Franklin Mountains State Park

1331 McKelligon Canyon Road
El Paso, TX 79930
915/566-6441

History: Franklin Mountains State Park, in El Paso County, was created by an Act of the Texas State Legislature in 1979. 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.

Overlooking the Rio Grande, the Franklin Mountains are the northern ramparts of the Paso del Norte (Pass of the North), leading from Mexico into what is now the United States. For thousands of years, native Americans, and for the last four centuries, soldiers, priests, traders, adventurers, gold-seekers, entrepreneurs, and just plain folk have passed through the gap in both directions in an endless procession of expansion, settlement, raiding, and conquest. Native American groups made the area home, using the plant and animal resources of the Franklins for more than 12,000 years. These people left their marks in the Franklins - colorful pictographs on boulders and in rock shelters and deep mortar pits (used to grind seeds) in rock outcrops near scattered water sources. Beginning in the 1580s, less than a century after Columbus, Spanish conquistadors and priests passed beneath the peaks of the Franklins on their mission to conquer and colonize the Puebloan villages in present-day New Mexico.

Activities: Two hiking trails are currently accessible off of Loop 375/Trans-Mountain Road. Work is underway for a trail network that will ultimately offer over a 100-mile system. Rock climbing is just one of the park's newest recreational activities, with established climbing areas in McKelligon Canyon.

A limited number of primitive tent-camping sites are available in the Tom Mays Unit. Traditional sites allow for tents placed on the ground. Five self-contained RV sites have also been added. All potential campers should be forewarned: there are no ground fires within park boundaries and no water or electricity. Those desiring camping reservations may contact the park office. Reservations are recommended.

Note: Visitors are asked to help protect the park at all times. No motorized vehicles (including ATVs) are allowed on any dirt roads or trails. The Franklins are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, with the summit of North Franklin Peak rising to an elevation of 7192', some 3000' above the city below. On the eastern flank of North Franklin Mountain lie the remnants of our nations' only tin mining, milling, and smelting operation, which was active from 1910 through 1915.

Tours: The park conducts tours open to the general public. These ranger-led tours are conducted on the first and third weekends of the month. Reservations are preferred, with tours limited to ten persons. If attendance allows, others will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call the park office. Tours depart from the park's front entrance at 8 a.m. during the summer months and 9 a.m. during the winter months.

Special arrangements for clubs, scout groups, school groups, or any group of more than 8 persons is available, depending upon staffing. Please call the park office for more information. The park reserves the right to limit the number of hikers in a tour group or to cancel trips due to weather conditions. For all tours/general hiking in the Franklin Mountains, wear good shoes, preferably hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and travel in pairs. Always bring plenty of water and snacks. Cell phones are advised if available.

• Watch YouTube video of the Park.
• Junior Ranger Activities at Franklin Mountains State Park (PDF 423.4 KB)
• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
• More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.

Area Attractions: In the El Paso area are three other state park facilities: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site (great rock art and rock climbing); Magoffin Home State Historic Site (the only historic home site in El Paso); Wyler Aerial Tramway, the only public accessible tram in Texas, is now open. Also in the area are Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (great shopping); the Mission Trail (visit some of the oldest missions in the nation); and the Camino Real (the ancient Spanish road taking travelers from today's Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico). The City of El Paso offers "Viva El Paso" (a live musical presenting El Paso's History) each season from June to August; Diablo Baseball (voted the best stadium in minor league baseball); Wilderness Park Museum (offering a historical perspective of life in the El Paso area); Chamizal National Memorial (cultural events offered throughout the year); and other attractions such as the El Paso Speedway, the El Paso Museum of Art, and more. For more information on this region go to the Texas Historical Commission - Texas Mountain Trail web site.

Birding in the El Paso area will take one into and through the Franklin Mountains and the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site areas. The local Audubon Society has created an excellent birding area known as Feather Lakes. The natural flyway that is the El Paso area brings a large variety of bird species to the region. Local groups are aiding this natural flyway by rehabilitating nearby bosques (wetlands), adding to the available bird and wildlife habitat in the area.

Local Support Groups: The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition has offered over twenty years of support to Franklin Mountains State Park. The farsighted vision of the Coalition led to the park's creation, ultimately protecting the area from further development. The Coalition's continuing counsel with regard to park management fosters the strong bond between the park and our local community. Among current Coalition efforts is the drive to have the Department of the Army donate an area known as Castner Range for inclusion into the park. The Coalition's involvement with the park lends to the overall Texas Parks and Wildlife Department mission which is: To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. For more information on the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition visit their web site at http://iloveparks.com/fmwc/issues.htm

Facilities: A $1.7 million face lift shared by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Transportation renovated old picnic sites, built additional ones, and built new rest rooms meeting ADA access standards. Each of the 44 picnic sites offers a shade roof, picnic table, and barbecue grill. Grills are for charcoal use only, guests may not use wood or dried native vegetation. The former gravel parking areas were paved to allow greater public access. With the help of volunteers from the park's user community and special activity groups, some 80 miles of new trails are being constructed. Horseback riding trails are in development. The park will ultimately feature 118 miles of multi-use trails.

The Tom Mays section of the park is the public day use area for the park. It has shaded picnic/barbecue sites, self-composting toilets, several miles of gentle hiking trails through the foothills of the Franklins, and primitive camping (tents only). Reservations for campsites are taken only at the park office and are recommended. Reminder: there are no ground fires allowed within park boundaries and there is no water or electricity in the park. There are two types of campsites; one type (walk-in developed) is traditional, in that tents are placed directly on the ground and have tables and grills. The park has recently established an area with 5 self-contained RV sites(no water or electric hookups). Be sure and visit the Park Store, located in the park headquarters in McKelligon Canyon, on the east side

• Fees
• Map of Park (PDF 96.4 KB)

Natural Features: Although located completely within the city limits of El Paso, the park abounds in birds, reptiles, and small mammals. The observant visitor may also catch a glimpse of mule deer, fox, and perhaps an occasional cougar. The skies above the Franklins are home to Golden Eagles, a variety of hawks, the occasional falcon, and come night, a variety of bats and owls. Wildlife, though secretive, is remarkably diverse. Existing vegetation typifies the northern Chihuahuan Desert, with lechuguilla, sotol, ocotillo, several yuccas, and numerous cacti. The Franklins are the only known location in Texas for a number of plant species, including the Southwest barrel cactus.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

• Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Elevation: North Franklin Mountain 7,192 ft.; Trans-Mountain Highway across the park - 5,120 ft.
Weather: Enjoyable weather even during Winter months with temperatures ranging from approximately 32F to 60F. Summer temperature ranges are from 68F to 95F. Spring and Fall are usually mild seasons with sunny days and cool nights. Annual precipitation ranges from 7 inches to 10 inches. Showers may occur anytime of the year, with thunderstorm activity peaking during July and August. Busy Visitor Season: Spring (especially Easter) and Fall.

• National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: The gate is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during the first Saturday in April to the third Saturday in September, when the Tom Mays Unit gate is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.

Directions: The park is located on the northern edge of El Paso, in far west Texas. There are three primary access points to this park. On the west side and from Interstate 10, take the Canutillo/Trans-Mountain Road exit and turn toward the mountains and enter the park 3.8 miles from the Interstate. On the east side and from Highway 54, exit on Fred Wilson Road and turn west toward the mountains. The third primary access point is near the summit of the Transmountain Road (Loop 375). and is a parking lot with two trail heads.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

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