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Things To Do at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas
I'm a tiny speck amongst the majestically carved Franklin Mountains & the vast Chihuahuan Desert landscape that surround me. I wipe a bead of sweat from my brow. It's barely 8 a.m. but the sun is no joke. I pull the brim of my El Paso hat down to cover as much of my face as possible. This is Franklin Mountains State Park.
I'm exploring Franklin Mountains State Park as a familiarization tour guest of Visit El Paso. El Paso is a city in El Paso County, which you can find located in the far western part of the U.S. state of Texas. I look at the other travel influencers, journalists, bloggers, & writers. Everyone is taking photos. I put my phone on a wooden post, set a self-timer for 3, 2, 1. I smile. "Cheese!" I say to myself. I look at the picture.
It's glorious. Mother Earth is photogenic in that way. If you're a nature lover, hiking fan, or desert enthusiast, add Franklin Mountains State Park to your El Paso, Texas To Do List. There are several activities you can do all year long, fall, winter, spring, summer!
Latitude: 31.908166
Longitude: -106.525458
Headquarters
2900 Tom Mays Access Rd.
El Paso, TX 79911
Entrance Fees
Adult: $5 Daily
Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Group - Adult: Contact the Park
Reservations and Hours
Since they tend to reach capacity, it's highly recommended to make reservations for both camping and day use. As far as their hours go: from the first Saturday in April to the first Saturday in September, gate hours are extended on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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1. Nature Watching
The state park has a diverse ecosystem of birds, reptiles, coyotes, squirrels & maybe a mule deer or perhaps you'll spot a mountain lion. Leave nothing but footprints! Leave all plants, animals, minerals, and artifacts in the park as you found them. Everything in the park is protected by state law for everyone’s enjoyment.
2. Rock Climbing
Go on a rock climbing adventure at Franklin Mountains State Park! Bring your own equipment & climb at the designated area in McKelligon Canyon or at Sneed’s Cory in the Tom Mays Unit. McKelligon Canyon has a 1,503-seat amphitheater for concerts, graduations, etc.
3. Camping
Stay at one of 14 tent campsites or 5 RV sites. Campsites don't have water or electricity. Click here to find out more about Franklin Mountains State Park camping & RV options. Campfires are permitted but only in fire rings. No gathering of firewood is permitted.
4. Dining
Ok, there aren't any restaurants for visitors but you can still enjoy a meal on the mountain. Find picnic benches & shade so you can take in the view while you eat. It's such a good view. I loved eating my breakfast & watched the desert come to life in the morning.
5. Hike a Trail
Spend the day on the trail. The hiking trails at Franklin Mountains State Park are intense. You could spend a lot of time exploring the 100 miles of trails on almost 27,000 acres. Now that's quite a hike. Hikers should always bring water, cell phone, good shoes, & a hiking buddy. Walk around, enjoy the view and the trail.
6. History
Native American tribes made the area their home for thousands of years. Find their deep mortar pits for grinding seeds. If you're really lucky, you might spot their colorful pictographs & etched petroglyphs on boulders & rock walls.
7. Events
Franklin Mountains has an active events page which you can check out here.
8. Bring Your Pet
You can bring your pet but they have to be on a 6-foot leash. Please pick up after them.
Clear your mind & spend time with nature at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas. Start off with a peaceful brunch on the mountain then camp overnight after a long day of exploring the trails. The entrance fee for adults is $5. Children 12 years & under are free. What are you waiting for? :] State parks are always fun to visit. Since there is no water or electricity available at RV camps or campsites, don't forget to bring plenty of water.
There are so many things that you can do in El Paso if you're in the area. From food to craft beer to plays, there's no shortage of ideas.
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Related reading: Celebrating My 1 Year Self-Employment Anniversary in El Paso
Which activity sounds the most fun to you? :]
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