Things To Do
Walking, Hiking & Biking
El Paso has become the undisputed mecca for some of the regions best mountain bike trails by virtue of its rocky terrain, views that go on for days and trails that range from beginner to advanced and suit all riding abilities. Access the trails via Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park, fee is $4 per person.
The Tom Mays Unit is the Thanksgiving table of the local parks system: it has something for everyone. hiking, mountain biking, road biking, birding, rock climbing, camping and picnicking are all available for outdoors enthusiasts of every stripe. This portion of the Franklin Mountains State Park offers endless possibilities for hikes, ranging from easy to extremely hard.
Seen as a paradise for world-class climbing and archeological research, Hueco Tanks encompasses three low mountains that rise 6,787 feet above sea level. Its structure once sheltered tribes such as the Jornada Mogollan People, Mescalero Apaches and Tigua Indians, giving them a stronghold. Here, thousands of rock and cave paintings of masks and stories can be observed. The famous structure of this arroyo provides unique hollows, or huecos, that capture rainwater. For a dry and weary land, Hueco Tanks can hold pockets of water for months at a time while the Chihuahua Desert lays baked. Known as the best spot for bouldering in the world, the ideal time to visit is November through March when it is not as hot.
The Lost Dog trails are situated in west El Paso and offer scenic and technical terrains. The area is about 14 square miles in size and some parts sit within the Franklin Mountains State Park. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Nestled on the south eastern side of the Franklin Mountains and surrounded by desert canyon walls, McKelligon Canyon is a popular destination known for its rock climbing, hiking, running, walking and biking. Visitors have a variety of rock climbing routes to choose from and the symmetric terrain is filled with crevices and cracks. All hiking trails including the Ron Coleman Trail begin at the end of McKelligon Canyon and are open year round. Please note, McKelligon Canyon is part of the Franklin Mountains State Park and therefore is subject to fees and restrictions from the Texas parks and Wildlife Department.
The Rio Grande provides a picturesque backdrop for bird watching. The trail is a stretch of paved trail that parallels the Rio Grande from the New Mexico State Line in Anthony, TX to County Club Road in El Paso, TX. Whether you walk, jog, or ride a bike, this trail provides vistas of the Franklin Mountains to the east and the mesa’s of New Mexico to the west in a quiet and soothing environment.
The 10.5 mile long trail can be accessed at the following unofficial parking locations:
Family Dollar Parking Lot-8000 Doniphan Dr. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Parking Lot-311 West Borderland Road El Abrigado Animal Clinic Parking Lot-900 Country Club Road