Reviews of Franklin Mountains State Park (Park)

Marc S

This is a beautiful state park. There are multiple hiking trails of various degrees of difficulty. Even though the park is near a busy highway, you cannot hear the sound of traffic. One of the best features here is a bird hide they have set up. I could sit in there for hours to watch the birds at the watering hole. I have not used their camping services yet, but I suspect they are adequate.

Isaac C

A hidden gem in the desert. Beautiful place. Busy only a few times a year. A good place to be in nature and soak up natural beauty!

Josh Tasman

This park has nice views and hiking paths. Make sure you bring plenty of water and sports drinks if you go during the day; it gets extremely hot and it's very easy to get dehydrated. The paths are pretty well marked and some can get steep (especially apparent on the downslope), so make sure you bring a good set of hiking boots. Also note, the park charges $5 per person to enter.

Lester Terry

Nice views and amazing scenery

Jcort nahhh.

Great trails for everyone's fitness level. Just try to go early in the morning because it can get really hot out there. $5 charge per person , ages 12 and under are free.

Timothy Edgren

So many trails to choose from, and every week there's something to do if you want to. Ranger-led hikes and tours, and they're building a new visitor center on the Tom Mays side, which will be great for the West Siders. My recent hike on the Ron Coleman trail was a pleasure, but all the trails seem really well trafficked and worthwhile.

Donna Brenon

We went to the show and the canyon if you get there at the beginning of the show as far as a year begins the tickets are usually have off now the regular price but the show is really good enjoyable

Wayne terry

They really screwed up things for me. Nice place to visit interesting. Not much in the way of amenities . If you reserve an area it seems that anyone can still just go there if they get there before you. Poor follow-up, poor service.

Evangelina Aguilera

Paths are great for early morning runs, it's peaceful, enjoy the scenary!!!

Suzanne Dickerson Bruder

Nature inspires awe. Administration of the park is the worst. We missed a geology tour due to lack of signage and staff to ask questions of. Poor signage of trails. General lack of information and no staff at entrance booth.

Jonathan Smith

This park is an amazing area to test yourself (within reason) and experience hiking in gentle slopes or craggy peaks. Picnic areas are available in the McKelligon Canyon area to take in the sights of overlooking El Paso or to rest up before your next adventure. If hiking isn't your thing but you still want to see the sights, take a trip up the Wyler Aerial Tramway and take in the breathtaking views of El Paso, Juarez, and New Mexico from atop the mountain.

Veronica Goosey

With a wide variety of kid-friendly and more advanced trails, this park in the middle of El Paso is great for desert hiking.

Sharon Leonard

This hike was unlike any hike I have been on before. Definitely need a good set of hiking boots and lots of water. We took the Ron Coleman Trail and was pretty rugged. I enjoyed going up this trail and would love to do it again!

Fernie Fernandez

Such a great place for families. The scenery is absolutely amazing!

McKade Christensen

Awesome area to hike. Great views of the city.

Rick Donotknow

Great place to hike and great camping spots

Bruchpilot1982

Excellent area for hikes. Beautifull overlooks.

Doreen Mthembu

So serene it is breathtaking for the not so young! Easy hiking trails!

Eric Ethridge

Nice views good place to hike and bike.

Clifton Floyd

The total hike is a little over 3 miles. It's short bit strenuous. Good for a quick hike. There are 2 shallow caves. Take plenty of water and good shoes. Great view! This is the Ron Coleman Trail in McKelligon Canyon.

j rod

Great hike in town! If only people knew the great mountains in our backyard, get out, exercise, enjoy the view, have fun!!!

Mercy Maw Bear

Great views.

Kat Salas

This is a very large park with many trails. Self pay trail heads, as well as camping in certain areas of the park. The elephant hike is my favorite off transmountian road. Great for families and tourists.

Umbra Opus

An awesome park to hang out in.

Juan Garcia

Beautiful view, covered pavilions offering shade and grills scattered around.

