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 Reporter |
Summary: From the trailhead, climb to the top of the concrete dam. Turn south (left) on the dam and follow the trail right to the bottom of the dam. Turn north and follow the trail 0.15 miles north until you see a gate directly to your left. Turn west (left), proceed past the gate, pick up the jeep road curving north-west, and follow this road all the way to the junction at 2.75 miles. From the junction, turn south (left) for the south mne and smelter. (Follow the narrow trail west past the mine for the entrance.) Proceed straight ahead and curve north to the north mine. (Follow stairs down below the mine for the lower entrance.) Bring a flashlight. Trailhead: From the Junction of Loop 375 (Trans Mountain Road) and U.S. Hwy 54 (Patriot Freeway) go north 1.65 miles to the junction of Farm Road 3255 (War Hwy). Turn left on 3255 and go north 0.5 miles to Jon Cunningham. Turn left on Jon Cunningham and go to Chuck Heinrich park at the end of the road. Park in the lot. The hike starts at the posts. (Lat:31.93252 Lon:-106.44922) Trail Guides for FMSP - El Paso Tin Mines: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, 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 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Rob on 8/30/2008 Excellent hike for my first time up this trail. Pay attention when starting after going over the dam I lost the trail due to washout. After going over the dam cross the fence and aim to the tip of the small north spur this is where it turns into a jeep or atv trail. Easy going to all areas. I also got confused when I got to the first junction and started to what I thought was the south mine. A better description would be go straight passing cross trails until you stop at a T-intersection. This is where the route goes to the south and north mines. I did not go in the mines this time but I will definetly hike again using this as a short fitness trail and explore the mines. 
Reviewed by Richard on 9/8/2007 To Helaine (1/9/2007) and anyone else doing this hike: Look for the large rectangular rust-colored grates that cover the north mine openings and you can't go wrong. They are visible from the parking area and most of the hike. This is the best hike for children. I have taken my children and my grandchildren there many times and it has always been exciting. Once we had a rattlesnake greet us at the lower north mine entrance. The mine tunnels extend for hundreds of feet and turning off the flashlights is a fun experience for the children (and some adults). On many returns to the parking area we have encountered cows of the Bowen Ranch.
Reviewed by mike on 3/17/2007 went up 3-13-07 from north hills to find that most of the trails inside the park on the east side of mundys gap have been redone. the trail from north hills to the entrance sign to the park is still a little washed out from the rains but still walkable.
Reviewed by Helaine on 1/9/2007 We wound up taking a left at the first junction after only 45 minutes of hiking and wound way up into the mountains for about 1 hour and a half till the jeep trail came to a dead end. We turned around and continued straight at the original junction to find the old smelter area. By that time we had been hiking for 3 hours and turned back down the mountain. Perhaps the North mine will be the next trip. Good hike on a beautiful day even without the North mine.
Reviewed by Viewer on 11/15/2006 Easy hike, interesting mines. Bring a flashlight. There are a lot of trails and dirt roads in the area, sometimes it is a little confusing.
Reviewed by Bob on 11/10/2004 Hiked up to the Tin Mines with the El Paso Ridgewalkers on October 23rd. The trails washed out and very difficult in some places. Overall, this is a very nice hike and I would certainly do this hike again.
Reviewed by Eric on 3/1/2004 This was a very nice hike. As it was a cool windy day, the gusts were a little unpleasant. The view from the North mine is wonderful - and someone left a plastic bag and card to sign in). 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||