Whether you are a resident or a visitor, it is almost impossible to visit El Paso, the TX without admiring the Franklin mountains that stand the city. And if you want to get up close and personally, you can climb them.
While this magical mountain can look Bullying, the picturesque paths of the El Paso desert offer truly affordable ground and a variety of difficulty levels so that both young and experienced hikers can get in the fresh air, activate their bodies and enjoy the incredible view.
If you are ready to try hiking in El Paso, your first step is to find a path that is aligned with your level and your preferencesand To find out what to expect before you get there. Here are our top six suggestions, as well as tips to make sure you are prepared.
McKelligon Canyon Road (easier/for families)
Whether you dust off your old hiking shoes or looking for a reason to remove your children from their screens, the McKelligon canyon near Fort Bliss is the perfect place to start hiking in El Paso.
This out-and-back trail offers paved trails, making it one of the most affordable choices for hiking (and trolleys) of all levels. You will still get in a steady workout, but without hands and knees to mix along your hiking.
- Distance – 7.7 kilometers
- Lifting – 204m.
- Estimated completion time – 2 hours and 4 minutes
This beautiful route is incorrect by cannon walls and desert vegetation. It is a great place to visit in the early morning hours when you are less likely to meet crowds.
Mountain Franklin Mountains (Moderate)
Located in the Franklin Mountains State Park, this loop trail presents a moderate but affordable challenge for those who wish to participate in a slightly shorter climb.
It is also an excellent journey for attractions: you will go through historical sites such as an old, abandoned mine and the West Cottonwood Spring along your street, giving this path a mixture of adventure and educational potential for outside children.
- Distance – 5.3 kilometers
- Lifting – 284 meters
- Estimated completion time – 1 hour and 55 minutes
Keep in mind that this soil can take steep and craggy in some areas so that you and your party can wear the right footwear for support (hiking boots recommended). Some hikers say they are experiencing obstacles for navigation, as the trail is not always clearly marked, but using a GPS or maintaining a hand map can help you avoid confusion.
As a final note, this path is largely exposed, so consider getting a previous beginning to beat the heat.
Lost Dog Trail (moderate)
If you jump into the hiking game for views, Lost Dog Trail has your name on it. It is a well -preserved local favorite known for its panoramic spots on the beautiful desert setting.
This path is connected to several other routes, so taking a map ahead of time is useful for navigation. You will also want to wear hiking boots for supporting rocky and occasional steep ground. Finally, like most of El Paso’s other hikes, you will find little break from the sun-you remember to bring sunscreen, hats or parachutes, and breathable, sleeves together.
- Distance – 11.9 kilometers
- Lifting – 297 meters
- Estimated completion time – 3 hours and 8 minutes
El Paso Tin Mines Trail (average/for families)
If you are ready for a mediocre trip with a story to it, add the Trail Mines Trail to your hike to the El Paso Bucket list. This leads you through the Desert Brushland to the ruins of old tin extraction businesses.
Trail Mines Trail is a favorite for his family friendliness, so you are likely to be in your company on your way. However, marking the trail can be a bit confusing, so it is useful to bring a map as a guide.
As for the ground, you expect rockiness and mostly full sun -proper footwear and sun protection (as usual) will help you stay comfortable.
- Distance – 10.9 kilometers
- Lifting – 317m.
- Estimated completion time – 3 hours and 2 minutes
Thousands of Steps Path (Hard)
With a steady, uphill slope and Craggy Terrain, this path causes hikers from get-go. Trail Thousand Steps is a special choice for those looking for a heart training or to gain some experience in a little light.
Once you climb your thousands of (Or so it feels!) Steps, you will enjoy remarkable views on El Paso and beyond. Don’t expect to find a lot of shade on this path, so be sure to bring your basics: sunscreen, head cover and plenty of water.
- Distance – 4.3 kilometers
- Lifting – 259 million
If you are looking to push yourself – or you just want to win some boasting rights – you can continue to climb over the official summit of the Hut and head to Ranger Peak. Just be sure to wear hiking boots and not on sneakers for this path, whether you are planning to stop at the official summit or follow the beautiful view beyond that.
Ron Coleman Trail (Advanced)
The Ron Coleman Trail is a destination route for hiking stadiums and climbers. One of the most demanding, technical hikes in El Paso, brave hikers can wait for steep routes, rocky transgressors and “chain segments” that require hiking to use metal chains to reach the most difficult climbs and despair.
Hiking poles are essential for this type of soil. If you are experienced enough to try it, you will reward you rich with some of the most beautiful views that 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 fire.
This path is significantly less full of its peers, given its intensity, but in return for your hard work, you will enjoy the satisfaction of completing a truly impressive climb.
- Distance – 11.9 kilometers
- Lifting – 977 meters
- Estimated completion time – 5 hours and 31 minutes
How to prepare for your hike in El Paso, TX
Hiking should be for fun – but part of this means preparing and staying safe. Before you start your hike, follow these basic steps.
Step #1 Check the weather
If you visit El Paso, make sure you find out which season it is. The hot season of El Paso lasts from mid -May to mid -September, when the daily averages usually reach over 89ºF. The cool season extends from mid -November to mid -February, but the weather may be unstable at higher altitudes.
Remember, the temperatures here are escalating rapidly and the thunderstorms and summer floods can suddenly rinse trails. It is best to fly earlier or later the day and make a point of checking your local weather reports on your hiking day.
Step #2
In the heat of the El Paso, it can be tempting to wear as few clothes as possible to give your skin enough room to breathe. But most trails here are fully exposed to the sun, so it is best to choose some fabric coverage if you have the choice.
You will make your skin a favor wearing light, breathable or humid training clothes, as well as any of the following:
- A hat with wide
- Sunglasses
- A cornice
- A shake
Proper footwear is also the key to the rocky terrain of El Paso. Hiking boots with a solid sole are essential, especially if you take out one of the most technical hiking in the area.
Step #3 Apply (and repeat) SPF
In addition to natural protections, sunscreen wear is the key to remain protected under Blazing Texas Sun. The goal of the broad spectrum SPF at least 30 and make sure you re -apply every 1 to 2 hours if you are on long distances.
Step #4 Stay hydrated
As a general rule, bring with you more water than you think you will need. A two -liter bottle is ideal for moderate hikes, but you may want to boost the volume if you are experiencing a more advanced path.
Low sugar electrolyte drinks can also help help your thirst and make up for the minerals you will lose through sweat. Alternatively, you can bring an electrolyte or case together to add to one of your water bottles along the road.
Step #5 Consider training in front of time
If you are a beginner on a hiking, spending some time on the gym you are preparing for your first excursion can give you confidence to make your first path.
The tilt corridor, gravity and drills that sharpen your balance are excellent to imitate trails. If you can add some basic work and flexibility exercises, you will feel widely prepared to conquer the El Paso desert territory.
Make your workout out with Chuze
You just think of a journey through El Paso’s mountainous outback is talking about your determination to reach and overcome your goals. At Chuze Fitness, our job is to give you the resources and ideas that you need to feel prepared when it is finally time to deal with them.
With state -of -the -art facilities, trained training courses and staff who really want to see you, Chuze members have the power to choose what a “gym” means to them.
You never know where your trip can take you, but we can tell you how to get started. Come with us with a 7 -day free trial in our gyms in El Paso and start your rise today.
Sources:
All trails. McKelligon Canyon Road.
All trails. Mountain Franklin Mountain.
All trails. El Paso Tin Mines Trail.
All trails. Thousands of steps paths.
All trails. Ron Coleman Trail.
Weather Spark. The climate and average all year long in El Paso.
