Regardless of whether you are a resident or a visitor, it is almost impossible to visit El Paso, TX, without admiring the Franklin Mountains that crowns the city. And if you want to get very close and personally, you can even climb them.
While this majestic mountain scenery can see El Paso’s picturesque desert paths offer intimidating and actually offer accessible terrain and a variety of difficulty levels, so that both new and experienced hikers can absorb fresh air, supply their bodies with electricity and enjoy the incredible view.
If you are ready to hike in El Paso, it is your first step to find a way that is geared towards your experiences and preferences – – –And Knowing what you can expect before you arrive there. Here are our six top suggestions and tips to ensure that they are prepared.
McKelligon Canyon Road (easier/for families)
Regardless of whether you are dusting your old hiking shoes or looking for a reason to get your children from their screens, McKelligon Canyon near Fort Bliss is the perfect place to hike in El Paso.
This out-and-back trail offers asphalted paths and makes it one of the more accessible options for hikers (and strollers) of all levels. You will still get solid training, but without hands and knees that crawl along your hike.
- distance 7.7 km
- elevation – 204 m
- Estimated time to the following – 2 hours and 4 minutes
This beautiful route is meadows of Canyon walls and desert vegetation. It is a great place to visit the early hours of the morning when it is less likely that they come across crowds.
Franklin Mountains Loop (moderate)
This rest style trail in Franklin Mountains State Park offers a moderate but accessible challenge for those who are willing to get involved with a slightly rocky climb.
It is also an excellent route for sights: you will pass historical sights such as an old, abandoned mine and West Cottonwood spring on your way and give this track a mix of adventure and educational potential for children outdoors.
- distance – 5.3 km
- elevation – 284 meters
- Estimated time to the following – 1 hour and 55 minutes
Remember that this area can be steep and rugged in some areas so that you and your party should wear real shoes for support (hiking shoes are highly recommended). Some hikers say that they experience navigational obstacles because the path is not always clearly marked, but if they use a GPS or hold a card at hand, you can avoid confusion.
As the last note, this path is largely exposed. Therefore, consider an earlier start to exceed the heat.
Lost Dog Trail (moderate)
If you jump into the hiking game for the prospects, the Lost Dog Trail has its name. This is a well -maintained local favorite that is known for its panoramic dots in the beautiful desert landscape.
This trail establishes a connection to several other routes. Therefore, downloading a card in advance is helpful for navigation. You also want to wear hiking shoes to support steep terrain on rocky and occasionally. After all, like most other El Paso hikes, you will find only a little pause from the sun to bring sunscreen, hats or visors and breathable, sleepy cover-ups.
- distance 11.9 km
- elevation – 297 meters
- Estimated time to the following – 3 hours and 8 minutes
The Tin Mines Trail Pass (moderately/for families)
If you are ready with a moderate Trek with some history, add the Tin Mines Trail to your hiking in the El Paso -bucket list. This leads you through Desert Pinselland, to the ruins of the old tin breakdown operations.
The Tin Mines Trail is loved because of its friendliness of the family, so that they are probably on their way in society. Nevertheless, the signage on the way can be somewhat confusing. It is therefore helpful to bring a card as a guide.
Expect rockiness and mostly full sunlight – Proper shoes and sun protection (as always) help you to feel comfortable.
- distance – 10.9 km
- elevation 317m
- Estimated time to the following – 3 hours and 2 minutes
A thousand steps trail (hard)
With a steady, uphill and sheltered area, this trail challenges the hikers from the start. The Thousand Steps Trail is an outstanding option for those who are looking for cardio training or gain experience in a small light scrambling.
As soon as you have climbed your thousand (Or it feels like that!) Steps, you will enjoy a remarkable view over El Paso and beyond. Don’t expect much shade in this way. So bring your essentials with: sunscreen, headgear and lots of water.
- distance – 4.3 km
- elevation – 259m
If you want to push yourself – or just want to receive a few boastful rights, you can continue to climb past the official summit (the hut) of the trail and go to the ranger peak. Just make sure that you wear hiking shoes for this path instead of sneakers, regardless of whether you are planning to stop at the official summit or to pursue the beautiful views.
