Franklin Mountains State Park — Attraction in El Paso

An unexpected gem, on a trip through the National Parks of the Southwest.

After 3 days exploring White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, the final day in El Paso was about to prove to be a bust. Thank goodness for Franklin Mountains SP. For only $5 per person, this massive State Park, just minutes from El Paso has multitudes of trails, campgrounds and scenery to explore.

We took the afternoon to hike the short nature trail, with the absolutely beautiful bird garden at the end. We sat in awe as we watched all different kind of song and garden birds, feeding and bathing amongst themselves, and we... we were just an afterthought to them, thanks to the bird blind which gave us an unobtrusive viewpoint into their afternoon rituals.

From there, we hiked to the Aztec Caves, a short but intense uphill climb to the 3 caves which are visible from the trailhead parking lot. It isn't a long hike by any means, but the last portion of the trail heading to the caves can be steep going up. Which of course, means to be extra cautious on the way back down. Views of the peaks and the surrounding region make for a worthwhile trek. You'll burn your daily calories and conquer your exercise goals for the day, while only taking up 90 minutes of your morning. Not a bad payoff!

Finally -- and I stress, that of all the cool things this park had to offer us that afternoon, this was the best part -- I had a conversation at the park gate for sunset, with a park ranger named Matt. Matt was not only accommodating, as I sat down next to him to watch the sun go down, but he was also super knowledgable and obviously passionate about his job. We spoke at length about the park, other areas in the region to recreate, parenting, the importance of land conservation and so much more. My only regret, is he was off shift at 5 PM and I had to head to the airport for a 7:30 flight. Otherwise, this super informative conversation could have carried on another hour.

Without a doubt, I'll find my way back to this park someday. Who knows if Matt will still be working there, but the beauty of preserving natural areas like this, is that due to the efforts of Matt & Co., this park will still be around for...

Franklin Mountains State Park is an absolute treasure in the heart of the Texan desert. Nestled in the rugged, rocky terrain of El Paso, this park offers a diverse range of activities and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.

First and foremost, the hiking trails here are spectacular. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a casual stroll, there's something for everyone. The Ron Coleman Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering panoramic views of the city below. If you prefer something more relaxed, the Nature Walk Trail is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the desert's unique flora.

Rock climbers will be in heaven here, with endless opportunities to test their skills on the park's rocky outcrops. The feeling of conquering those ancient mountains is truly exhilarating.

What sets Franklin Mountains State Park apart is the tranquility it offers. Despite being close to the city, you can find peace and quiet here. The starry nights are simply mesmerizing, and the park rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, making sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.

The visitor center is a fantastic resource, offering information on the park's history, geology, and wildlife. It's a great place to start your journey and learn more about the area.

Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, as the desert heat can be unforgiving. Also, note that some of the trails can be challenging, so proper footwear is essential.

In summary, Franklin Mountains State Park is a hidden gem in the desert, offering outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience. It's a must-visit if you're in the El Paso area, and it showcases the natural beauty and rugged...

The Franklin Mountains State Park has a great many caves, running and hiking trails, mountain biking trails and lookout points to explore. The park is known for being the Largest Urban State Park in the Nation, and once you come visit it, you'll see how lucky El Paso is to have such a well-maintained park in the city! Entry to the park is only $5.

The terrain is arid and rocky, and temperatures can get well over 100 degrees in the summer. Make sure to bring PLENTY of water with you! The aforementioned trails come in a variety of difficulties - so if this is your first time, I'd recommend you start out with a beginner trail.

There are multiple entrances to this massive park. The most common is on the West side of the mountain, known as the Tom Mays Unit on Transmountain Road. There is ample parking at each of the trailheads here, which is really convenient after a lengthy hike.

I personally LOVE the Aztec Caves Trail the most, and recommend this trail to any travellers or beginners. The trail is short and gets a wee bit steep towards the end, but the views are TOTALLY worthwhile. The trail is easy enough for young hikers and dogs to do.

On a final note, there are plenty of public restrooms and covered picnic areas, so make sure to bring lunch with you and make it a whole...