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Texas
Big Bend Country Region
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park © Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Aerial view of the Franklin Mountains from the south, with El Pasos Scenic Drive at the bottom, and New Mexicos Organ Mountains on the horizon in the distance.
Franklin Mountains State Park © Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The entrance road to a section of Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas, United States.
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FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
Tom Mays Park Access Road
El Paso, Texas   79930
(lat:31.9117 lon:-106.5174) map location

Phone: 915-566-6441
Although the park is completely within the city limits of El Paso, a robust and diverse ecosystem of birds, reptiles and small mammals live here. If you are observant, you may catch a glimpse of mule deer, squirrels, coyotes, and perhaps one of the elusive mountain lions.

The Franklins are an incredible bird-watching site. Over 100 species of birds visit or live here, including golden eagles, ash-throated flycatchers, calliope hummingbirds and pyrrhuloxia. Visit the parks bird blind in the Tom Mays Unit to see some of these birds.

Plants here are typical of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Lechuguilla, sotol, ocotillo, several yuccas and numerous cacti grow in the park. The Franklins are the only known location in Texas for a number of plant species, including the Southwestern barrel cactus.
History of the Area
The Franklin Mountains form a striking backdrop to the city of El Paso. Farsighted El Paso residents and conservationists from across the nation dreamed for many years of making the mountains a park, both to protect the land and to provide public access.

Developers began carving roads into the almost pristine mountains in the late 1970s. Soon after, concerned citizens formed the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. This groups advocacy ultimately led to passage of House Bill 867 in the Texas Legislature. The bill authorized the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to acquire the Franklin Mountains. The Legislature sought to protect the mountains scenery, ecology and history.

TPWD acquired the property in 1981 and opened it in 1987. Franklin Mountains is the largest urban park in the nation at 26,627 acres. It covers about 40 square miles, all within the city limits of El Paso.

Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition The coalition has supported Franklin Mountains State Park for more than 30 years. It was involved in the creation of the park, and has continued to work on behalf of the mountains, both locally and on a statewide basis


Location
Franklin Mountains State Park is located near Anthony, Canutillo and Chaparral

Picnicking
1. Franklin Mountains State Park offers numerous picnic spots with grills and tables.
2. Enjoy a meal while overlooking beautiful mountain views.
3. Picnic sites are available on both the Tom Mays Unit and McKelligon Canyon areas of the park.
4. Some picnic spots require reservations, others are first-come-first-served basis.
5. The Agave Loop Trail has several shaded picnic areas along its path for hikers to rest at.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 100 miles of trails, but be warned: the terrain is challenging and rugged.

The Ron Coleman Trail offers a strenuous ride with steep inclines; it's not for beginners.

For those seeking less intensity, try exploring Lower Sunset trail which has moderate difficulty levels.

Always remember to wear appropriate safety gear when biking as accidents on rocky terrains are common occurrences.

Mountain bikers should note that some paths may require dismounting due to their extreme nature or conservation efforts in place.

Keep an eye out for wildlife while riding - you might encounter mule deer or even mountain lions!

Remember also that weather conditions can rapidly change so always check forecasts before setting off on your journey.

Lastly, ensure adequate water supply during rides because dehydration under hot Texan sun could pose serious health risks.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Cactus Wren. The park is home to over 100 bird species including Red-tailed Hawks and Verdin. Birding tours are offered regularly by local experts for enthusiasts of all levels. Visitors may also see less common birds such as Black-chinned Sparrows or Scott's Orioles during migration seasons.

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