Came here with less than two hours till closing. I had asked the park ranger if I would have enough time to fo the Aztec Cave Trail and she assured me I would so off I went! Speeding up those switch backs as best I could. There is a great look out spout about 2/3 of the way up. The last bit up is a bit of a scramble though. It was a quiet Monday afternoon so I had the cave all to myself. Will definitely be coming back here! read more

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I love to hike so the Franklin Mountains are really a treat! They are considered one of El Paso's top attractions-- for the views and hiking, but you better be prepared for desert conditions and sometimes rugged terrain. I definitely recommend some hiking boots. This is a State Park managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. read more

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You can make it to the top of the mountain into the cave with a good pair of trekking poles. Please don't be like me and not have any balancing poles with you because you might struggle as much as I did getting to the top since the terrain is rocky with some loose rocks. So it can be pretty challenging, but the incline varies from steep slope to flat. Once inside the cave, there wasn't much to see. I was hoping for some form of crystals or even stone to rub my hands across. The ground was dusty. I visited during the week, so there wasn't much of a crowd. When I finally made it to the top, the views were breathtaking. The sight oversees El Paso as a city. The park ranger shop is large and clean. The upkeep at this state park is very good. The restrooms are located behind the park shop and are clean as well. I love this park and cannot wait to come back. read more

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Beautiful park. Definitely take the trail to the Aztec Caves. It's challenging but I saw kids make it up to the caves. Be sure to go around to the left of the first cave to see the second one. There may be more but I was hot, tired and a little more than sunburned after spending the previous day at Hueco Tanks. Bring a lot of water and sunscreen if you go in the summer. read more

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Wanted to try out my new satellite phone & survival gear so when the apocalypse happens I will be ready! Livin off the land, beef jerky, canned beans & no stupid smart phones lol Pack your apocalypse camping gear and head to the Sierras de los Mansos! Arrrrrr! AKA "Franklin Mountains" of Texas. A small mountain range that extend from El Paso, Texas north into New Mexico over­looking the majestic Rio Grande. AKA the Paso del Norte (Pass of the North). Paso del Norte starts in Mexico, includes North Franklin Mountain, which rises to 7,192 feet in elevation. Breathtaking views & just 15 minutes from downtown El Paso you can explore 27,000 acres, about 40 square miles of very dry high desert mountains. Man! Life is full of snakes here lol The Sierras de los Mansos rise high above El Paso. On both sides of the Franklin Mountains are yuge dry desert basin areas. To the west you will see Mesilla Basin or Mesilla Bolson. "Bolson" is Spanish for "purse." To the east of the Sierras is the Hueco Basin or Hueco "purse." One of the largest urban parks in America, with excellent hiking, it holds as many adventures as it does secrets. Over 100 miles of trails, The Aztec caves, the mining caves, the restricted areas of McGregor Range & the spectacular "Round top" mountain range at the western end of the Sierra Blanca area near the town of Sierra Blanca. This area includes Finlay Mountains, Triple Hill & Sierra Blanca quadrangles. For me the most interesting thing about Round Top Mountain in Texas, is it is known for containing deposits of beryllium and it also contains the largest deposit of heavy rare-earth elements in the United States, over 1 billion tons! If you haven't realized yet, these rare earth elements contained in the mountain are used to build wind farms, energy & defense applications as well as electronic devices & lasers. 25 years ago no one cared. Today, it's a global takeover to get them. Sittin Indian legged on top of these Texas mountains I got to thinking about what life is all about lately. And I had an Epiphany. Afghanistan, about the size of Texas, is also loaded with minerals deposited by the violent collision of the Indian subcontinent with Asia. So I researched it. U.S. first drove the Taliban from power in the country in 2004 bc Afghanistan, has the richest deposit of minerals in the ENTIRE world, valued at nearly $1 trillion. Scientist also say, "Round Top hosts 16 of the 17 rare earths, as well as industrial minerals including lithium, beryllium, and uranium. In addition to the rare earths and scandium, the Round Top project contains 11 of the 35 non-rare earth minerals deemed "critical to U.S. national security and the economy" by the U.S. Department of the Interior." What a revelation! The other amazing thing I found was Sierra Blanca is a must visit, a super cool little town, it has the only adobe courthouse in Texas. How adorable! It's worth a visit before it all gets wrecked by the globalist from mining all the rare earth elements for the next stupid smart phone. Get a sat phone. Save the mountains. Highly recommend. read more

