Hikes and Trails in El Paso, TX

Crazy Cat Thru Hike

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 2.60 miles
Elevation Gain: 430 ft

This El Paso hike takes you between Crazy Cat Mountain and the Franklins. There are several side trails to add distance or change the route. Along the way are close up views of beautiful desert terrain and distant views of El Paso, Juarez and south...

Directissimo to Thousand Steps

Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 2.60 miles
Elevation Gain: 1165 ft

This beautiful trail travels right up and over the Franklin Mountains in El Paso near the Wyler Aerial Tramway. The trail has recently been improved - there are even benches strategically placed all the way up the east side of the mountain. The tra...

Lazy Cow Out-and-Back

Difficulty: easy
Distance: 7.40 miles
Elevation Gain: 280 ft

This hike follows the winding, but relatively flat Lazy Cow Trail in Northeast El Paso from the trailhead at Chuck Heinrich Park to the roundhouse at Bowen Ranch and then returns along the same route. There are great views of the Franklin Mountains ...

North Franklin Peak

Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 8.10 miles
Elevation Gain: 2400 ft

This difficult hike starts at the Mundy's Gap trailhead in the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park. First you'll go up 2 miles and thru Mundy's Gap. Then you start down the other side of the mountains for about a quarter mile before tur...

Old Tin Mine - Polecat Lollipop

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 5.20 miles
Elevation Gain: 480 ft

This a great ride or hike when you've graduated from the easy stuff and want a little more elevation gain. From Chuck Heinrich Park, enter the Franklin Mountains State Park and start up the Old Tin Mine Trail, go right on Polecat Alley (1.8 miles fr...

Palisades Canyon Loop

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 2.80 miles
Elevation Gain: 790 ft

In 2010 the El Paso Public Service Board purchased Palisades Canyon from private owners and made this frequently used hiking and biking area officially open to the public. This loop goes up the old jeep road on the side of the canyon before looping ...

Ron Coleman Trail

Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 3.50 miles
Elevation Gain: 3500 ft

This very difficult hike along the spine of the Franklin Mountains is not for the faint of heart. It starts in McKelligon Canyon and goes up to the ridge before following the ridgeline all the way to Transmountain Road. It is a difficult and dangerou...

Scenic Sunday Two Ways

Difficulty: easy
Distance: 3.70 miles
Elevation Gain: 375 ft

On Sunday mornings, Scenic Drive in El Paso is closed to motor vehicles. Walkers, bikers and runners have the place all to themselves. OK, this is all on pavement, so it's really just a walk. Once you're comfortable with this walk, maybe you'll be ...

Schaeffer Shuffle and More

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 4.00 miles
Elevation Gain: 950 ft

This loop hike in the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park provides you with an up close look at some of the higher terrain and more beautiful arroyos in the park. You'll start at the trailhead at the top of the road in the park, descend q...

South Franklin Peak

Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 3.60 miles
Elevation Gain: 1600 ft

This strenuous hike up from Transmountain Road offers great views of both the east and west sides of El Paso - often at the same time. You may lose sight of the trail from time to time, but if you look around and keep going up you'll find your way. ...

South Franklins Ridgeline

Difficulty: difficult
Distance: 9.40 miles
Elevation Gain: 2900 ft

This hiking route goes along the ridge line of the Franklins from Transmountain Road to Scenic Drive and includes the Ron Coleman Trail. This is a beautiful hike with stunning views of El Paso, southern New Mexico and Chihuahua - all at the same tim...