Annett Rodriguez

Always clean and relaxing

Rito Reagan

Franklin Mountains State Park is a Texas state park in El Paso, Texas, in the United States. Park headquarters are located at an elevation of 5,426 feet (1,654 m) with the highest peak reaching 7,192 feet (2,192 m). It is the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits, covering 24,247.56 acres (9,813 ha). Franklin Mountains State Park is open year-round for recreational hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and scenic driving and vistas.

Edric Ray

Went on a guided hike this morning, led by Ranger Lydia. Awesome views! With an informative and friendly tour guide! Highly recommended!!

Aaron Martinez

Safe trails even for older people like me 50+

Derrick Neckel

Did the N. Franklin Peak hike on a Friday in early May. Passed one couple coming down on my way up and saw a few other hikers by the Cottonwood Springs trail on my descent. Great hike, but it is pretty loose and rocky, I recommend at least heavy soled trail runners, but hiking boots are a must if you have any ankle issues. Still some ocotillo's in bloom and the prickly pears where starting.

Andy Vasquez

Ron Coleman trail. Easy to get to. Easy to Moderately difficult hike. Dog friendly. Spectacular views. Eager to return.

donna mayle

There are several trails here. The nature trails are for beginners. The Aztec trail is moderate but does have some steep climbing just before the caves. The views are gorgeous. The caves stay cool but there is no shade outside of the caves. It's $5.00 per person if you don't have an annual pass. Well worth the price. You can see for miles. Make sure you bring plenty of Water and a snack. There is no water available. We did a family hiking event with TKFit on the Aztec Trail. There were several children and even a few babies. Great time was had by all.

Austin Wigley

A great location for hiking / camping, absolutely beautiful. However, there appears to be a very convoluted method of reaching an actual person via telephone (if there is one at all) and if you camp here you are locked in all night. Bring boltcutters if it's urgent for you to leave before 6-7AM, there's a large traffic gate that cannot be circumvented with 4WD. I stopped here overnight on a road trip and saw not a single other human my entire 12 hour stay, had to park by the gate in the morning and wait for rangers to come let me out.

Anahi Soto

Aztec cave trail. Easy, family friendly. Closed toe shoes, very rocky path. A bit challenging coming down. Probably like 45min back and forth. 5dlls to get in, definitely worth. There's other trails, so if you are planning on hiking more than one, best to arrive early. Opens at 8am, closed at 5pm.

Alla D

Lived here for many years and didn't know about the caves. Great place to hike and enjoy the views!

Ransom Anna Sanchez

If you go to the Aztec caves, please know the trail is not flat buy covered in rocks. The whole trail. Wearing good shoes is a must.

Carlos Sandoval

Nice open campgrounds and great hiking and scenery

rafael a

Friendly gate rangers at Tom Mays. Excellent trails for hiking and mountain biking for all levels of experience. Plenty of scenic views.

Duane Carbine

Not necessarily a destination spot but worth a quick stop on Friday to watch the sunset prior to a nice dinner. This was our first time in El Paso, no wait and the weather was fine. Talking with the staff it appears timing is everything, on most days the wait is considerable and often crowded at the summit.

Marcus G Owens

Went here to go droning with friends. Haven't been here since I was a kid. The attendant was very friendly and they're building a visitors center - good move. I look forward to going back.

Paul Hermosillo

Start early even when it's a cool day it will take you longer than you think. Bring more water than you need. If going to the top take at least 64oz a person. Worth the trip to the top. About 3 hours up and 90 minutes down for the average person. Can be faster if you are aggressive and in good shape but I recommend just enjoying the views both ways.

Christopher Trom

This is a great place for hiking, but the trash and graffiti that is visible from anywhere within the park severely detracts from what would otherwise be a beautiful place. The shards of glass that litter the grounds pose a hazard, particularly in parts of the park where you would want to use your hands to aid in your hike/climb.

