El Paso, TX

Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso

Address: 1331 McKelligon Canyon Road El Paso, TX 79930 - MAP
Phone: (915) 566-6441
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Conservationists have worked steadily and successfully to designate the Franklin Mountains State Park as an ecologically important piece of natural history, designating the area as a state park in 1979.

Since then, urban development has halted and the mountains form a striking backdrop to the city of El Paso.

The park opened to the public in 1987 and is the largest urban park in the nation at more than 24,000 acres.

The area is a popular attraction for hikers and rock climbers. Two hiking trails are accessible off Loop 375, and the Parks Department has designated climbing areas in McKeligon Canyon.

Primitive camping and a handful of RV sites are available for overnight stays.

Native Americans created pictographs on many of the boulders and in rock shelters.