year-round. At the start of each spring, visitors worldwide come here to hike and try out their rock climbing skills. Fall is also the right time for exploring numerous hiking and biking trails. Summers here are scorching, while winters are usually mild and dry.
The park conducts ranger-led tours limited to ten people. These tours usually run on the first and third weekends of the month with preferred reservations. For all tours or general hiking in the Franklin Mountains, a good idea will be to travel in pairs, to wear hiking boots and weather-fitting clothing. Always bring a sufficient amount of snacks and water with you.
The altitudes of the area promise some truly spectacular views. The park's headquarters are situated at an elevation of 5,426 ft (1,654 m), and North Franklin Mountain, the highest peak of the park, rises to 7,192 ft (2,192 m). Franklin Mountains State Park is one of the nation's most significant urban parks lying within city limits and covering 24,247 ac (9,813 ha).
Franklin Mountains State Park has a rich history. Mortar pits and pictograms confirm the presence of humans in the mountainous area dating back more than 12,000 years. If you are more into nature than history, the fauna and flora abundance might surprise you. Mexican and California poppies, Barrel cactus, and yucca are common plants across this desert landscape. Along the springs on the mountain slopes, you will find trees like hackberry, cottonwood, juniper, and oak. On a lucky day, you might encounter wild animals like mountain lions, ring-tailed cats, mule deer, and some rodents. Birding at Franklin Mountains State Park gives a chance to spot hawks, golden eagles, and smaller birds.
Practical info
What activities does Franklin Mountains State Park offer?
Visitors of Franklin Mountains State Park can enjoy various fun activities like hiking, mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing, picnicking, bird or nature watching. The park provides ranger-led tours also for the visitors, which run on the first and third weekends of the month, with an occupancy limit of 10 people. Visitors can even camp overnight for a complete park experience. Show more
What is the altitude of the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains State Park?
North Franklin Mountain is the highest peak in the park, rising to 7,192 ft (2,192 m) above sea level. Visitors can find the park's headquarters at an elevation of 5,426 ft (1,654 m). The incredible altitudes offer a spectacular view, which will leave visitors with an unforgettable experience. Show more
When is the best time to plan a trip to Franklin Mountains State Park?
Franklin Mountains State Park is open year-round, but visitors should plan their trip in spring or fall when the weather is enjoyable for hiking and biking. Summers are too hot, while winters are mild and dry. Nevertheless, no matter the season, visitors can cherish the park's different experience to enjoy each year. Show more
Are there any ranger-led tours available at Franklin Mountains State Park?
Yes, the park provides ranger-led tours, and the maximum occupancy is 10 persons. The tours usually run on the first and third weekends of the month, and visitors should book the tours in advance. The park rangers will add valuable insights and knowledge about the historical and environmental aspects of the park area during the guided tours, enhancing the visitors' experience. Show more
What is the range of plants and animals that visitors can expect to find at Franklin Mountains State Park?
Franklin Mountains State Park is rich in flora and fauna. Plants like Mexican and California poppies, yucca, and Barrel cactus grows in the desert area, while trees like hackberry, cottonwood, oak, and juniper thrives in the mountains. Wild mammals like mountain lions, ring-tailed cats, deer, and rodents, and bird species like hawks, golden eagles, and small birds are possible sightings for the visitors interested in wildlife. Show more
