The best walks and hikes in El Paso County

The Trans-Franklin Mountain Trail offers a rugged, high-desert hiking experience within Franklin Mountains State Park, showcasing unique geological formations and diverse desert flora. You'll navigate rocky, steep sections with loose rock, but the effort is rewarded with expansive panoramic views of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico, especially from the North Franklin Mountain Summit Junction. This moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route involves 948 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for direct sun exposure, as shade is limited; bring plenty of water. The trail is popular from April to October, and dogs are welcome. While generally considered moderate, some sections are strenuous, so it's best for hikers with a reasonable fitness level who are comfortable with rocky terrain and elevation changes.

This trail is a gem for birdwatchers, with over 100 species, including golden eagles, making their home in the high-desert environment. It provides a significant wilderness experience just minutes from El Paso, highlighting the unique urban wilderness of one of the largest city parks in the United States. After rainfall, the desert can bloom with vibrant colors, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

Embark on a rugged journey up the North Franklin Peak Trail, where the Chihuahuan Desert's beauty unfolds with every step. The path is a steady climb over rocky, uneven terrain, eventually becoming quite steep as you near the summit. You'll navigate through sections of loose scree, passing resilient cacti and yucca, before reaching the flattened summit area, which offers an expansive 360-degree view of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico.

This moderate 3.8-mile (6.2 km) hike, with its 2201 feet (671 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes. It's a challenging ascent, so come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water, especially given the desert environment. The trail is within Franklin Mountains State Park, which has an entry fee, and you'll need to plan your visit around the park's 5 PM gate locking time.

North Franklin Peak stands as the highest point in El Paso, rising over 3,000 feet above the desert floor. The mountain itself is the seventeenth highest point in Texas, making this a notable achievement for peak baggers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the geology and diverse flora of the Franklin Mountains, a significant part of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.

If you're looking for an accessible introduction to the Chihuahuan Desert, the Lower Sunset Loop is an excellent choice. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with 439 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from wide doubletrack to scenic cliffside singletrack, offering expansive views of western Texas and the Franklin Mountains. Keep an eye out for diverse desert flora like blooming cacti and ocotillo, and you might even spot jackrabbits or roadrunners.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as this loop is suitable for beginners and families. While generally easy, some sections have loose rock, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Always bring enough water, especially when hiking in the desert. The trail is particularly beautiful in spring and summer after rain, when desert plants are in bloom, but winter offers cooler temperatures for a comfortable outing.

What makes the Lower Sunset Loop truly stand out is its ability to showcase the unique Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem in a relatively short distance. The diverse terrain, including arroyos and foothills, culminates in a stunning cliffside section often praised as one of West Texas's nicest trail segments. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy panoramic desert vistas without committing to a full-day trek.

The Palisades Canyon Loop offers a rugged desert journey through the Franklin Mountains, perfect for those who enjoy a technical challenge. You'll navigate narrow, rocky singletrack, including sections of the Thousand Steps Trail and Monk’s Trail, with plenty of loose footing and rock dodging. This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hike features 857 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes, rewarding your effort with panoramic views of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez from higher points.

Planning your visit requires some preparation; there are no water sources or restrooms along the route, so bring plenty of water. While some sections might be less clearly marked, the trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the desert landscape. For the most spectacular vistas, especially of the city lights, consider hiking in the late afternoon or early evening.

This loop is a significant local attraction, preserving a challenging outdoor adventure that was once slated for residential development. It showcases the raw beauty of the Franklin Mountains and the striking contrast of urban sprawl against a natural desert backdrop. The trail is also open to mountain bikers, adding to its varied character and appeal for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Lost Dog, El Refri, Brujos Garden, and Lechuguilla Loop offers a fantastic cross-section of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape in El Paso. This moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hike, with its 507 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes, guiding you through diverse terrain from lush desert with saguaro cacti on Lost Dog to the rugged singletrack of Brujos Garden. You'll experience sweeping valley vistas and even pass a quirky old refrigerator landmark on the El Refri section, making for a memorable and varied outing.

When planning your visit, remember that these trails are multi-use, popular with both hikers and mountain bikers. Dogs are welcome, sometimes off-leash, within Franklin Mountains State Park. Always carry ample water, especially during warmer periods, as you'll be exposed to the desert sun. Trailheads in the Lost Dog area typically offer parking, but it's always a good idea to arrive early on busy days.

