Things To Do
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.
See Texas with an Altitude! GeoBetty Tours offers guided hiking and mountain biking tours in El Paso’s Franklin Mountains State Park. Excursions are customized to the abilities and fitness levels of those involved. Knowledgeable and fun guides will tell you about local history, plants and animals. Plus, you’ll see areas few get to see. Excursions range from a few hours to all-day Late model, full suspension mountain bike rentals available.
At Hueco Tanks, visitors can hike, rock climb, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic and stargaze. Also available are guided and self-guided tours to hike and view rock imagery. Stop by the interpretive center, in a historic ranch house, to learn about the park and its history.
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.
