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 Reporter |
Summary: Follow the trail up the canyon. At 0.45 miles, the main trail keeps right. DO NOT follow the wash up. At 0.5 miles the trail will zig-zag up the hillside covered in red rhyolite rock to the ridgeline. On the ridgeline at 0.80 miles, turn left and follow the trail up to the Elephant's Trunk at N31.86502 - W106.49520. There are a few small caves at the trunk. There are several possible trails up and down, so pick your route as you like. Trailhead: From the junction of I-10 and Trans-Mountain road, go east on Trans-Mountain road over the peak at Smuggler's Pass (5280 ft). As you start down the east side, enter the parking lot on the right. Stop and pay the park fee at the pay station on the west side of the parking lot. The trail begins just beyond the pay station. (Lat:31.87758 Lon:-106.49403) Trail Guides for FMSP - Mammoths Trunk: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Franklin Mountain State Park. (915) 566-6441 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Michael P. Olbrisch, who has posted 55 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Juanita on 3/17/2008 I love this hike! The view is spectacular. I always take visitors & newbys and they are truly amazed by the view! I highly recommend taking out of town visitors. Even if they don't make it up to the top; there's always the view from the picnic tables. For those out of shape, take plenty of water & frequent breaks...it's worth it!
Reviewed by Richard on 9/8/2007 To Jonathan (3-17-07): There is a trail to the top of South Mount Franklin!! I have hiked it many times but like the B-36 crash site hike, I only go now to guide other people for their first trip. The hike from elephant rock (or gunsight pass or the gap) to the towers at the top of S. Franklin peak is very strenous because the trail is very steep and rocky. It is even harder coming down but it is the price you pay for a beautiful view of both east and west El Paso. If you go to the south end of the towers you can even see McKelligan Canyon. My daughter and son-in-law said they will take their friends there in the future for the spectacular view. 
Reviewed by Marie on 8/24/2007 I am not in very good shape but it was a nice hike, beautiful scenery and with good company a great time! I wanted to quit a couple times but thanks to Monika and Mike to keep me going and cheering me on! 
Reviewed by JoNathan on 3/16/2007 I would like to see a trail go farther up to S.Franklin
Reviewed by Stansberry on 9/7/2006 With recent flood damage, the directions above are invaluable. If you lose the trail in the canyon, just hug the right side of the canyon wall and you'll eventually intersect the marked trail just past the red rock formations.
Reviewed by Connie on 5/15/2006 I hiked this trail on Mother's Day, for some solitude since I was away from my family. My goal was to hike to the saddle and then call my Mother. I made it to the top in 45 minutes and called my Mother. I had perfect reception from the saddle and talked with her for 25 minutes before I descended and then got distracted from two phone calls from my own kids. Somehow I ended up on a trail that was not the main trail, more like the canyon wash, but maybe that's why I cut out some time on my return hike. I didn't start this hike until 4:15pm because of the heat (97F) and walked back in the cooler mountain shadows on my return trip. I saw no one along the entire route except for several vultures soaring high above me.
Reviewed by Rasalin on 4/10/2006 it was awesome. not for beginners or those who are out of shape. most definitely stay on the trail and have proper shoes. alot os slinding rock on trail but the view makes it worth it. awesome workout and would most definitely do it again!!!
Reviewed by Dr. Flo on 11/26/2005 Pretty neato hike. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Texas Hiking, Texas Trails, Texas Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||