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Just a fantastic state park. The visitor center was brand new and spectacular. Really fit in well and will season wonderfully. Lots of picnic spots and a few camping, but the trailhead parking seemed too small. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous mountain range. They offer primitive camping, hiking, biking, and more! There's a lot of little secret spots like abandoned mine shafts and some really cool history and legends! I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent here. It was nice to see the sunset in a semi secluded area away from the city. The nice breeze on a summer night just makes the ambiance of looking into the distance that much better. read more

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Franklin Mountains State Park was beautiful! They lie about the moderate hike lol. Whew, some were quite challenging like to the Aztec Caves and Mundy's Gap. Camping here was fine but you are in a wind tunnel so make sure you have solid stakes in the ground for your tent. No showers and only an eco toilet at the campsite. Beautiful spot to see the sunset. Mundy's Gap would be the spot to watch the sunrise but a steep hike is tough with no light. The trails aren't the most clearly marked. Go check out Franklin Mountains. read more

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This park has changed A LOT since I was last here, maybe 10 yrs ago. When I first visited, some 30 yrs ago, it was free. Then they charged $3 for vehicle during certain times of the year. Then $5/vehicle... still, it was reasonable enough. There is a nice visitor shop now, and another bldg that we didn't go into. I heard that there are restrooms in the back, but we didn't use either. It was very crowded the day that we went (1st weekend of Spring), but people were not particularly rude, as you often find in crowds. There's SO many different trails, and now they have even more, that go some distance beyond the parking area to the North. I wish I could come here more often, but not living in town, and also having to pay the fee every time (the yearly pass is $70 for one person), is a bit much. Also, charging for each person is just stupid. It should be a charge for each car, not each person. It's not a zoo. THE worst part was that they closed the cross road to get in. You go up Transmountain to the East and there used to be a turn off to turn left into the park. The signs are even still there, pointing to the turn off, but it is blocked off. So we had to drive up further to another turn off (on the left) and drive back, to get there. With all the new construction in the area, and roads going under Transmountain, Transmountain itself becoming more like a Highway. You would think that they would have a righthand turn off going under XMtn. And simply get rid of the dangerous left turn outs. So, the whole thing is sort of a mess, but the park itself is a decent place to hike into the mtns without landing on someone's private property. read more

I really enjoyed this state park! I would have like to have had more time to really explore all the trails they have. They have a trail for every fitness level. There are biking trails, cookout areas, a ton of areas to set up for picnics. It's a fun place to explore for a park fee of only $5 read more

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Franklin Mountains State Park doesn't get all that many visitors, because there isn't a whole lot to see here. To be fair, it's OK for hiking, and there are some picnic tables if you feel so inclined. I'm not really sure why the city planners put a park here - maybe they were trying to protect the land it's on from being developed? I probably won't lose a lot of sleep over this question ;-) read more

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I used to hate this mountain, because when I was stationed here, we had to run up and down it almost weekly on Friday mornings. It was BRUTAL. It's absolutely beautiful for sure and a great place to visit, but for a workout... unless you want to die... just no. read more

A staple of El Paso, Texas this is definitely a site worth visiting. Whether it's a simple hike or you're an avid outdoors fanatic who craves adventure this State Park has it all. I love the views and being here during a sunset or sunrise is breathtaking. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes and plan accordingly aka bring sunscreen and water during the summertime. If you're a tad lazy then just go Transmountain to catch a small glimpse into the park. read more

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This huge park includes many mountains and trails. Whether you are hiking or mountain biking, it's an adventure! I enjoyed hiking and experiencing the natural desert! read more

