3 beautiful hikes to try this spring in El Paso’s Franklin Mountains
The Franklin Mountains State Park is a serene wonder found in our own backyard. For hours, hikers escape city life as they trek along our mountains, feeling the breeze of the desert wind, hearing only the sound of gravel and rocks crunching under their boots, and seeing diverse vegetation and critters along the way.
Here are three beautiful hikes found in our desert:
North Peak
Only for the most ambitious and adventurous, North Franklin Mountain, or what hiking enthusiasts call "North Peak," is an approximately eight-mile trail leading to the highest point of the Franklins. In case you were wondering, that's 7,292 feet. The trail begins with a few miles of rocky incline, followed by countless switchbacks and a winding road leading to a glorious view of El Paso. At the top, the air is crisp, and strangers become friends – as they've all made it to the highest point in our city. If the long trail is too challenging, the first two miles of the hike lead to "Mundy's Gap," providing stunning views of both West and Northeast El Paso.
West Cottonwood Spring Trail
This three-mile moderate trail takes you to a shaded oasis under an immense cottonwood tree. The hike begins and is rocky until a wooden sign guides you to a turnoff point and it's all rugged and uphill from there. The payoff is wonderful: hikers are greeted with smooth boulders below and an archway of vegetation overhead. If you're lucky, you may spot deer drinking from a stream created by rain runoff. Texas Parks and Wildlife have also installed benches at the base of the large tree, allowing hikers to take rest and refuge from the hot desert sun and observe all the green growing around them.
Aztec Cave Trail
As one of Franklin Mountain State Park's most frequented trails, Aztec Cave Trail is a more family-friendly option at a shorter 1.2-mile roundtrip. The trail, which takes about an hour to complete, begins with crossing a small bridge over an arroyo, however the end will get your heart pumping, as a quick steep incline reveals a large cave with panoramic views of El Paso. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, many of the caves in our mountains were formed as gigantic air pockets in lava. Passes are required to hike at the Franklin Mountains State Park; they can be purchased in person or online here.
Click here to buy day passes.
Hiking tips
Prepare for the heat: In the summer, El Paso reaches triple-digit heat, so carry enough water. Texas Parks and Recreation suggests one quart of water per hour of activity. Also, wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and hiking boots.
Plan your hike: Use hiking apps or maps to establish your route and know how many miles you'll be venturing into the desert. This will help you plan for enough time. Also, let others know where you'll be and avoid hiking alone.
Don't wear headphones: Rattlesnakes are venomous and found in our Southwest desert, so park rangers urge hikers to always keep an ear out to avoid these critters. Although snakebites are rare, earbuds or headphones will not allow a hiker to hear a snake's rattle, signaling they may be getting too close.
Stay on the trail: There are many prickly plants and rugged terrain along the way. Stick to maintained trails to avoid injury.
Merrell Moab is the hiking boot to try
If you're looking for durable hiking footwear that supports the ankle in various terrains, the Merrell Moab Boot is just that.
Merrell describes the all-terrain leather boot as waterproof and made to handle lots of debris and vertical changes. It's also made with 100% recyclable laces and has an air cushion for shock absorption.
The boot will cost you anywhere from $120 - $165, but the investment will last years on the trail.
Men's sizes come in brown "Walnut" and dark green "Olive," while women can choose from some fun colors like peach and tan "Bungee Cord" and sky blue and grey "Altitude."
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Hiking trails near me in El Paso Franklin Mountains for spring 2024