KR3ØÜX

Not going to lie, it's alot of cardio, but it's worth hiking, especially when you're hiking with your friends by your side, overall good adventure for you adrenaline junkies

Noel Blanco

I love the ease of accessing the park. The views are amazing

Peter Lupia

The mountains here are so beautiful. I love the hiking trails available and climbing. You can't beat the views of this beautiful area.

FABIAN SIGALA OROZCO

Great place for hiking, it has a cost of 5 dollars per person

Jason H

This is an extremely beautiful place to visit drive up and look off the side reflect on life worth the time

Gildardo Talavera

On sunny days try to get there as early as possible to avoid most of the sun going uphill and, remember to carry plenty of water as well as some fruit or any form of sugar, take your time on the steep segments of the trail.

Rajen Goutam

Good place to go but difficult to return

A A

Excellent place for mountain biking and hiking. You appreciate the desert in a different way being there.

Iskandar Nareg Kourkjian-Mowad

It's a beautiful, easily accessible park with great hikes and stunning scenery. Remember to bring your water bottle, though! You'll start sweating on the inclines even in winter.

Lisa Widmer

Loop 1 and 2 Hike. Always a pleasure to meet new people and catch up with others.

Adam Yenshaw

BEAUTIFUL DAY! Nice places to park and sit relax and enjoy the scenery!

Jessie J

Always a favorite place to visit while in El Paso, TX. The view is breathtaking!

Doby Phillips

Franklin Mountains State Park is entirely located within the city of El Paso, Texas. This is a very large park with a variety of trailheads that can be reached by the park road. This is the place for you if you like desert hiking. It is usually dry and quite rocky on most trails. The Tom Mays unit has access to Mount Franklin and also contains a very nice nature trail that is a good starting point for families with children. There is also a very nice sunset ridge trail here that has a great view of El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Downtown El Paso is only a thirty minute drive down to the base of the mountain.

Nic Fuller

This place never lets me down, nice moderate hike. Pretty easy for experienced hikers.

Valentine Regalado

Beautiful views, great trails

DJ KING

Exellent

Erik Gutierrez

Great place to view the city

Jorgito Vitteli

I've hiked it way too many times and highly recommend it to those who like the outdoors!

Chepe Baires

Great place for a hike on the desert near El Paso! Bring plenty of water

Shyann Delaney

The hiking is great as well as the view, if you're lucky fossils might pop up

Oscar A.

Beautiful scenery for anyone wanting to picnic or have a seat.

E Bus

This is a nice park in El Paso backyard with nice views of the upper valley area and decent trails. This place is windy especially in spring and fall so if you plan to camp here, bring sturdy anchors. I ended up breaking or bending mine. Also bring plenty of water because it gets hot.

Robert Aldaco

If you enjoy the desert and hiking in town this is it.

Ejaz Gosani

One of the best places to hike and explore, Love it!!!

Barbara Macias

A wonderful hike...beautiful vistas...great way to get back in touch with nature

Rebecca Mitchell

It was to get out of the city and climb around in the cooler air. Family time, fresh air, and quiet. We will go back better prepared for hiking and maybe even picnicking.

Beatriz Infante

First time, and I enjoy the walk, going down the mountain. I really enjoy my day.

Eric minjarez

Nice place to go for a walk!!

Steph B

$5 entrance fee per person. Has a good number of trails that are well maintained

Bala Nagarajan

Amazing trekking place for spring and late fall. You trekker should visit this at least once in your lifetime for your personal experience.

Yolie Moreno

Just breath taking and soothing evening up there for any one any time

Ben Hengy

A great place to go hiking and several trails to choose from! Most are fairly steep and covered in loose rock from the floods a few years back. Once you hit the top of a ridge though the hike is all worth it!

Haley Nicole

Great places to hike and walk, can’t wait to go see a show at the amphitheater! Kid friendly, my son enjoyed it.

Chantel Baul

Blissfully beautiful. Serene. Great hiking and climbing opportunities. Also good for certain air sports. One of the best places to watch the sunrise in El Paso.