Ron Coleman Trail (advanced)
The Ron Coleman Trail is a route for hikers and rock climbers. Brave Trekkers, one of the most demanding technical hikes in El Paso, can expect steep paths, rocky stirring and “chain sections”, in which hikers use metal chains to achieve more difficult uprisings and descents.
Trekking rods are a must for this type of terrain. If you have enough experience to try it out, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views that El Pasos have to offer mountains. As for a place where you can take your breath, there are two small caves on the way where you can take a break from the heat.
In view of its intensity, this path is significantly less crowded than his colleagues, but in exchange for their hard work, they enjoy the satisfaction of completing a really impressive climb.
- distance 11.9 km
- elevation – 977 meters
- Estimated time to the following – 5 hours and 31 minutes
How to prepare for your hike in El Paso, TX
Hiking should have fun – but part of it means being prepared and remaining safe. Follow these essential steps before dealing with your hike.
Step 1 Check the weather
When you visit El Paso, you know which season it is. El pasos hot season lasts from mid -May to mid -September when the daily average size routinely extends beyond 89ºF. The cool season extends from mid -November to mid -February, but the weather can be undeniable in higher locations.
Remember that the temperatures here escalate quickly and summer storms and floods can suddenly rinse paths. It is best to hike sooner or later a day and check your local weather reports on the day of your hike.
Step 2 set up
In the El Paso heat, it can be tempting to wear as few clothing as possible in order to give your skin a lot of space to breathe. Most hiking trails here are completely exposed to the sun. If you have the option, it is best to choose a fabric cover.
You will do your skin a favor by wearing light, breathable or cross -moisturizing training clothing and the following parts:
- A wide hat
- sunglasses
- A visor
- A bandana
Suitable shoes are also the key to El Paso’s characteristic Rocky site. Hiking boots with a solid profile are a must, especially if you venture into one of the technical hikes in the region.
Apply step 3 (and use them again) SPF
In addition to physical protection, wearing sunscreens is the key to remain protected in Texas under the blazing sun. The aim is to choose a broad spectrum of at least 30 and make sure that you use again every 1 to 2 hours if you are on a long-distance hike.
Step #4 remain hydrated
Usually bring more water with you than you believe that you need it. A two-liter bottle is ideal for moderate hikes, but you may want to increase the volume if you approach a more advanced path.
Electrolyt drinks with low sugar can also help to breastfeed your thirst and the filling of minerals that you lose through sweat. Alternatively, you can bring an electrolyte tap or a bag to be added on the way to one of your water bottles.
Step 5 Think about the training in advance
If you are a beginner in hiking, you can trust you to defeat your first way if you prepare for your first excursion.
Running strap increase, weighted lungs and drills that improve their balance are ideal for imitation of path conditions. If you can add some core and flexibility exercises, you will be prepared in detail to conquer El Pasos desert area.
Take your training with Chuze outside
If you only think about El Pasos Berg -Outback, a hiker talks about her determination of reaching and exceeding her fitness goals. At Chuze Fitness it is our job to give you the resources and insights that you have to feel prepared when it is finally time to tackle them.
With state-of-the-art institutions, targeted training courses and a staff who really wants to be successful, Chuze members have to choose what “fitness” means for them.
You never know where your trip could lead you, but we can tell you how you start. Accompany us with one 7-day free trial version To our Fitness studios in the crotch And start your ascent today.
Sources:
All hiking trails. McKelligon Canyon Road. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/mckelligon-canyon- Road
All hiking trails. Franklin Mountains Loop. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/franklin-mountains-loop
All hiking trails. Lost Dog Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/lost-dog-trail-2
All hiking trails. The sheet metal. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/el-pasoin-mines-trail
All hiking trails. A thousand steps trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/thoppy-steps-trail
All hiking trails. Ron Coleman Trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/ron-coleman-trail-3
Weather spunke. Climate and average weather all year round in El Paso. https://weatherspark.com/y/3268/averwerbungenwweather-in-el-paso-texas-united-states-Saahrround