Click here for more information on other guided First Day Hikes.
]]>This is going to be a great opportunity for females of all ages who may feel some apprehension or fear about starting this new activity. She will learn all of the fundamentals of hiking, taking a slower pace, starting with beginner level trails, and have an experienced guide along for the entire hike to lead them, assist, and answer any questions. The support that comes from having an all women’s hike is unmatched; you’ll be surrounded by fellow first time female hikers all trying something new, and the comfortable environment created from setting up a newbies hike like this can really allow each woman to take the experience at her own pace, enjoy the learning process, and ease her into the fantastic world of hiking!
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
]]>FMSP will be showing a movie from the Series "Texas: The State of Water" the first and third Fridays this month. We'll offer a Free showing of "Rango" the second and fourth Fridays for the kids. Call headquarters at: (915) 566-6441 and sign up soon!
*Bring: Snacks, drinks, and a comfy lawn chair (We'll also provide seating)
This Chili Cook Off is Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) sanctioned. “CASI raises money for charity through the promotion of American red chili. CASI sanctions over 500 chili cook offs internationally each year as qualifying events for the Terlingua International Chili Championship. This grand spectacle is held the first Saturday of November each year at the society’s grounds in Terlingua, Texas.” -- www.chili.org.
From 1-10 take the Transmountain Rd exit, travel 3.8 miles and the entrance gate will be on your left. From Hwy 54 in El Paso, take the Transmountain Rd exit and travel 7.5 miles, over the summit, and the entrance will be on your right.
For more information contact Franklin Mountains State Park at (915) 566-6441, or call (915)781-1932 xt:25.
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Must have reservation to participate
**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
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Payment: Correct Cash or Check
Fees
$8.00 per adult
$1.00 kids 5-12 yrs old
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Length: about 2.5 miles / 1.5 - 2 hours
*Difficulty Level: Steep initial descent down old jeep road; transition to relatively well maintained trail with technical sections into the canyon, leveling out along the ridgeline, then another steep and technical descent down the backside before becoming an easy leisurely stroll down the trail. We’ll reconnect with the old jeep road and have one final steep ascent back up to the start of the trail.
Schaeffer's Shuffle takes a hiker deep into the canyon and arroyo for a pleasant excursion - an escape from the city sounds, yet within the city limits, this hike is great to get the feeling that you are fully removed from civilization. Learn about the history of the uses of the land and the Franklin Mountains such as ranching, tin mining, and as a pathway to distant destinations.
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Geocaching is a type of treasure hunt using a GPS unit to help you find hidden "caches" placed by people all over the world. We invite you and your family to join us in discovering hidden items while revealing exciting facts and stories about Texas State Parks. Units will be provided – however, if you have your own device, please bring it.
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Must have reservation to participate
(Need reservation by Friday before activity day)
**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
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The Franklin Mountains State Park is offering the Women's Only Hike on Friday, September 14, 2012. It is a reservation only hike, so please call the park headquarters between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (915) 566-6441 to make your reservation. A regular $5.00 entrance fee and a $3.00 activity fee apply = total of $8.00; however, Texas State Parks Pass holders only pay $3.00 since all TSPP holders receive free entrance in to all Texas State Parks.
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TRAILHEAD: Meet at the front entrance gate/front parking lot of the Tom Mays Unit.
Start Time: 6:30 a.m.
Length: 1.4 miles/ 1 - 1.5 hours
*Difficulty Level: Moderate. Begin with a gradual incline over scree, or rubble, proving to be somewhat challenging for some; then connect to Agave Loop which is mostly well maintained trail with some steep declines towards the end.
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This is going to be a great opportunity for females of all ages who may feel some apprehension or fear about starting this new activity. They will learn all of the fundamentals of hiking, taking a slower pace, starting with beginner level trails, and have an experienced guide along for the entire hike to lead them, assist, and answer any questions. The support that comes from having an all women’s hike is unmatched; you’ll be surrounded by fellow first time female hikers all trying something new, and the comfortable environment created from setting up a newbies hike like this can really allow each woman to take the experience at her own pace, enjoy the learning process, and ease her into the fantastic world of hiking!
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Must have reservation to participate
**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
]]>Cost: Regular entrance fee to the park of $5.00. Texas Park Pass holders receive free entrance in to all Texas State Parks, so this event is free to TSPP holders.
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Among a day full of presentations, hikes, and activities by all of the great entities participating in this event, the Franklin Mountains State Park will be offering 5 different programs:
- 9:30 a.m. – Upper Sunset trail: short 30 minute hike with discussion of Land Conservation
- 10:30 a.m. – Lower Sunset trail: short 30 minute hike with discussion of park activities/opportunities
- 11:00 -1:00 – Geocaching 101 workshop
- 1:00 p.m. – Mineshaft tour: short 40 minute hike/tour into the West Cottonwood Mines
- 1:40 p.m. – Mineshaft tour: short 40 minute hike/tour into the West Cottonwood Mines
If you are an experienced desert goer, the event makes for a great time to renew friendships with other members of the community and to make new friends. If you are a novice with little or no experience, attending the event will help you connect with the Chihuahuan Desert and its amazing biodiversity, geology and cultural resources.
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Must have reservation to participate
(Need reservation by Friday before hike day)
**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, headlamps/flashlights for early morning dark hours, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
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Check In/Pay at: Front Gate of Tom Mays Entrance and have correct cash or check (no credit card). We'll then drive to trailhead.
Start Time: 6:00 a.m.