Armando Guerra

Perfect view. Looking at. Two. Country & two. State

Judy Pruitt

An amazingly beautiful place! Caves...if u can hike it...& wide open space. Very few people...even on weekends! Take water, food...u r happy!

Yad Rubio

Awsome place to hike, view and meet new people

Travel The Pass MMP Est.1991

Thank you, Franklin Mountains State Park

Florentino Parra

Amazing scenery and a very good workout. Would be even better in the early morning. Once place for family gatherings and cookouts.

Denise Davis

Fantastic hiking adventure!!

Blake Owens

Took a day in the park to hit north and south Franklin mountains and tin mines. It was inspiring and adventurous. There are small trails you can take off the main trails if you seek a little more adventure.

Jasmine Sharpe

It was a beautiful experience

Dillon Moya

Beautiful place I hope they don't build here, it would be a shame. The mountain is the one thing I love about el paso and all the mountain bike trails are so fun.

SvnPoint SixTwo

Great views

the amazing peanut gaming

We were passing by ..stopped and went in,,felt in love with the tranquility, the Mountains walked just a bit ..Planning to come back with Hiking shoes and be ready for a good hiking

Benjamin Jr Lopez

Wear comfortable footwear and bring cold water 2 drink

Todd Boyer

Highly recommend the tram, but get there early or it'll be 1.5 - 2 hour wait.

Sara Hall

Great hike, not too long but definitely a bit challenging at times. We brought the pups. They had a great time, but we had to carry them at times. The trail can be hard to see to get to the plane wreckage, but AllTrails has a good live map. You can also follow the arroyo up, but it's hard to navigate.

Moshe Ledeboer

Walked along Cardiac Hill... don't let the name deter you, if you feel it more than you'd like, go easier, and see the great vistas, the song of insects hidden in the flora ease your walking and your resting while you hydrate (drink water). Enjoy El Paso! Beautiful day

Tracy Herrin

The hike is amazing! Such beautiful views that pictures cannot show. I would rate the trail(s) at a high difficulty level because there is some climbing involved and some loose rocks. There are a couple of caves that are a great sanctuary from the heat for a quick break. Bring good hiking shoes, pants and water!

Fred J. Stephens

Close to El Paso, some good trails.

Gaby palacios

Took my cub scout den for an activity with ranger Lydia. The boys had a great time with the activities she provided for them. They felt very accomplished when they finished. Can't wait to go back!

Claudia Valadez

Great place sight seeing and great view of El Paso,Tx

Damian Sandoval

The best of the Southwest for outdoor activities, no match.

Robert Voce

Nice place to go hiking.

meztlimoon91

Billions of years of environmental history! Best exposure of geologic time dating back to 1.4 billion years in North American continent. Experience ancient exposures of rock closest in age to the formation of Planet Earth in southwestern America to 35 million years of Earth history. Multiple guides and coordinates of key geologic features available through google search of Franklin mountains

Glenn Yri

Great hiking trails all around the park but be sure to bring lots of water with you! There are great opportunities for photography throughout the trails. I've also seen group hikes and other activities advertised so do some research! Highly recommended!

Jermaine Dennis

Nice overlook of some of West ElPaso.

Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen

I did the Trail of 1,000 steps into the Ranger Peak Loop and then some more trails on the lift side of the mountain. It was a fantastic hike. Quite difficult and potentially dangerous. I wouldn't recommend what I did if you aren't used to steep ascents and rugged country.

Juan Cháirez

A place to go and relax, explore and have an adventure. You will be surprised to find things you had no idea existed here. Best of all, right in the middle of the city.

Cristin Chapdelaine

Great place for a hike

Rose and Mike Farmer

Nice camping and trails. Get combo for gate by calling the office if you plan to arrive after 5pm for camping.

Michael and Cynde

awesome hike !

Joe Smith

Easy off but dangerous getting back on with speeding motorists on the highway. Acceleration Lane is inadequate. The View though is beautiful. Walking space is great.

Mary Avila

So peaceful and quiet in the mountain yet a very busy place.

