Things To Do
Walking, Hiking & Biking
Located about 45 minutes from El Paso, just over the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, New Mexico, this park features streams that run year-round and shade trees located along hiking trails. Camping and picnic sites are available. Unlike most of the time-worn mountains in the area, the Organ Mountains are jagged and steep.
A difficult 9.6 mile trail, featuring many spots to hike and rock climb. Very little traffic in this area, offering a quiet and relaxed excursion. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
An easy trail circling Ascarate Lake. The area is home to many ducks and geese, as well as the occasional red-tailed hawk and other native birds, perfect for casual birdwatchers. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
A 1.2-mile route, back and forth, featuring a steady, but challenging incline on the way to the Aztec Cave in McKelligon Canyon.
Located in central El Paso, this untouched arroyo (dry creek bed that temporarily fills with water after heavy rains) sits at the foot of the Franklin Mountains. With beautiful views of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, the arroyo is a popular site for mountain bikers and nature lovers who enjoy birding or walking through the great Chihuahuan Desert terrain.
A 1.6 mile loop around Blackie Chesher Park, considered an easy route, perfect for a jog or walk. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 1.5-mile trail loop around the Chamizal National Memorial. An easy route taking about a half an hour to complete. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or jog. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 0.6-mile loop trail near the Museum of Archeology. Considered an easy route, you’ll find plenty of flora and fauna to admire along the way. Relatively low traffic, so you’ll be able to spend a rather peaceful time amongst the some of the best Southwestern views. Dogs are welcome and, in certain areas, may be off leash.
A 4.4-mile loop trail, considered to be a moderately challenging path. A low traffic route that’s open year-round. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
A 2-mile trail nestled within the neighborhoods are east El Paso. Considered an easy route, this trail loops around Edgemere park. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
The Tom Mays Unit is the Thanksgiving table of the local parks system: it has something for everyone. hiking, mountain biking, road biking, birding, rock climbing, camping and picnicking are all available for outdoors enthusiasts of every stripe. This portion of the Franklin Mountains State Park offers endless possibilities for hikes, ranging from easy to extremely hard.
A 5.5-mile loop trail, moderate challenge taking about 2 hours to complete. A popular trail for hiking and mountain biking, it’s open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 0.6-mile trail located in Hueco Tanks. Considered a moderately challenging path, this trail is popular for hiking and rock climbing. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Seen as a paradise for world-class climbing and archeological research, Hueco Tanks encompasses three low mountains that rise 6,787 feet above sea level. Its structure once sheltered tribes such as the Jornada Mogollan People, Mescalero Apaches and Tigua Indians, giving them a stronghold. Here, thousands of rock and cave paintings of masks and stories can be observed. The famous structure of this arroyo provides unique hollows, or huecos, that capture rainwater. For a dry and weary land, Hueco Tanks can hold pockets of water for months at a time while the Chihuahua Desert lays baked. Known as the best spot for bouldering in the world, the ideal time to visit is November through March when it is not as hot.
A 6.8-mile trail considered an easy route. A popular trail for birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. Open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
An 8.4-mile trail loop considered an easy route. Popular for mountain biking and hiking, this trail is open year-round. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
The Lost Dog trails are situated in west El Paso and offer scenic and technical terrains. The area is about 14 square miles in size and some parts sit within the Franklin Mountains State Park. Parking is available at the trailhead.
A short 0.8-mile trail. An easy 15 minute route going around Marty Robbins Park, perfect for birdwatching and walking. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Nestled on the southeastern side of the Franklin Mountains and surrounded by desert canyon walls, McKelligon Canyon is a popular destination known for its rock climbing, hiking, running, walking, and biking. Visitors have a variety of rock-climbing routes to choose from, and the symmetric terrain is filled with crevices and cracks. All hiking trails including the Ron Coleman Trail begin at the end of McKelligon Canyon and are open year-round.
The two mission churches of Ysleta and Socorro stand as the oldest working missions in the region. In addition, the chapel of San Elizario, also located along the mission trail is known as an enduring symbol of the more than 400 years of rich history in the area.
Visitors looking for one-stop information spot should visit the Mission Valley Visitor Center. This historic building provides free Wi-Fi, ATM’s, restrooms, Mission Trail information, and a SunMetro transfer location. The center’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or any questions pertaining to the Mission Trail area. The Mission Valley Visitor Center will provide you with everything you need to know for your Mission Trail visit. Restrooms available.
A 12.5-mile trail considered an easy route, taking about 3 and a half hours to complete. Perfect for a nature walk, horseback riding, mountain biking and running. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 3.9-mile trail considered very challenging. Takes about 2 hours to complete, this trail is very popular for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching. Ideal times for visiting are September through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 1.1-mile easy trail going around Nations Tobin Park. Perfect for running and walking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 4.4-mile trail generally considered easy. Perfect for biking, running or walking. Trail is open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 3.7-mile trail near the Museum of Archeology. A moderate difficulty trail, taking about an hour and a half to complete. It features a large open space where native poppies bloom during the year. Dogs are welcome, but must be on leashes.
Just west of Hueco Tanks sits Red Sands, which consists of 21 miles of off-roading opportunities. Red Sands features sand dunes, small hills and amazing views. Thirty four million years ago, the entire area used to be under an ancient sea and you’ll come across plenty of fossils. Since it’s open year round, this is an attraction you don’t want to miss. With Off-Road Adventures you can rent an ATV so that you can join in on all the fun in the desert hills. If you have a 4x4 vehicle, you can make this an all-day event by grilling and hanging out with friends or family.
A 2.1 mile easy trail located right off Mesa st. Great for hiking, running and waalking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A 6-mile moderate trail with plenty of opportunity for birdwatching, day hikes and biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Open year-round, but rain may make certain areas of the trail impassable or more difficult than usual.
A 21-mile route taking about 6 hours to complete. The trail follows along the Rio Grande River system making it great for birdwatching, walking or biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
The Rio Grande provides a picturesque backdrop for bird watching. The trail is a stretch of paved trail that parallels the Rio Grande from the New Mexico State Line in Anthony, TX to County Club Road in El Paso, TX. Whether you walk, jog, or ride a bike, this trail provides vistas of the Franklin Mountains to the east and the mesa’s of New Mexico to the west in a quiet and soothing environment.
The 10.5 mile long trail can be accessed at the following unofficial parking locations:
Family Dollar Parking Lot-8000 Doniphan Dr. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Parking Lot-311 West Borderland Road El Abrigado Animal Clinic Parking Lot-900 Country Club Road
A 2.5-Mile loop trail considered moderately difficult. A popular trail for birdwatching and hiking, dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Ideally, visit anytime from March through October.
A 2.8-mile trail considered a challenging route. This path is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and running. Dogs are welcome, and may be off leash in some areas.
A 4.3-mile trail rated as moderately challenging, this route takes about 2 hours to complete. Low traffic area with great opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
A 6.5-mile easy trail taking about 3 hours to complete. Perfect for hiking and mountain biking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
A short 0.8-mile easy trail. Perfect for hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in certain areas.
A 4.8-mile moderate challenge trail. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking and running. Open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on leash.
A moderately challenging 12.8-mile trail. A popular trail for hiking, birdwatching and running. Best season to traverse is April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.
A 1-mile trail loop around Yucca Park. Perfect for running and walking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.