Franklin Mountains State Park Sits Inside El Paso City Limits

Franklin Mountains State Park is an unusually large urban park. It covers almost 27,000 acres (about 40 square miles), entirely within city limits. Trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing weave through Chihuahuan Desert landscape and granite ridgelines. You are 15 minutes from downtown but the terrain is genuinely rugged.

Day entry is $5 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in free. Camping is available but has no water or electricity hookups. Book in advance — the park reaches capacity regularly, especially on weekends in spring, summer, and fall. Bring water; the desert heat and dry air are serious. The park gate opens at 8 a.m.