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Franklin Mountains State Park

El Paso, TX

3.0

User Rating (1 sources) ×

TripAdvisor

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Phone:

+1 915 566 6441

Website:

www.tpwd.state.tx.us

The Franklin Mountains form a striking backdrop to the City of El Paso and constitute an area of regional ecological and aesthetic significance. Making the mountains a park for the protection of their natural features and enjoyment of the public has long been a dream of farsighted El Paso residents, as well as conservationists across the state and nation. When, in the late 1970s, developers began carving roads into the almost pristine mountains, House Bill 867 was passed in 1979 by the Texas Legislature authorizing Texas Parks and Wildlife to acquire Franklin Mountains, thus preventing further urban development. The intent of the Legislature was to provide lasting protection to the outstanding scenic, ecological, and historic features of the Franklin Mountains so they could be enjoyed and appreciated by present and future generations. Parks and Wildlife acquired the property in 1981; it was opened to the public in 1987. The park is the largest urban park in the nation at 24,247 acres, covering some 37 square miles, all within the city limits of El Paso.

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Ratings & Reviews for Franklin Mountains State Park from Around the Web

Avg Rating

3.0

27 reviews

Top Reviews from Around the Web:

Great views, and a great workout. more on TripAdvisor

Cut offs can take you back to Upper Sunset loop in three easy to find places, but do take a map, it is easy to miss things out here if you don't pay attention. more on trails.mtbr.com

Definitely stay off this trail after rains as the washed over rock areas are slippery and slidey while they are dry. more on LocalHikes.com

Very nice maintained trail, I would recommend doing the long loop, although the long loop is 18 miles or so I wish they would add more trails to the VAST land they have there!!!! more on trails.mtbr.com

This is a great hike to stay tuned up for the summer climbs. more on LocalHikes.com

Avg Rating

27 reviews

Top Reviews From TripAdvisor

I love going here just to take in the scenery and breathe in the fresh air :) more on TripAdvisor

This park is huge. It has several picnic areas and on the east side and the west side of the park and all along TransMountain Road. There is Tom Mayes Recreatoinal Area on one side and Mckelligon Cany ... more on TripAdvisor

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Top Reviews From LocalHikes.com

Hiking Colorado 14ers in the summer is what I enjoy most (21 to date). This is a great hike to stay tuned up for the summer climbs. Got some great pictures. I was born and raised in El Paso till I was 13 years old. Was so glad to ... more on LocalHikes.com

Great October mid-week hike. Turned it in 4 hours with 45 min on top for lunch & views. Didn't ... more on LocalHikes.com

Waited until mid-Sept out of concern for temps in 90's & 100's. Was rewarded with a pleasant day with light-to-moderate overcast and a cool wind. Still glad for the 3 liters of water I took. The steady uphill trail and increasing ... more on LocalHikes.com

Hiked it three times in 2003 when I lived in El Paso. I was training fairly hard at the time so tried to get up quicker each time. I can't remember the first time, but 2nd time was 1:15 to the summit. 3rd time I barely missed ... more on LocalHikes.com

The trail is fairly easy to follow, but recent flood damage has left sections of the trail covered by rock slides. While these aren't difficult to cross, they do ... more on LocalHikes.com