Franklin Mountains State Park

The Franklin Mountains have a unique history.

Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States, covering 37 square miles within the city limits of El Paso.

Overlooking the Rio Grande, the Franklin Mountains are the northern ramparts of the Paso del Norte. For thousands of years, Native Americans and later soldiers, priests, traders, gold-seekers and settlers have passed through the gap in both directions in an endless procession of expansion, settlement, raiding and conquest.

Many hiking trails are currently accessible off the Loop 375/Trans-Mountain Road. A trail network will ultimately extend through this outstanding region.

Ultimately, 125 miles will be open for hiking, 73 miles for biking and 22 miles for horseback riding.

Rock climbing is another of the park's newest activities. The park conducts tours for the general public on the first and third weekends of the month. Reservations are recommended.

A limited number of tent and RV sites are available. There are no ground fires within park boundaries and no water or electricity available.

The Franklins are the largest sustained mountain range in Texas, with the summit of North Franklin Peak rising to an elevation of 7,192 feet, towering 3,000 feet above the city below.

On the eastern flank of North Franklin Mountain are the remnants of the only tin mining, milling and smelting operation in the country, which was active from 1910 to 1915.

While within the city limits, the park is home to a rich and unique diversity of fragile plants and animals. Visitors are asked to help protect the park at all times.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all dirt roads and trails.