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 Reporter |
Summary: Follow the main trail. At 0.58 miles there is a junction. Follow the main trail left. At 1.22 miles there is a wooden bridge. At 1.68 miles you arrive at Mundys Gap. Continue down the east side to the next junction at 2.2 miles. The sign shows the proper direction. Follow the trail to the right. From this point follow the trail to the top. NOTE: Dogs have made this hike, but there is much loose rock on the trail. Trailhead: From the junction of I-10 and Trans-Mountain road, go east on Trans-Mountain road 3.8 miles. Turn left at the park entrance. Stop and pay the park fee at the gate, or proceed to the ranger booth as the signs direct. Once past the ranger booth, proceed into the park and turn right at the first paved road going right. Follow the paved road to the parking lot at the top. The large wooden sign board is the trailhead. (Lat:31.91683 Lon:-106.50948) Trail Guides for FMSP - North Franklin Mountain: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, 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 54 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jim on 5/9/2008 4th trip up; went up in Feb while weather still cool. There has been some repair and restoration from the destruction of the storm of 2006, mainly on lower level, but upper area still in relatively poor condition. Nonetheless it all seems worthwhile when you reach the top.
Reviewed by Brian on 10/8/2007 (23 Sep 07) Great Hike! Started early when the park opened. Awesome view from the top. Round trip: 3.5 hours. Will do again!
Reviewed by Lucia and Marie on 5/20/2007 Hiked N. Franklin on 5/20/07. The 7.2 mile hike was challenging, mainly due to the quarry like trail at the beginning. Should consider bringing extra water and leaving early for the hike. It took almost 5 hours to do the round trip with several water breaks. The Vista at the top is worth the climb. It was good to see many hikers (young and old) enjoying the trail.
Reviewed by Steven on 4/9/2007 Hiked 04/08/2007. As Mike said there are 2 areas that where the trail has been washed over with rocks. The second being the worst of the two. Some kind soul has put up a few red flags along some of the trees to make it easier finding a path when you are coming down. Definitely stay off this trail after rains as the washed over rock areas are slippery and slidey while they are dry. Bring a hat and some sunscreen; you will be in direct sunlight the entire time. Also this trail is very doable if there are winds as long as they are coming from a western direction. You aren't exposed to the west side of the mountain until the final switchback. On another note my 10 month old poodle had no problems going up or down. 
Reviewed by mike on 3/17/2007 hiked up 3-13-07 from north hills, by the tin mines, and up to the top. the trail has been redone up to the fork in the trail where one way goes to the peak and one goes to mundys gap. from there on the trail is worn down by years of weather but still hikeable. there are 2 spots in the trail that are washed out by rockslides and 1 is a little dangerous to cross..but should be ok as long as u stay away from the edge of the trail. not a good trail to hike when its windy though. not going back to the top anytime soon
Reviewed by Jim on 11/1/2006 went up 10-31-2006; only saw one other hiker; saddened to see the heavy damage to the trail from recent heavy rains; tressel bridge badly damaged; several parts of trail converted to broad, rock-filled arroyos; a number of "white knuckle" places where rock slides have covered the trail and one has to walk over unstable rock piles while close to the edge. not going back anytime soon; surely hope the Parks and Wildlife folks will do some serious maintenance
Reviewed by Stansberry on 9/7/2006 The trail is fairly easy to follow, but recent flood damage has left sections of the trail covered by rock slides. While these aren't difficult to cross, they do slow you down. Very hot, but the breeze makes up for it as you close in on the summit.
Reviewed by Scott on 7/25/2006 Hiked it three times in 2003 when I lived in El Paso. I was training fairly hard at the time so tried to get up quicker each time. I can't remember the first time, but 2nd time was 1:15 to the summit. 3rd time I barely missed my goal of breaking 1 hour to the top. Would have gotten in next time, but moved back to Austin. Fun hike though. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