This combined loop showcases the extensive desert trail network of Franklin Mountains State Park, recognized as the largest urban park in the United States. While sections like Lost Dog and Lechuguilla are generally moderate and less technical, the Brujos Garden trail introduces a challenging, expert-level singletrack. This mix provides a great opportunity to experience different facets of the desert, from well-maintained paths to more rugged climbs, appealing to a range of hiking abilities.

Embark on a diverse desert adventure with the Tin Mine to Scenic Road to Rock Shock to Lazy Cow Loop, a moderate 9.5-mile (15.3 km) hiking route that packs 932 feet (284 metres) of elevation gain into approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. This trail offers a fantastic blend of smooth singletrack and rocky sections, winding through vibrant Chihuahuan Desert vegetation where you might spot ocotillo, barrel cacti, and local wildlife like jackrabbits and roadrunners.

Planning your visit to this Franklin Mountains State Park hiking gem is best done between September and May to avoid the scorching summer heat. While specific parking details for this combined loop are general, you'll typically access it from a trailhead within the park. Always bring ample water for this desert excursion, and check park advisories for any updates on conditions or access.

One of the standout features of this loop is the historical significance of the El Paso Tin Mines, the only tin mines ever operated in the United States, which you can explore along the route. The Lazy Cow Loop Trail component is particularly noted for its accessibility and the rich variety of desert plant life it showcases, making it a unique experience within the Franklin Mountains.

Explore the Chamizal National Memorial trails, an easy 1.8-mile (2.8 km) hike that takes about 43 minutes to complete, with a gentle 14 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain. The paths are a mix of paved and hard-packed red gravel, winding through gently rolling hills. You'll walk along the US-Mexico border, catching views of the Bridge of the Americas and passing historic Boundary Fence posts, with distant glimpses of the Franklin and Juarez Mountains from the Cordova Island Trail.

This accessible route is perfect for a relaxed outing, whether you're hiking, jogging, or cycling. The memorial offers comfort stations, restrooms, and water fountains, ensuring a convenient visit. Dogs are welcome to join you on the trails, provided they are on a leash, and no special permits are needed.

What truly sets this route apart is its historical significance, commemorating the peaceful resolution of a century-long border dispute. Beyond the Chamizal National Memorial hiking routes, the site also functions as a cultural center, featuring art galleries, a theater, and a museum that delves into the rich history of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Thousand Steps Trail offers a concise yet immersive experience of the unique desert environment within Franklin Mountains State Park. You'll navigate a rocky, steep path that quickly elevates you above the surrounding landscape, revealing rugged desert scenery and the potential for vibrant wildflowers. This 0.7-mile (1.2 km) route, with its 249 feet (76 metres) of elevation gain, provides a solid workout in just 22 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, impactful hike.

When planning your visit, be mindful of the intense sun exposure and lack of shade characteristic of the desert. It's highly recommended to carry ample water, especially during warmer periods, and to consider hiking in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat. The trail is located within Franklin Mountains State Park, so be sure to confirm park operating hours and any entry requirements before heading out.

Beyond the scenic ascent, the Thousand Steps Trail also provides access to the B-36 Crash Overlook, where remnants from a 1953 aircraft tragedy can still be observed. This historical element adds a unique layer to the hike, offering a moment of reflection amidst the expansive views of the western valley. It's a short but memorable journey into both nature and history.

The River Park Trail offers a remarkably long, yet generally flat, hiking experience along the Rio Grande. You'll traverse a mix of paved sections and natural paths, winding beneath a canopy of black walnut, shagbark hickory, and sycamore trees. Keep an eye out for various birds and other wildlife in this peaceful setting, making it a great option for those who enjoy extended walks with consistent riverside views.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is accessible from its entrance along the Rio Grande, and no permits are required. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the park area provides amenities like picnic spots and restrooms. Remember to bring plenty of water for this extensive 20.6-mile (33.1 km) journey, which is rated difficult due to its length and will take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

This trail is notable for its commitment to environmental education, highlighting the delicate balance between human activity and natural resources. With only 127 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, it's a test of endurance rather than vertical challenge, suitable for experienced hikers looking for a full day out. Leashed pets are welcome, but bikes and skateboards are not permitted on the trail.