The best walks and hikes around El Paso

The Trans-Franklin Mountain Trail offers a rugged, high-desert hiking experience within Franklin Mountains State Park, showcasing unique geological formations and diverse desert flora. You'll navigate rocky, steep sections with loose rock, but the effort is rewarded with expansive panoramic views of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico, especially from the North Franklin Mountain Summit Junction. This moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route involves 948 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for direct sun exposure, as shade is limited; bring plenty of water. The trail is popular from April to October, and dogs are welcome. While generally considered moderate, some sections are strenuous, so it's best for hikers with a reasonable fitness level who are comfortable with rocky terrain and elevation changes.

This trail is a gem for birdwatchers, with over 100 species, including golden eagles, making their home in the high-desert environment. It provides a significant wilderness experience just minutes from El Paso, highlighting the unique urban wilderness of one of the largest city parks in the United States. After rainfall, the desert can bloom with vibrant colors, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

Embark on a rugged journey up the North Franklin Peak Trail, where the Chihuahuan Desert's beauty unfolds with every step. The path is a steady climb over rocky, uneven terrain, eventually becoming quite steep as you near the summit. You'll navigate through sections of loose scree, passing resilient cacti and yucca, before reaching the flattened summit area, which offers an expansive 360-degree view of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico.

This moderate 3.8-mile (6.2 km) hike, with its 2201 feet (671 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes. It's a challenging ascent, so come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water, especially given the desert environment. The trail is within Franklin Mountains State Park, which has an entry fee, and you'll need to plan your visit around the park's 5 PM gate locking time.

North Franklin Peak stands as the highest point in El Paso, rising over 3,000 feet above the desert floor. The mountain itself is the seventeenth highest point in Texas, making this a notable achievement for peak baggers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the geology and diverse flora of the Franklin Mountains, a significant part of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.

If you're looking for an accessible introduction to the Chihuahuan Desert, the Lower Sunset Loop is an excellent choice. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with 439 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from wide doubletrack to scenic cliffside singletrack, offering expansive views of western Texas and the Franklin Mountains. Keep an eye out for diverse desert flora like blooming cacti and ocotillo, and you might even spot jackrabbits or roadrunners.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as this loop is suitable for beginners and families. While generally easy, some sections have loose rock, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Always bring enough water, especially when hiking in the desert. The trail is particularly beautiful in spring and summer after rain, when desert plants are in bloom, but winter offers cooler temperatures for a comfortable outing.

What makes the Lower Sunset Loop truly stand out is its ability to showcase the unique Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem in a relatively short distance. The diverse terrain, including arroyos and foothills, culminates in a stunning cliffside section often praised as one of West Texas's nicest trail segments. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy panoramic desert vistas without committing to a full-day trek.

The Palisades Canyon Loop offers a rugged desert journey through the Franklin Mountains, perfect for those who enjoy a technical challenge. You'll navigate narrow, rocky singletrack, including sections of the Thousand Steps Trail and Monk’s Trail, with plenty of loose footing and rock dodging. This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hike features 857 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes, rewarding your effort with panoramic views of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez from higher points.

Planning your visit requires some preparation; there are no water sources or restrooms along the route, so bring plenty of water. While some sections might be less clearly marked, the trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the desert landscape. For the most spectacular vistas, especially of the city lights, consider hiking in the late afternoon or early evening.

This loop is a significant local attraction, preserving a challenging outdoor adventure that was once slated for residential development. It showcases the raw beauty of the Franklin Mountains and the striking contrast of urban sprawl against a natural desert backdrop. The trail is also open to mountain bikers, adding to its varied character and appeal for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.