Length: 3-4 miles/ 2.5 – 3 hours
*Difficulty Level: Strenuous. From the trailhead we will venture into the canyon on a well maintained section of trail; once we reach the incline, the trail becomes increasingly steep, with trail becoming more rugged in sections. This hike will conclude above the “Mammoth” or about 1.5 to 2 miles down the trail, then we will return using the same route (the entire stretch of the Ron Coleman Trail is about 3.8 miles one way).
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Join the challenge! If you haven't already created an account or profile, head on over to the Peak Fitness Challenge website where you can log your miles, compete for prizes, win door prizes and reach new goals and summits: geobetty.com/peak. This is a new program to support your State and National Parks founded by Franklin Mountains State Park, Texas Mountain Trail Region, Geobetty and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We'll see you out on the trails!
]]>Must have reservation to participate
**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
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Description: Join your rangers, amateur astronomers and Girl Scouts for a night of starry stories about our Cosmic neighborhood. Enjoy presentations and activities that will help you understand the wonders of the night skies; you’ll also learn how to use telescopes and techniques to locate constellations and a variety of cosmic objects above. Bring binoculars, a flashlight, snacks and water.
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Friday, September 21– Night 1 of 2 “Find Your Place Among the Stars” @ Franklin Mountains State Park
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains SP
Payment: Correct Cash or Check
Fees -- $8.00 per adult / $1.00 kids 5-12
]]>Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
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Payment: Correct Cash or Check
$8.00 per adult
$1.00 kids 5-12 yrs old
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TRAILHEAD: Meet at the info/pay booth of the Tom Mays Unit.
Start Time: 7:00 a.m.
Length: 2.5 miles / 1.5 - 2 hours
*Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate. We’ll encounter some elevation gains, with some short steep inclines/declines, a few rocky/rough sections, and great vistas as we walk along the ridgeline.
This is going to be a great opportunity for females of all ages who may feel some apprehension or fear about starting this new activity. They will learn all of the fundamentals of hiking, taking a slower pace, starting with beginner level trails, and have an experienced guide along for the entire hike to lead them, assist, and answer any questions. The support that comes from having an all women’s hike is unmatched; you’ll be surrounded by fellow first time female hikers all trying something new, and the comfortable environment created from setting up a newbies hike like this can really allow each woman to take the experience at her own pace, enjoy the learning process, and ease her into the fantastic world of hiking!
]]>Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking stick, camera, binoculars, a map and dogs are welcome on leashes!
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Payment: Correct Cash or Check
$5.00 per adult
FREE for kids 5-12 yrs old
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Trailhead: Meet at the info/pay booth in the Tom Mays Unit (hike starts at West Cottonwood trailhead)
Start Time: 7:00 a.m.
Length: 8 miles/ 6 hours
*Difficulty Level: Strenuous/Difficult. Begin with a gradual incline over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some; then transition to a steady climb over loose rubble/rocks. Continue to meander across the ridgeline to the highest peak in the park, North Franklin Peak! Bring your camera, the views are unbelievable with a 360 perspective of our region – provided with views of Mexico, the City of El Paso, and into New Mexico.
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Join the challenge! If you haven't already created an account or profile, head on over to the Peak Fitness Challenge website (http://beta.geobetty.com/peak/) where you can log your miles, compete for prizes, win door prizes and reach new goals and summits. The park will not be charging an activity fee for this hike; only the regular fee entrance of $5.00 applies. This is a new program to support your State and National Parks; We'll see you out on the trails!
]]>When: Sunday, October 14, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Tom Mays Unit – Franklin Mountains SP
FREE entrance for this event - the park will be waiving the entrance fee for participants of this special program!
Bring: Water, light jacket, and a mat or towel.
Must have reservation – Call Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Headquarters: (915) 566 - 6441
Yoga instructors from Ananda Yoga Pilates and Wellness will be leading this free program. It is an all levels class, so whether you are a beginner or experienced, bring a mat and come out to the Franklin Mountains State Park for a unique and relaxing experience.
THERE IS A LIMIT FOR THIS CLASS, SO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS SOON!
]]>*Tim Roberts (TPWD Archaeologist)
*Jennifer McGuirre(Contract Archaeologist)
*Mark Howe (IBWC Archaeologist) -- And more to be announced….
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**Make your reservation by calling: (915) 566-6441.**
Bring: Water, snacks, jacket/hat/gloves or blanket, and comfy chair (metal chairs will be provided)
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Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Headquarters Building (1331 McKelligon Canyon)
Discussion/Topic: Learn about the fascinating world of Archaeology straight from the archaeologists themselves! They will discuss a variety of instruments and tools used to “unveil” conspicuous rock art such as XRF, Image J and Dstretch. The panel of archaeologists will hold a Q&A for guests so you can ask them anything you’ve ever wanted to ask an archaeologist and powerpoint presentations will be shown to bring you deeper understanding and awareness of the type of work they do. You can also experience archaeology with the hands on activities and displays that they will bring to the program. Coffee, hot cocoa and pastries will be provided – so pull up a chair and join us for a great evening!
]]>30 year career in international mining and petroleum and 11 years at TPWD
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Must have reservation to participate
**call: (915) 566-6441.**
Weather permitting
10 Person maximum – so make your reservations soon!
- Location: 404 hwy – A ranger will leave the Tom Mays Unit entrance at 8:00 a.m. if you would like to follow (meet at the pay booth at 8:00 a.m.)
- Length: 2.5 miles total / 3.5 hours
- *Difficulty Level: The hike to the cave is short but strenuous. We will be traversing over loose rock in sections, then trek up the side of Anthony’s Nose Mtn. side on an undefined trail to the opening of Anthony’s Cave.
IMPORTANT- Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, camera, binoculars, good head covering or helmet, 2 working hands-free light sources, gloves, trash bag (for the muddy cave clothes) and change of clothes for the drive home.
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