Franklin Mountains State Park

The Franklin Mountains State Park was established in 1979. This mountainous area of about 24,000 acres runs from deep in heart of the city of El Paso to the state line dividing New Mexico and Texas, some 15 miles to the north. The park is the largest anywhere in the world that is entirely within the limits of a city.

The Franklin Mountains are a rather typical range of the Chihuahuan Desert. The highest peak at 2,192 meters (7,192 feet) is some 914 meters (about 3,000 feet) above the city. Urbanization has greatly affected the mountain range south of Trans-Mountain Road, with development reaching up the mountain slopes from the surrounding desert floor and by the placement of numerous communication towers along its ridge. However, the mountains north of the highway remain virtually undeveloped, with a few exceptions related to utility easements, some communication towers, and evidence of past and present mineral exploration. Development eventually will surround the mountain range and envelope the Park.

The diverse topography provides habitat for a wide range of desert plants and animals, some unknown from elsewhere in Texas. The geology of the range has been intensely studied, thanks to the nearby presence of the University of Texas at El Paso (once the Texas School of Mines). Archaeological evidence runs from Paleoindian times to the historic.

At present, the park is open for limited day-use activities such as picnicking, sightseeing, and hiking. Vehicular access to the park is via Trans-Mountain Road, as well as the established roads in the Tom Mays area and from the City/County facilities at McKelligon Canyon. All other areas are closed to motor vehicles. Additional facilities currently are undergoing implementation, while yet others are in the planning stage.

Map courtesy of Franklin Mountains State Park.

For further information, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.

Last updated on 25 June 1999.