EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Pasoans have one of the world’s largest urban parks right here to enjoy and explore.
During October, the park rangers at Franklin Mountains State Park have a whole slate of events and activities for you to enjoy.
If you haven’t been out to the park in a while, it might be time to rediscover it.
Here are some ready-made hikes, ranging from easy to difficult, to other fun at the park.
Women Hike to West Cottonwood Spring
Sun. Oct. 5 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors.
This is a moderately difficult trail of about 3 miles. It begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained trail to wide open vistas to the west. At the paragliding launch site, the trail becomes a narrow track cutting across a north facing slope and through a draw to the spring overshadowed by a large Cottonwood tree and surrounded by wild cherry. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Meeting at: The West Cottonwood Springs trailhead
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Registration required by calling the park at (915) 444 9121
Peak Challenge to Ron Coleman
Sat. Oct. 11 2025 at 7 a.m.
Test yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park.
This month we will hike the newly re-opened Ron Coleman trail. This is a very strenuous hike of about 4 miles. Considered by some to be the most difficult trail in Franklin Mountains State Park, this trail begins in McKelligon Canyon with a moderately steep incline over loose gravel and rocks leading to two natural rock shelters. After reaching the first cave, the trail hooks around on the right side and requires scrambling on all fours over bare rock to make it up to the second cave very near the ridgeline. The ridgeline provides a respite as you wander along the gentle rise which continues until you reach three sections of chain assisted rock ascents ranging from 15-40 feet. Be sure to stop in the middle of the second ascent to enjoy the view out the window! Shortly afterwards you will pass South Franklin Peak and make your way to “Mammoth rock.” The descent from the Mammoth can be very difficult to pick out and is steep and rocky. Once you reach the bottom, it is a short stroll to the Smuggler’s Pass Parking area off of Transmountain Road.
Bring: water (I recommend 2-4 liters), snacks and/or a sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
*Hikers with less than 1.5 litters of water or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike*
Meeting at: Smuggler’s Pass parking area, also known as Mammoth Trunk parking area, and carpool over to McKelligon Canyon so we will end the trail back at your vehicle.
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please pay ahead of time online at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com, in the Tom Mays Visitor Center, or bring exact change to use in the Self Pay envelopes. Rangers and Volunteers do not carry change with them.
Registration required by calling the park at (915) 444 9121. Space is limited.
Old Tin Mine Tour
Sun. Oct. 12 at 7:30 a.m.
Join a park ranger or volunteer guides for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s.
This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles round-trip. The trail is a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back the way you came.
Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Meeting at: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please pay ahead of time online at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com, in the Tom Mays Visitor Center, or bring exact change to use in the Self Pay envelopes. Rangers and Volunteers do not carry change with them.
Registration required by calling the park at 915 444 9121.
Last Sunday Hike /Halloween Hike at Beginner’s Loop
Sun. Oct. 26 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Join a park ranger on a guided hike through the Western foothills of the Franklin Mountains.
This easy 1.5 mile trail wanders through the foothills of the Franklin Mountains. Enjoy an abundance of desert plant life and keep an eye out for birds and other critters in the brush. We will meet at picnic sites 1-5 area (first turn to the left after you pass the visitor center).
Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes or Halloween costume.
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Registration required by calling the park at 915 444 9121.
HalloweenFest
Sun. Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Come out to the park and learn about the creepy critters that call the Franklin Mountains home and participate in our spooky games!
Halloween Fest will be at the park’s visitor center area.
Activities include:
- Educational booths
- Spider races
- Boowling
- Carved pumpkin contest – must bring your pumpkin carved and ready to display by 9:45am (winners will be announced at 1pm); the park will not be providing pumpkins. You must call the park to sign up.
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.
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