The Ultimate Guide to Hiking North Franklin Peak and El Paso Trails

Franklin Mountains image from Texas Park and Wildlife

In my previous article on hiking in New Mexico, I broke down the high-alpine routes north of 10,000 feet, taking on peaks like Wheeler Peak and Santa Fe Baldy where alpine lakes, thick aspen groves, and cold weather dominate the landscape.

If you shift your focus to the southernmost edge of the state line, the environment undergoes a radical transformation.

Right where Texas meets New Mexico sits El Paso. Running directly through the center of the city is the Franklin Mountain range, one of the largest urban mountain masses in North America. You do not need to drive hours into deep wilderness to find rugged, unforgiving terrain. You can step off the pavement straight into 27,000 acres of open high desert.

If you want to train hard, test your endurance, and conquer desert terrain, here is how to hike in El Paso.

1. Desert Mountain Execution & Protocol

Desert hiking demands a completely different operational mindset than northern alpine treks. At 12,000 feet, your primary concern is sudden afternoon lightning storms. In the Chihuahuan Desert, your primary threat is heat illness and dehydration.

• The Sun Protocol. In peak summer, high-temperature spikes are non-negotiable. Plan to hit the trailhead by 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM. If you are still climbing by 10:00 AM, you are playing a risky game with heat stroke.

• Water Calculations. Never rely on finding natural springs on desert trails. Carry a minimum of 1 liter of water for every 2 miles or 1 hour of active hiking. If you finish a route with half your water left, you did it right.

• Footing & Gear. Unlike soft alpine pine needles, desert trails consist of loose limestone and sharp volcanic rock. Wear sturdy trail runners or lightweight boots with thick soles, and watch where you plant your feet—lechuguilla, ocotillo, and cacti line every single trail. Rattlesnakes have also been seen in the area.

2. Top El Paso Routes to Master

Tom Mays Unit Entry ➔ Rocky Ridgelines ➔ North Franklin Peak Summit (7,192 ft)

North Franklin Peak (Franklin Mountains State Park)

If you want the ultimate elevation test inside city limits, North Franklin Peak sits at 7,192 feet, rising roughly 3,000 feet above the valley floor.

• The Route. Starting from the Tom Mays Unit off Transmountain Road, this is a challenging 7-to-8 mile out-and-back trek packing around 2,000 feet of total vertical gain.

• What to Expect. The trail follows a steady incline along old jeep trails before transitioning into sharp, exposed switchbacks heading up the ridgeline. You will navigate loose rock and relentless sun exposure before reaching the radio towers at the summit.

• The Payoff. A massive 360-degree vista where you can see across two states (Texas and New Mexico) and into Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

The Historic Tin Mines Trail

For a longer, steady distance effort with unique regional history built in, the Tin Mines trail delivers a solid workout without the punishing vertical incline of the peak.

• The Route. Accessed from the Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park trailhead on the northeast side of the city, this is a 6.6-mile round-trip hike following an old gravel access road.

• What to Expect. A long, gradual, continuous climb up a desert draw. The trail takes you directly to the remnants of the old tin mining operations active in the early 1900s. You can explore the old concrete structures and cool, open mine shafts carved into the mountain.

• The Payoff. A quiet look into local industrial history tucked away in a mountain canyon, surrounded by classic Chihuahuan Desert flora.

Aztec Cave Trail

When time is short, but you still want a steep, high-yield workout, Aztec Cave provides immediate intensity.

• The Route. Located in the Tom Mays Unit, this short 1.2-mile out-and-back walk brings about 400 to 500 feet of elevation in under three-quarters of a mile.

• What to Expect. A gradual start across an arroyo that quickly turns into a steep, rocky scramble up a canyon wall. The final approach requires careful footing on loose gravel.

• The Payoff. Natural wind-carved caves on the cliffside offering immediate shade and framed views of the Rio Grande Valley.

High Desert vs. High Alpine

The Takeaway

El Paso's terrain does not offer easy miles as one would expect. The land is raw, exposed, and demands respect. But if you put in the morning work, gear up properly, and attack the terrain, these mountains will sharpen your physical discipline and reward you with some of the best high-desert views in the Southwest.

Pack your water, lace up your boots early, and go earn the summit.

Source & Data Note: Trail distances, park acreage, and elevation profiles are based on Texas Parks & Wildlife Department logs and regional topological mapping data. Trail conditions can vary based on flash flood activity in arroyos; check Franklin Mountains State Park advisories before taking on remote routes.

For a visual breakdown of the terrain, route conditions, and panoramic views from the top, check out this Aztec Caves Hike in El Paso video. It provides a great look at what to expect on the trail.