Franklin Mountains State Park
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Welcome to the westernmost point in Texas: the Franklin Mountains in El Paso. -
Explore over 100 miles of trails on foot or bike - and watch out for cacti! -
Attend a ranger program to learn about the plants, animals and history of this area. -
The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular here. -
Blooms paint the high desert after rainfall. -
Bring a picnic and spend the day or reserve one of our campsites for an overnight stay. -
Test your determination against the rugged rocks.
Call of the Mountains
The Franklin Mountains provided most of the basic necessities of life for early people here. Today, the mountains meet a different human need – our need for time in nature. Come explore these high-desert mountains, just 15 minutes from El Paso.
Things to Do /Que se puede hacer?
Franklin Mountains State Park offers great hiking, biking and rock climbing. Visit for the day or camp overnight. Look for geocaches, bird (and nature) watch, or bring a picnic. Shop for gift items at our park store.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Explore almost 27,000 acres (about 40 square miles) on over 100 miles of trail. Carry plenty of water and a cell phone, wear good shoes, dress for the weather, and travel with a partner. Be prepared for rugged desert terrain.
Camping
Stay at one of our campsites in the Tom Mays Unit. Walk to one of 14 tent sites, or park at one of five RV sites. Rent a group camp for your next gathering. Campsites do not have water or electricity; bring enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Rock Climbing
Climb at the designated area in McKelligon Canyon or at Sneed’s Cory in the Tom Mays Unit. Bring your own equipment. Stay safe, and follow best practices for climbing.
Get involved!
We need your help. Contact the park or the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition.
Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Protect the park
Please stay on a designated trail at all times when you hike. Please do not drive on any dirt roads or trails (in car or ATV).
Ranger Programs
We lead hikes, bike rides, arts in the parks activities and more. Check the Events page for upcoming programs.
Call the park to ask about programs for clubs, scout groups, school groups, or any group of more than eight. We may limit the number of hikers in a tour group or cancel trips due to weather.
Kids: Become a Junior Ranger! Learn to enjoy and care for this state park.
- Download Franklin Mountains State Park Junior Ranger Activity Booklet or pick up a copy at headquarters.
- Borrow an Explorer Pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park
Area Attractions
El Paso presents a live musical on the city’s history each summer, minor league baseball, Wilderness Park Museum, Chamizal National Memorial, and many other attractions.
Check out Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; the Mission Trail, home to some of the oldest missions in the nation; and El Camino Real, the ancient Spanish road that today takes travelers from Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Learn more on the Texas Historical Commission - Texas Mountain Trail website.
Birding: Many bird species travel through the El Paso area. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site and this park have great birding, as do Audubon Society’s Feather Lake, Keystone Heritage Park, Rio Bosque Wetlands, and Ascarate Lake.
These Great Texas Wildlife Trails will guide you to the best places to see wildlife:
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