The 5 Most Amazing Peaks in El Paso County
Best mountain peaks in El Paso County, Texas, are found within the Franklin Mountains, offering diverse desert landscapes and panoramic views. This region provides opportunities for challenging climbs and scenic hikes. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain and unique natural features, including views extending into New Mexico and Mexico.
Best mountain peaks in El Paso County
- The most popular mountain peaks is View of North Franklin Mountain, a summit that is the highest point in El Paso…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
South Franklin Mountain summit
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Ranger Peak
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Comanche Peak
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Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Hut and View
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View of North Franklin Mountain
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Tips from the Community
At an elevation of 7,192 feet, North Franklin Mountain is the highest peak in the Franklin Mountains. Couple that statistic with the fact that the route to gain the peak is a little less burly than the route to South Franklin, and you have a recipe for a busier trail. You still probably won't see a ton of other runners and hikers once you make it up to the ridge.
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South Franklin Mountain is a 6,791-foot peak in Franklin Mountain State Park. It's a little over 300 feet lower than the tallest peak in the range, North Franklin Mountain, but it doesn't lack in views. The Mammoth and Fusselman Canyon expand to the west and north, and you can see deep into Mexico from the summit when looking south.
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With a handful of buildings and a couple cell towers are the top, Comanche Peak doesn't have a super exciting summit view, but it can be a quad burner to try to run up. It's a grade equal to 600–700 feet of gain/loss per mile most of the way to the top on a dirt road so you can plan on flying down on your way back.
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Ranger Peak reaches up to 5,653 feet. You can look north from the peak and see nearly the entire Franklin Mountain Range on a clear day. If you look south, the town of El Paso and the bordering cities in Mexico can be seen.
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At the base of McKelligon Canyon is the start for the route up Sugarloaf Mountain. The trail uses rock cairns and red trail markers to help users stay on the right path, but this trail can be easy to lose and requires a small scramble at the top. The mountain tops out at 5,226 feet and has an old hut with great views of the foothills marking the top.
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Ranger Peak has an elevation of 5,653 ft (1,723 m). Reaching the summit awards hikers with clear views of the El Paso area as well as the Franklin Mountain range.
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The summit of North Franklin Mountain is the highest point in El Paso County at an elevation of 7,192 ft (2,192 m) above sea level. From the top, hikers and climbers enjoy views of the stunning desert scapes of Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
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South Franklin Mountain stands at 6,791 ft (2,069.9 m). From the summit, hikers enjoy views of El Paso, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. September - May provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and climbing in this area, as summers are very hot and dry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain peaks offer the best views in El Paso County?
For expansive views, View of North Franklin Mountain, the highest point in the county, provides stunning desert vistas across Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. South Franklin Mountain summit offers views of El Paso, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez. From Ranger Peak, you can see the entire Franklin Mountain Range and the cities below.
What are the highest mountain peaks in El Paso County?
The highest peak in El Paso County is View of North Franklin Mountain, standing at 7,192 feet (2,192 meters) above sea level. South Franklin Mountain summit is also prominent at 6,791 feet (2,069.9 meters).
What is the best time of year to hike the mountain peaks in El Paso County?
The most comfortable temperatures for hiking and climbing in El Paso County are typically from September to May. Summers can be very hot and dry, making these months more challenging for outdoor activities.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain trails in El Paso County?
The mountain trails in El Paso County, particularly in the Franklin Mountains, feature rugged desert terrain. You can expect rocky paths, some scrambles, and trails marked by rock cairns and red markers, as seen on the route to Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Hut and View.
Are there challenging climbs available in El Paso County?
Yes, many peaks in El Paso County offer challenging climbs. Both South Franklin Mountain summit and Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Hut and View are considered challenging. Comanche Peak is also known for its steep dirt road, offering a significant workout.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks in El Paso County?
Beyond peak bagging, El Paso County offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Popular routes include the North Franklin Peak Trail for hiking and the Trans-Mountain Highway for cycling.
Are there any unique landmarks or features on the mountain peaks?
Yes, Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Hut and View features an old hut at its summit, providing a distinctive landmark. Comanche Peak has a handful of buildings and cell towers at its top.
What are some popular hiking trails in the El Paso County mountains?
Popular hiking trails include the North Franklin Peak Trail, which leads to the highest point in the county. The Trans-Franklin Mountain Trail is another moderate option. For easier hikes, consider the Lower Sunset Loop. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking in El Paso County guide.
What natural features can I expect to see on the mountain trails?
The trails in El Paso County's mountains showcase the rugged beauty of the desert landscape. You'll encounter diverse desert flora and fauna, rock formations, and panoramic views of vast desert scapes, including those extending into New Mexico and Mexico from higher elevations.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks in El Paso County?
Visitors frequently enjoy the stunning panoramic views from the summits, especially those overlooking El Paso, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juarez. The challenging climbs and the sense of accomplishment from reaching the top of prominent peaks like North Franklin Mountain are also highly appreciated.
Are there any intermediate difficulty mountain peaks to explore?
Yes, Ranger Peak is categorized as an intermediate summit, offering clear views without the extreme challenge of some other peaks. The route to North Franklin Mountain is also considered less strenuous than South Franklin, making it an intermediate option for many.
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