Women's Hike - West Cottonwood Springs

Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors.

This month we will hike to the West Cottonwood Spring. This is a moderately difficult trail of about 3 miles. It begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained trail to wide open vistas to the west. At the paragliding launch site the trail becomes a narrow track cutting across a north facing slope and through a draw to the spring overshadowed by a large Cottonwood tree and surrounded by wild cherry. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some.

Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.

Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.

Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.

Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. 

Meeting Location: The West Cottonwood Springs trailhead in the Tom Mays Unit. When you enter Tom Mays, stop by the Visitor Center and let the Ranger on duty know you are part of the hike. This is where you will pay the fee. Continue down the road and take the first right. The parking lot is at the end of the road. 

Directions:

• From Westside on I-10, take exit 6 & travel east towards mountains for 3.8 miles. Park entrance will be on the left. 
• From Eastside on Hwy 54, take exit 29 towards Transmountain Rd, travel west 7-7.5 miles over/through the mountains. Park entrance will be on the right.
• If using a GPS be sure to search for "Tom Mays Access Road," not "Franklin Mountains State Park."