Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, it’s nearly impossible to visit El Paso, TX without admiring the Franklin Mountains crowning the city. And if you want to get up close and personal, you can even climb them.
While this majestic mountain backdrop may look intimidating, El Paso’s scenic desert trails actually offer approachable terrain and a variety of difficulty levels so that both new and experienced hikers alike can take in the fresh air, energize their bodies, and enjoy the incredible views.
If you’re ready to try hiking in El Paso, your first step is to find a trail that aligns with your experience level and preferences—and to know what to expect before you get there. Here are our top six suggestions, plus tips to ensure you’re prepared.
McKelligon Canyon Road (Easier/For Families)
Whether you’re dusting off your old hiking shoes or looking for a reason to get your kids off their screens, McKelligon Canyon near Fort Bliss is the perfect place to start hiking in El Paso.
This out-and-back trail offers paved paths, making it one of the more accessible options for hikers (and strollers) of all levels. You’ll still get in a solid workout, but with no hands-and-knees scrambling along your hike.
- Distance – 7.7km
- Elevation – 204m
- Estimated time to complete – 2 hours and 4 minutes
This beautiful route is cradled by canyon walls and desert vegetation. It’s a great place to visit in the early hours, when you’re less likely to encounter crowds.
Franklin Mountains Loop (Moderate)
Located in Franklin Mountains State Park, this loop-style trail presents a moderate but approachable challenge for those willing to engage in a slightly rockier climb.
It’s also an excellent route for sightseeing: You’ll pass historic sites like an old, abandoned mine and West Cottonwood Spring along your way, giving this trail a mix of adventure and educational potential for outdoorsy kids.
- Distance – 5.3km
- Elevation – 284 meters
- Estimated time to complete – 1 hour and 55 minutes
Keep in mind that this terrain can get steep and craggy in some areas, so you and your party should wear proper footwear for support (hiking boots are highly recommended). Some hikers say they experience navigational obstacles, as the trail isn’t always clearly marked, but using a GPS or keeping a map on hand can help you avoid confusion.
As a final note, this trail is largely exposed, so consider getting an earlier start to beat the heat.
Lost Dog Trail (Moderate)
If you’re jumping into the hiking game for the views, the Lost Dog Trail has your name on it. This is a well-maintained local favorite known for its panoramic lookout points on the beautiful desert scenery.
This trail connects to several other routes, so downloading a map ahead of time is helpful for navigation. You’ll also want to wear hiking boots for support on rocky and occasionally steep terrain. Lastly, like most other El Paso hikes, you’ll find little respite from the sun—remember to bring along sunscreen, hats or visors, and breathable, sleeved cover-ups.
- Distance – 11.9km
- Elevation – 297 meters
- Estimated time to complete – 3 hours and 8 minutes
El Paso Tin Mines Trail (Moderate/For Families)
If you’re up for a moderate trek with some history to it, add the Tin Mines trail to your hiking in El Paso bucket list. This one leads you through desert brushland, all the way to the ruins of old tin mining operations.
The Tin Mines Trail is beloved for its family friendliness, so you’re likely to find yourself in company on your way. Even so, signage on the trail can be a bit confusing, so it’s helpful to bring a map along as a guide.
As for terrain, expect rockiness and mostly full sun exposure—proper footwear and sun protection (as usual) will help you stay comfortable.
- Distance – 10.9km
- Elevation – 317m
- Estimated time to complete – 3 hours and 2 minutes
Thousand Steps Trail (Hard)
With a steady, uphill incline and craggy terrain, this trail challenges hikers from the get-go. The Thousand Steps Trail is a stand-out option for those looking for a cardio workout or to gain some experience in a little light scrambling.
Once you’ve climbed your thousand (or so it feels!) steps, you’ll enjoy remarkable views over El Paso and beyond. Don’t expect to find much shade on this trail, so be sure to bring your essentials: sunscreen, head coverage, and plenty of water.
- Distance – 4.3km
- Elevation – 259m
If you’re looking to push yourself—or just want to gain some bragging rights—you can keep climbing past the trail’s official summit (the Hut) and head all the way up to Ranger Peak. Just be sure to wear hiking boots rather than sneakers for this trail, whether you plan to stop at the official summit or pursue the gorgeous views beyond it.