B Jeane

My son and little brother loved it. We made it all the way up to the first cave. Please make sure to take shoes with good grip, water, sunscreen, and maybe a simple little first aid kit because the hike down can be tricky! Awesome exercise, good views. Will be returning.

Mike Hawkins

Beautiful park with mountain hikes. Be sure to check out the Aztec Caves tail to see very large lavza tubes.

Misty Rangel

Family fun! Fantastic views. You can see Mexico, El Paso and New Mexico. The tram ride was a bit scary but not too bad. The kids loved it! A must visit for sure!

Regina Meigel

Nice place to visit or take visitors too.

Madonna Esparza

Great place to hike! I wish people wouldn't litter though. I picked up lots of empty bottles throughout my hike. Keep your city and parks beautiful people!!!

Jannese _

I love coming to the Franklin's because it is huge and has a ton of different trails for different activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and even quading. Animals on a leash are always welcome. Weekdays are free while there is a $5 dollar fee for people over the age of 12 on weekends.

Crystal Jackson

We made the drive through the park twice. Once during the day and came back for the evening sunset and so glad we did. There are several hiking trails, but no time for those. We have hiked several of the trails in the park and have enjoyed the outdoor experience as a family. We have also taken the family dog on a few of the adventures. Wear good shoes and make sure you have plenty of water.

Rick Whitechest

Pretty scenic, good for a walk during colder months. Don't be here at night, though.

Kevin Maines

The games are over for everyone if u don't include me and my other half that was accidentally I hope left out of the prior one's for no reason cause we were close as close could be and everyone decided for us that we shouldn't be together for some crazy reason and to think we never did any of the such to any of y'all. So if that sounds crazy to anybody considering our situation then I'm sorry but don't use me or her as a beneficial factor in manipulating us to seem included just to leave us feeling left out and passed as hell in the end. Never meant for it to get to this point but everyone seems to want to blame Kevin for everything when his whole reason for fighting back against the global was to prevent this which she supported as well as many others only to be left high and dry in the end and its honestly heart breaking to go through

ShaDay Lamb Brown

These no WIFI

Jeff Robinson

Had a blast out here. Beautiful scenery, clean air and no gnats or humidity!

Jasmine Stevens

Was so beautiful can't wait to go back!

Dirk Andres

Easy to walk, good trails for beginners and runners.

Will F

I always enjoy the tranquillity and the beauty of the mountains. There are multiple scenic rest areas and picnic tables that lead to a few trails. Just make sure you dress appropriately for wildlife, sun, and heat. While living in Chicago, I was surrounded by another form of mountains... skyscrapers. While their architecture may be breath taking, it still does not compare to the majestic beauty of these mountains. If you come through trans mountain from the Westside, you can see a wonderful formation in the shape of an elephant.

jeremy hunt

great place to hike, and do some amature rock climbing in some places. pretty crowded in some places on the weekend and the popular sites do have alot of graffiti, but overall a pretty neat place to get out and explore. there's also some pretty interesting flora and fauna if you into more than just the views.

Amanda Lynn

Just beautiful! Hiking fans beware - You'll be addicted

jaime Campos

Good hikes

Berny Kouadio

Beautiful place for those who like hiking and the nature

Floreta Shapiro

Awesome park, all levels of ability and training will find something to. Just finished the Aztec cave trail, it was a lot of fun!

Adrian Valles

It's a beautiful state park! Well marked trails and reasonable price.

Austin VonDras

Beautiful hike/climb up the mountain. Amazing view at the top. Stick to the trail...

Sierra Galvan

Love this park. I've been going every week with the state park season pass. I recommend going early in the morning to beat the mid-day heat

Tania Ler

Love this place. Very good for a hike with friends or by yourself.

Marek Mori

I hiked almost to the top of the mountain, but while it's exhilarating, sometimes the trail is gone and you have to wander off trail to find it. I have no problem with this, but some people might want to keep this in mind after the first 1 mile of the hike. Do be sure to bring lots of water and electrolytes, or you may be lightheaded. Warm clothing is a must during most times of the year, due to the fact that higher altitudes tend to be colder.

