El Paso, Texas, is surrounded by natural beauty: from the Rio Grande River to one of the largest state parks in the country, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and recreate. When you’re ready to hit the trails in El Paso, use this handy guide of our favorite places to go hiking.

Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park is home to one of the largest state parks in Texas. The park covers over 24,247 acres and sits at an elevation of 5,426 feet with the top elevation reaching 7,192 feet. There are loads of hiking and biking trails within this massive state park – here are two of our favorites:

Aztec Cave Trail 

This exciting trail eventually leads to three small caves on the western flanks of the Franklin Mountains. The trail isn’t very long, just under one mile, but the views are phenomenal. The hike is pretty straight-forward with a steep incline, but once you reach the caves – once inhabited by Indigenous people – you can rest in the shade the caves provide. Access to the Aztec Cave Trail branches off from the Tom Mays Trail.

North Franklin Peak

For sweeping views of El Paso and the surrounding desert, take the trail to the top of North Franklin Peak. While not a very long trail, about 2.5 miles long, the trail is steep and rated as difficult. The trail starts from the popular Mundy’s Gap trail and as you climb further, the trail becomes steeper, rockier, and more challenging. Once you reach the top, you can see for hundreds of miles across Texas, New Mexico, and into Mexico.

Hueco Tanks State Historical Park

30 miles east of El Paso is the fascinating Hueco Tanks State Historical Park. For thousands of years, the indigenous people who lived in the area came to the site to drink water that collected in indentations in the granite rock. These indentations, called tanks, were quite popular, and the people who visited the area painted pictographs and carved petroglyphs, which you can still see to this day!

Most of the artwork can only be reached through a guided tour; however, there are plenty of places to hike and rock climb. The 1.8-mile out and back Hueco Tanks Nature Trail, moderately rated, winds around the main mountain area of the park, where you’ll see beautiful desert flora and fauna. If you take the guided tour, there’s three to choose from: the 2-mile tour, a 3-mile tour, or the longest, a 4-mile tour.

River Park Trail

Enjoy hiking, jogging, or biking along the River Park Trail, or Rio Grande Trail! The paved, 11.9-mile trail begins at Country Club Road and ends at the New Mexico State border. The trail is mostly flat with just a slight rise in elevation and meanders along the banks of the Rio Grande River. You’ll also have views of the Franklin Mountains, and leashed dogs are welcome to join you!

Grab a bottle of water, a map, strap on your hiking shoes and enjoy these trails near beautiful El Paso, Texas!

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