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The Franklin Mountains State Park hiking trails do not disappoint. Most of their hiking trails start at a Medium hiking ability but does not make it impossible to hike if you are not an experienced hiker. Before you get ready to start Bring cash and a pen with you the park fee is $5 per person and you need to write your name down along with your vehicle tags in a form where you place your $ and drop in a box. Parking is safe. Review their hiking trails in their site ahead of time for there are different points to enter the park and many different hiking trails with different distance and skill levels. Always bring more than 16oz of water, bring a snack, wear sunblock and let someone know where you are going before you hit the trail. Do not underestimate the trails and plan ahead to be ready. read more

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The Franklin Mountain Park is a great place for a hike into and over the mountains. We went during the winter so we did not get too heated up. There are various trails so you may choose one that is short or long. Some trails are very rigorous and not good for young children. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, bring water and a hat. read more

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Franklin Mountains State Park is a 24,000-acre state park in the heart of El Paso. My husband and I decided to visit El Paso to do some hiking in some of the beautiful area parks last week, and we stopped in the Franklin Mountains State Park for a short hike and to take in the views! The park is beautiful and has a few hikes of different lengths to explore. El Pasoans are lucky to have this stunning wilderness park so close to the center of the city! If you haven't been before, check it out on a beautiful day! read more

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These mountains in El Paso are a very popular and scenic place to both hike and do primitive camping. I believe their highest peak is almost 7,000'. The road bisecting it is called Transmountain Drive (TX 375) and is only about 5 miles long and very scenic. I recommend driving through it. At the roads highest elevation it reaches about 5000' above sea level. Check it out! read more

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If you haven't been here, do yourself a favor and go. Even if it's just to sit down and enjoy a picnic. This place has different trails for different levels. Our favorite, it's going up to Aztec Cave. You can do this by going on your own or scheduling one of their tours, which they conveniently post on Facebook events. There is an entrance fee, it was $5 for us today. Not sure if that changes often. The park is also pet friendly, which is a plus for our family. Always a great experience! read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - Aztec Cave - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Crickey! Ova here we gotta rattler! But don't get too close or she'll nip ya! Ohh, she's a beaut isn't she? If only every trip to the Franklin Mountains were accompanied by an Australian zoologist/veterinarian/animal-lover that explained every little detail of your adventure as it was happening...*sigh* The Tom Mays Unit is my favorite side...section of the FM (although technically you could hike or bike from one unit to the other, but I live in a world where I hike for the health benefits, not for transportation reason...yay gas guzzling technology!). These trails tend to be in better shape then a lot of the ones off McKelligon canyon. There is some kind of actual rock climbing here at the TMU, but based on the man hanging on for dear life on the map, I have yet to master (or even attempt) it. The trails on FM aren't too terribly advanced either, which may be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for. I do love the Aztec Caves mostly just because you feel so accomplished after making it up such a steep mountain (with a 60 lbs. dog in tow) without falling on your tush. There are a few trails that start off with this extremely rocky terrain. And by 'rocky terrain' I mean loose boulders, rocks and pebbles that tend to be sharp and slick (my favorite combo...that's sarcasm). The Cottonwood starts off like that, but once you get past that avalanche waiting to happen, the hike becomes easier and depending on what time of the year you go the spring may actually be in full flow. This is Texas, so a snake or two shouldn't shock you, but it really doesn't happen that often. We do have mountain lions too and some type of deer thing (although I'm still not convinced the signs aren't just an elaborate hoax done by the city of EP), but sightings are rare. I have gone hiking in other cities and states and while my favorites are out of town, the TMU still ranks high in my books because there are a variety of trails and the desert scenery is completely captivating. Oh, the only other thing I should mention is there is a $5 (I think) fee per person. Not a big deal, it helps pay for the workers which I'm glad are out there because once you hit the mountain there's almost no cell coverage. read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - View from the Cottonwood Trail - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Franklin Mountain is interesting. There is a $5.00 parking admission. If you don't pay you will be ticketed. They check multiple times a day. I'm not sure how much the tickets is, however, my guess is it's much more than $5. The views are great. I'd say during my hike I noticed that most have been hiking off the main trail. It's easy to miss the signs if you go off the main trail. There are many trails. If you stick to the main trail you'll be find. Just be prepared for high winds when you get near the peaks. It's worth the hike. Just plan for enough time. The hike is great especially for young ones and pets. I took my dog and she handled the hike like a champ. read more

