Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains Skyline Myke Hermsmeyer Franklin Mountain Trail Run Photos for Visit El

Answer the call of the mountains.

For outdoor recreation and adventure in El Paso, one of the first places we think of sending our groups is the Franklin Mountain State Park, the largest urban park in the nation lying completely within city limits!

At Franklin Mountains State Park your group can immerse yourselves into 'world-class geology, diverse plants and animals, and colorful human history', the over 24,000-acre high-desert mountain park the perfect place to learn, play, and simply enjoy the local scenery. Enjoy climbing, hiking, camping, geocaching, bird watching, picnicking, and more during your visit. There are over 100 miles of trails for hiking and biking, with an onsite park tour company, GeoBetty, available for more in-depth exploration. There are also various ranger-led programs you can take part in, such as guided hikes, bike rides, and art in the park activities.

Head to the park's headquarters (located at 5,426 feet) to learn more about the area's history, culture, and geology before you go. Learn about the geology of the block fault mountains with igneous and sedentary rock examples, then hear all about the park's biodiversity, the flora and the fauna you may see including lizards, birds, deer, small cacti, succulents, thorny shrubs, and desert wildflowers like Mexican Gold Poppies.