Jannette Waha

Definetly challenging for a non climber such as myself but getting past the first cave is where the troubles really begin. By going around the main one is a steep climb up but the real challenge is not sliding when you head back down. Lovely hidden gem right by my house! Who knew!

Libby

A fun day of exploring the cave, wildlife, and trails. Park Rangers were friendly and helpful and even recommended a very good Mexican Resturant. Being plenty of water and good walking shoes and cameras.

Dario Flores

Great place to go hiking or sight seeing.

Brenton Fiedler

So far have hiked the Aztec caves and B36 crash. Beautiful mountains, easy access, and it's open hiking and scrambling. You don't have to stay on the trails, feel like climbing the mountain? Want to take a harder way up? Do it!

gary Ib

3 stars, because it was almost empty. One only other camper was several hundred feet away. No water. I had about 2 quarts and thought it was enough to last me till morning. Then i found i was locked in. Glad i didnt try to go to the store for water. I also heard highway traffic during the night. The entrance station said the park closed at 5. I thought that meant the station closed. No mention of no water or locking us inside.

Jessica Viramontes

Has fun for everyone. Take plenty of water and snacks. Enjoy the trails and nature. Better if you start early. .

Sabella Watson

Great place for a beautiful hike! Some of the path is a little more rough so definitely be careful especially if you bring younger children with you. Other hikers are very friendly. Make sure you bring plenty of water, don't go alone, and be prepared for the $5 fee per adult; kinda steep price for a hiking trail.

Jamal K.

Best to get a season's pass. They charge to go into nature.

Fernando santamaria

It's a nice place, but I think the best thing about El Paso are its canteens. There are no lakes, rivers, forests with waterfalls. The desert is the most colorful, but it does not offer much because the heat calcinates you.

Lilly Gonzalez

Sneeds Cory and Cottonwoods conquered!

Shawn Peters

I love this park so much. I ride here every day on my bike and the trails are relatively well kept. I'd love to see a community service crew come by some day and pick up some of the trash.

Julie Priego

Great morning hike

Jasmine Riggs

Awesome place to go hiking. There's plenty of trails to explore. I suggest using the All Trails app to find one that's best for you.

Laraine S

Love to grab a Clamato and hang out watching the city lights twinkle.

Bob Braunlich

Great well kept park. Trails could be a bit more better marked but you get what you get in the desert.

Miguel Garcia

Wyler Ariel Tram Way is a great place to bring the kids and enjoy a scenic view. Adults pay only $8 and kids 4-12 are $4. Kids under 4 are free. If you hike up and decide to take the tram back down, it'll run $4. Gift shop up top sells refreshments and light snacks.

Mayra Cortez

Great place for music when they have it. Easy parking and surprisingly easy exit. Fun times!!

Jared Staton

Amazing place for a nice challenging jog walk or bike.

Monica Estefania Ruvalcaba Martinez

Awesome sunday we did the smuggler s pass to the peak, totaññy recommended, you climb in some parts on the top.

Carin Cothroll

What a great hike but the rocks....not so much...u must go if you like beautiful views

Elena Vega

Lovely place not just to visit but to get alittle exercise done

Ben Carriveau

The view from the mountain is absolutely breathtaking. Great trails for both novice and experienced hikers. Make sure to bring water!

joshua steadman

Beautiful natural area

Macalla Shelley

Great for hiking and scenery but DO NOT CAMP HERE. Costs $10 a night for drop toilets and a basic undercover area. For $5 extra stay at the koa with showers laundry and wifi

Jahid Rahman

Our visit could’ve been more exciting if they put some sort of notice that the authorities will close some areas for non emergency work... specially in tourist season...

Montana Poor

So many trails! I go almost every weekend to explore

Katrina Armstrong

Beautiful park, but it's $5 per person which can get pricey. I'm not sure how much the annual membership is, but when the weather is nice there is lots to do so it's worth the price. The nature trail is awesome!