Franklin Mountains Wilderness Loop
Urban wilderness desert loop with three-state views
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Loop traces a 25-mile circuit around Texas’s largest urban wilderness, climbing from the Chihuahuan Desert floor to rocky peaks that overlook El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and three states. The route follows old mining roads that date to the 1800s, passing abandoned tin mines, petroglyphs at Hueco Tanks, and the transmission towers that crown North Franklin Peak at 7,192 feet—the highest point in El Paso County.
This is moderate high-clearance territory with loose rock, wash crossings, and steep grades that challenge traction. Stock high-clearance 2WD handles most sections, but 4WD helps on the steeper climbs and loose descents. Avoid summer when temperatures exceed 100°F regularly; fall through spring provides ideal conditions. No permits required for the main loop, though Hueco Tanks requires day-use reservations. You’ll earn 360-degree desert views, interesting geology lessons in limestone and volcanic rock, and the strange sight of an urban wilderness surrounded by two countries’ sprawl.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7192 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD minimum, 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | El Paso, TX |
| Land manager | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | tpwd.texas.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is well-suited here. The trail lists high-clearance 2WD as the minimum, but 4WD is recommended on the rocky sections. No lift required.
When is Franklin Mountains Wilderness Loop closed or impassable?
Best season is October through April — summer heat in El Paso is brutal and can push 110°F, making a full-day desert loop genuinely dangerous. The trail itself doesn't close seasonally, but summer runs are a bad call without serious heat prep.
Do I need a permit to run this trail?
Yes — Franklin Mountains State Park requires a day-use entry fee managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Check current rates and any reservation requirements at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains before you show up.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The rocky ascent sections toward the 7,192-ft peak are the crux — loose and jagged desert rock that'll punish low-clearance vehicles and soft sidewalls. Nothing extreme, but it's sustained enough that 4WD and aired-down tires make a real difference over the 2,400 ft of gain.
Is there water or fuel available on the trail, or do I need to plan range?
There is no water available on the trail itself — carry everything you need for a full desert day. Fuel is a non-issue; you're looping out of El Paso, so top off in the city before you head in and you're fine for the 25-mile loop.
Trail track
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