Ron Coleman Trail (Advanced)
The Ron Coleman Trail is a destination route for pedigreed hikers and rock climbers. One of the most demanding, technical hikes in El Paso, brave trekkers can expect steep paths, rocky scrambles, and “chain sections” that require hikers to use metal chains to reach trickier ascents and descents.
Trekking poles are a must for this kind of terrain. If you’re experienced enough to give it a try, you’ll be richly rewarded with some of the most beautiful views El Paso’s mountains have to offer. As for a place to catch your breath, there are two small caves along the way where you can take a break from the heat.
This trail is significantly less crowded than its peers, given its intensity, but in exchange for your hard work, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of completing a genuinely impressive climb.
- Distance – 11.9km
- Elevation – 977 meters
- Estimated time to complete – 5 hours and 31 minutes
How to Prepare for Your Hike in El Paso, TX
Hiking should be about having fun—but part of that means being prepared and staying safe. Before you head out on your hike, follow these essential steps.
Step #1 Check the Weather
If you’re visiting El Paso, be sure to know which season it is. El Paso’s hot season lasts from mid-May to mid-September, when daily averages routinely reach beyond 89ºF. The cool season stretches from mid-November to mid-February, but weather can be fickle at higher elevations.
Remember, temperatures here escalate quickly, and summer flash storms and floods can suddenly wash out trails. It’s best to hike earlier or later in the day and make a point of checking your local weather reports the day of your hike.
Step #2 Gear Up
In the El Paso heat, it can be tempting to wear as few garments as possible to give your skin plenty of room to breathe. But most trails here are fully exposed to the sun, so it’s best to opt for some fabric coverage if you have the option.
You’ll do your skin a favor by wearing lightweight, breathable, or moisture-wicking workout clothes, as well as any of the following:
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- A visor
- A bandana
Appropriate footwear is also key for El Paso’s signature rocky terrain. Hiking boots with a solid tread are a must, especially if you’re venturing out on one of the region’s more technical hikes.
Step #3 Apply (and Re-apply) SPF
In addition to physical protections, wearing sunscreen is key for staying protected under the blazing Texas sun. Aim to choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, and be sure to reapply every 1 to 2 hours if you’re on a long-haul hike.
Step #4 Stay Hydrated
As a general rule, bring more water with you than you think you’ll need. A two-litre bottle is ideal for moderate hikes, but you may want to boost the volume if you’re tackling a more advanced trail.
Low-sugar electrolyte drinks can also help quench your thirst and replenish minerals you’ll lose through sweat. Alternatively, you can bring along an electrolyte tab or pouch to add to one of your water bottles along the way.
Step #5 Consider Training Ahead of Time
If you’re a beginner in hiking, spending some time at the gym preparing for your first outing can give you confidence to blaze your first trail.
Treadmill incline walking, weighted lunges, and drills that hone your balance are excellent for mimicking trail conditions. If you can add in some core work and flexibility exercises, you’ll feel amply prepared to conquer El Paso’s desert terrain.
Take Your Workout Outside with Chuze
Just contemplating a trek through El Paso’s mountainous outback speaks volumes about your determination to reach and surpass your fitness goals. At Chuze Fitness, our job is to give you the resources and insights you need to feel prepared when it’s finally time to tackle them.
With state-of-the-art facilities, targeted workout classes, and a staff that genuinely wants to see you succeed, Chuze members have the power to choose what “fitness” means to them.
You never know where your journey might take you, but we can tell you how to start. Join us with a 7-Day Free Trial to our gyms in El Paso and begin your ascent today.
Sources:
All Trails. McKelligon Canyon Road. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/mckelligon-canyon-road
All Trails. Franklin Mountains Loop. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/franklin-mountains-loop
All Trails. Lost Dog Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/lost-dog-trail–2
All Trails. El Paso Tin Mines Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/el-paso-tin-mines-trail
All Trails. Thousand Steps Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/thousand-steps-trail
All Trails. Ron Coleman Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/ron-coleman-trail–3
Weather Spark. Climate and Average Weather Year Round in El Paso. https://weatherspark.com/y/3268/Average-Weather-in-El-Paso-Texas-United-States-Year-Round