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Very beautiful challenge! I love hiking/running the nearby trails. This one is definitely a workout compared to the others ones I went to. There are several intensive areas you can challenge yourself on. I did 4 hikes same day within 1 hour 24 minutes to include the aztec cave hike. I'm definitely sold on this area. read more

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I spent about 3.5hrs doing the hike here. Paid $5 to enter or you can park at the entrance and spend about 30min walking to the beginning of the trail. The views are beautiful and once you get to the top, it's a nice view of El Paso. Only thing I did not like was the trail in the beginning was all rocks and it was very uncomfortable and painful at times read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - 30min -ish into the hike - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Beautiful trails and hiking for those looking for fresh air. The visitors center staff was very welcoming and provided guidance as I was a traveler and new to the area. read more

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First time here and we hiked up to Aztec Cave! It looked pretty impossible to hike up, and towards the end of the journey felt that way. However, it felt so good to be at the top and relax in the caves. Gorgeous views, fresh air, and quiet surroundings when you have reached the top. Beautiful hiking spot! read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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C'mon it's TransMountain. What is there not to love? It has a mile high cut in the mountains right at Smugglers Pass where cattle rustlers used to move their cattle. (Did you know cattle rustling is at an all time high? It is now easier than ever to steal cattle. Better brand 'em!) This is what happens millions of years after a beach and some volcanic magma erupted. There are all kinds of rock formations and when the magma came millions of years ago it made the limestone turn into marble. The best stories imho are the ones about the various UFO sightings right at the top of Smugglers Pass. Or the other strange activities that occur at Smugglers pass: when some cars drive thru the pass their car engines start acting funny and their lights start flickering. Is it UFOs? Is it aliens? Is it the ghosts of the cattle rustlers? Be sure to park up at the top and revel in the beauty of El Paso: the passageway to the North. read more

My favorite thing to do in El Paso: hiking in this park. It's part of the Franklin State Park but they have different locations throughout the city. The Tom Mays park is on the westside but easy to get to from the east because it's on transmountain road. You can find good trails via the app called AllTrails. Best trail is Schaeffer Shuffle for me. Steep climb, but awesome views, and all of that in a 1.5-2 hour hike! Aztec Cave trail is nice, and I saw kids and chihuahuas do it, too. Not super easy though because of the climb. But also nice views. Lots of bikers so they must have good bike trails. Nice camping sites although no showers, water, electricity. One note: they close the gate strictly at closing time! Get the camping pass even if you're not staying for overnight camping. That way you get to stay in the park later than closing time. read more

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I went on the hike today from the parking lot at the top of Transmoutain. I have made this hike numerous times and admit it is my favorite in town. It doesn't show the trail on the web page but it is an official trail. There is a little container by the trail head to pay your fee and get a receipt to put in your car windshield. The trail starts out pretty tame but gets progressively steeper as you go. I have only made it to the part where the signs start saying "most difficult" and then I hang a right up to what I refer to as the "nubby thing" and others refer to as the elephants trunk. I brought my dog along and he makes the climb just fine. He is content to sleep the rest of the day. Win - win. I believe if you stay on the "most difficult" trail it takes you up to the antennas on the top. Even without the full accent there are great views of both east, west and south. read more

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VERY disappointed! Drove all the way over there and it was closed it's mainly outside with nature. No feast be closed during covid. I'll never go back read more

The hike was definitely well worth it! Some of the cliffs are pretty dangerous because of drop offs and loose stone. My Advice: -Bring more water than what you are used to consuming - Bring along and short sleeve shirt because of the wind up there -Bring gloves because you will have to grab and crawl across terrain -Definitely take your time -Coming down is a lot harder than climbing up because of how steep it is -Bring a decent camera read more

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First hike my husband and I went to, and it was pretty great! This isn't one of those easy, paved trails. It's rocky, sandy, and will get slippery if it rains. We went around 930am and it was pretty chilly, but you'll work up a sweat climbing. Lol. There are parking spaces and small picnic tables here. On the trail there are caves for resting stops. My only suggestion is that be aware of your surroundings and bring water. There aren't any markers to indicate where the "right" trail is. A couple other hikers said others have been lost here, so look for frequent hiking trails. It does get steep and possibly will be on your hands to climb those rocks, so be careful! Other than that, it was a breathtaking scenery! :) we'll be back again! read more

