Franklin Mountains State Park: Hiking, the El Paso Star, and the Best Sunset in Texas

Most cities have a park. El Paso has a mountain range. Franklin Mountains State Park protects almost 27,000 acres of rugged Chihuahuan Desert peaks right inside the city — one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the continental United States, and one of the best things to do in El Paso. Downtown one moment, you can be on a rocky trail among ocotillo about 15 minutes later.

Hiking the Franklin Mountains: Trails for Every Leg

The park packs in over 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The main gateway is the Tom Mays Unit on the west side, off Transmountain Road, with picnic sites, campsites, and foothill trails.

Favorites include the Aztec Caves Trail, a moderate climb to shallow caves in dramatic rock, and McKelligon Canyon on the southeastern flank, a beloved climbing area and start of the steep Ron Coleman Trail. Ready for the big one? The North Franklin Peak Trail climbs to 7,192 feet — roughly 3,000 feet above the city — for views across three states and two countries. Campers can stay at Tom Mays' primitive tent and RV sites — no hookups, so pack in everything you need.

The El Paso Star on the Mountain

Look at the southern Franklins after dark and you cannot miss it: a five-point star glowing above the city. The Star on the Mountain was first lit on November 29, 1940, as a holiday display, and El Paso loved it so much it never went away. Today's star is 459 feet long, built from 459 bulbs set into the slope at a 30-degree angle so it reads perfectly from below. It has shone nightly since the 1990s.

Scenic Drive: The Best Sunset in El Paso

Just below the star, Scenic Drive winds along the mountainside above downtown — a narrow road carved into the foothills in the 1920s that delivers the best sunset view in the city. From the main overlook: El Paso below, Ciudad Juarez across the Rio Grande, desert peaks fading purple. Arrive before golden hour and stay past sunset, when city lights flicker on across two countries.

Heads up: Trails are rugged and shade is scarce. Carry far more water than you think you need and stay on designated trails. Check Texas Parks & Wildlife for current fees, hours, and alerts before you go. The Wyler Aerial Tramway to Ranger Peak has been closed since 2018 while a brand-new tram is built — no firm reopening date yet.

Visiting Franklin Mountains State Park: What to Know

• Entry is a bargain. Day-use fees are modest and kids 12 and under are free — confirm current fees with TPWD.
• Pick your unit. Tom Mays (west) for camping and foothill trails; McKelligon Canyon (southeast) for climbing and canyon scenery.
• No motors on the trails. Park trails are for feet and bikes — motorized vehicles stay out, keeping the Franklins wild and quiet.
• Wildlife is real. Watch for mule deer, coyotes, roadrunners, and rattlesnakes. Give everything space.

Local Tip: Hike the Mountains in the Morning, Ride Red Sands in the Afternoon

How locals build a perfect day: boots on a Franklin Mountains trail in the cool morning, lunch in town, then take the wheel of our brand-new Can-Am Maverick X3 with Rent a UTV El Paso at Red Sands. Two deserts in one day — rocky peaks on foot, then 14,000 acres of beautiful sand dunes, winding serpentine trails, and rugged rocky landscapes at full exhilarating speed, with an expert pace-rider out front like a rally co-pilot clearing the way.

Tours run solo, or with up to four riders sharing one machine, helmets (with eye protection) and fuel included — see the booking calendar for current rates. Honest note: Red Sands is not an official OHV park — a mix of private and public lands, mostly private — so respect no-trespassing signs and stay on established routes. Riding with us, our crew knows exactly where to go.

Franklin Mountains FAQ

How big is Franklin Mountains State Park?

Almost 27,000 acres with over 100 miles of trails, entirely within El Paso's city limits.

What is the highest point in the Franklin Mountains?

North Franklin Peak, at 7,192 feet — its summit trail rewards hikers with views of three states and two countries.

When was the El Paso star first lit?

November 29, 1940. Today's star is 459 feet long with 459 bulbs and shines nightly.

Is the Wyler Aerial Tramway open?

Not yet. It closed in 2018 for safety reasons; a new tramway is in the works, with no firm reopening date.

Can you drive UTVs in the park?

No — motorized vehicles are not allowed on park trails. For UTV driving near El Paso, head to Red Sands with Rent a UTV El Paso.

One of the Essential Things to Do in El Paso

Mountains this wild should not be this close to a city. Hike them in the morning, watch the sun drop from Scenic Drive, see the star switch on, and round out the day with an exhilarating Red Sands UTV tour.