Things to Do

Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure.

Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star Train and the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature and the Foster Tree House Playground. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the El Paso Zoo celebrates the value of animals and natural resources and creates opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature.

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The Franklin Mountains provided most of the basic necessities of life for early people here. Today, the mountains meet a different human need – our need for time in nature. Come explore these high-desert mountains, just 15 minutes from El Paso.

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Things to Do /Que se puede hacer?

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Franklin Mountains State Park offers great hiking, biking and rock climbing. Visit for the day or camp overnight.

Look for geocaches, bird (and nature) watch, or bring a picnic. Shop for gift items at our park store.

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Hiking and Mountain Biking

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Explore almost 27,000 acres (about 40 square miles) on over 100 miles of trail. Carry plenty of water and a cell phone, wear good shoes, dress for the weather, and travel with a partner. Be prepared for rugged desert terrain.

GeoBetty Tours offers guided mountain biking and hiking tours in the park, and riding clinics for new riders.

Call (915) 526-1091 for information.

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Camping

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Stay at one of our campsites in the Tom Mays Unit. Walk to one of 14 tent sites, or park at one of five RV sites.

Rent a group camp area for your next gathering. Campsites do not have water or electricity; bring enough water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Call the park to reserve sites.

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Rock Climbing

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Climb at the designated area in McKelligon Canyon or at Sneed’s Cory in the Tom Mays Unit. Bring your own equipment. Stay safe, and follow best practices for climbing.

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Volunteer!

We need your help. Contact the park or the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition.

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Protect the park

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Please stay on a designated trail at all times when you hike. Please do not drive on any dirt roads or trails (in car or ATV).

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Ranger Programs

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We lead hikes, bike rides, arts in the parks activities and more. Check the Events page for upcoming programs.

Call the park to ask about programs for clubs, scout groups, school groups, or any group of more than eight. We may limit the number of hikers in a tour group or cancel trips due to weather.

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Kids: Become a Junior Ranger! Learn to enjoy and care for this state park.

Download Franklin Mountains State Park Junior Ranger Activity Booklet or pick up a copy at headquarters.

Borrow an Explorer Pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park

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Area Attractions

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El Paso presents a live musical on the city’s history each summer, minor league baseball, Wilderness Park Museum,

Chamizal National Memorial, and many other attractions.

Check out Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; the Mission Trail, home to some of the oldest missions in the nation; and El Camino Real, the ancient Spanish road that today takes travelers from Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Learn more on the Texas Historical Commission - Texas Mountain Trail website.

The El Paso Chihuahuas are committed to making a difference in the El Paso community both on and off the field. While winning is an obvious goal, making a mark on fans, both young and old, is just as important.

Members of the Chihuahuas, including players, coaches and front office staff, are out and about in the community as much as possible throughout the year interacting with fans in a myriad of activities, including:

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· Baseball clinics

· Hospital visits

· School visits

· Reading programs

· Mentor programs

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For further information, or to request a community services from the El Paso Chihuahuas, email aimfeld@epchihuahuas.com.