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Situated high above Texas' 5th largest city of El Paso, Franklin Mountains State Park is by far and away, the largest urban park in the 48 contiguous U.S., eclipsed only by Chugach State Park in Anchorage, Alaska. The park's North Franklin Mountain peak rises to an elevation of approximately 7,200 ft. above sea level. The park encompasses approximately 25,000 acres, lying entirely within the city limits of El Paso, TX. The park is excellent for hiking and camping, with many of its trailheads in the foothills located in the front and backyards of residences on the west side of El Paso. Several trailheads are accessible off Loop 375 (Trans-Mountain Road) and McKelligon Canyon Road in northeast El Paso, as well as from Wyler Aerial Tramway's parking lot from which you may climb (or ride) to Ranger Peak (elevation 5, 632), the former being moderately challenging to the average hiker. Overnight camping is permitted only in the Tom Mays Unit located north of Loop 375. The park's highlights are the various trails that lead to numerous summits, natural springs, wildlife, vertical canyon walls, and vistas of three states and two countries. Although located in the Chihuahuan Desert, the park can become surprisingly "green", especially during the summer monsoon season when afternoon showers and thunderstorms can produce large amounts of precipitation over very short periods. In the cooler months and durinig the summer monsoon season, the top of the park's mountain peaks can become shrouded in cloud cover. At times, the mountains may "disappear" completely in a fog-like cloud cover. read more

Had a great time. Not for the weak. I was just bring some sunglasses, 2qt of water, a lunch, cash and a buddy. Hard to follow where the trails are. Definitely a fun day. read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Well kept park thanks to the park service. Although access is only limited to certain areas of the mountain. Always make sure to leave the entrance fee in the bulletin board with your license plate number or you may get ticketed. Make sure to always take essential items like water and sunscreen and a buddy! read more

Very nice section of the Franklin Mountains State Park. There are many very good trails in that park area. I go to that area of the park to go hiking either with my dogs or alone. The trails range from easy to difficult. read more

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So I have to pass by the Franklin Mountains every morning and every evening just to get to work. And every day I'm just as mesmerized as the last. Very beautiful place with an amazing view of the city. So yesterday after dinner, my partner and I have been feeling a bit pudgy since we've been so busy with the move and in processing at both our jobs and making sure all our furniture arrived in tack that we haven't had the time to be as active as we normally are. So I suggested after dinner we come here for a short hike. Agreeing to my plan we waited till the heat settled a bit because I believe the high yesterday was 102. Anyways we get here and notice that there are many different trails that we could take whether it be just a shoRt one just to take in the view which is the one we took or a long one to go over the mountains, I think we'll wait for the winter time for that one. Anyways the park is very beautiful, don't really recommend wearing running shoes and I think we might just have to invest in hiking boots. read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Beautiful scenery ! Haven't seen wild life just yet ! I underestimated the trail pictures don't do justice . Also the air is very fresh ! And the incline was a great physical chAllenge , it's a good work out for sure. read more

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5 stars to what WASNT man made! I LOVE the Aztec cave, but I only will go from OCT-APRIL when the weather is cooler and the snakes arent running around. This is just the perfect way to get out and enjoy life and all it has to offer! read more

the rv sites are large and very peaceful. plenty room to fit 38 foot rv slides both sides. park rangers really nice. fun hiking trails. read more

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I was visiting family in NM, and being the crazy hiker that I am I found this trail not too far from where I was. It was pretty easy to find, although once inside the park there are different parking lots. It was definitely intense! I'm used to the dirt and clear trails of SoCal. This trail is not only steep, but rocky as hell! It took me 3 hours to do 5 miles. I didn't get to the top, since I was a little pressed for time. I will definitely try this again during my next visit. read more

Franklin Mountains State Park - Map at the beginning of the trailhead. - Parks Near Me - El Paso, Texas