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Frontera Land Alliance
Frontera Land Alliance
General Information
General Information
Land trusts offer a solution for land conservation that does not rely on government funding to help protect the land.
Land trusts conserve natural areas, working farms and ranches by negotiating voluntary agreements with property owners to leave their land undeveloped.
There are over 30 land trusts in Texas that have helped to conserve over 1.6 million acres of farms, wetlands, deserts, mountains, forests, watersheds, and coastlines.
Land trusts conserve Texas’s special lands and waters by permanently protecting them from development. Land trusts frequently have missions designed to ensure that every Texan has access to clean water and the opportunity to be connected to the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Conserving land carries with it many long-lasting benefits for our state. By preventing more land from being paved over by asphalt or concrete, we are ensuring that more of our precious rainfall water will soak into the ground and into our aquifers, thereby replenishing the water supply. And conserving land protects habitat for iconic Texas wildlife.
Land trusts bring people together to make commitments that can change communities.
Together we can ensure that the Texas landscape – rich in history, natural resources, breathtaking views and recreational opportunities – can be left intact for all of us today and for future generations.
-feel free to CONTACT US BY EMAIL » for requests of guest speaker presentations or about custom events-
Resources
Resources
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
General Information
General Information
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition was formed in 1978 and played a central role in the events that led to the establishment of Franklin Mountains State Park in 1979. The Coalition consists of organizations and individuals united in their concern for the Franklins in Texas and New Mexico and dedicated to:
preserving the scenic beauty and wilderness character of the Mountains;
protecting the plant and animal resources of the Mountains and preserving the whole range as an intact ecosystem;
stimulating appreciation of the natural values of the Mountains and promoting understanding of their biological, cultural and geological features; and
encouraging recreational, scientific and educational uses of the Mountains consistent with preserving their scenic beauty and wilderness character.
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Save Our Sierras
Save Our Sierras
Save Our Sierras (SOS) is a committee of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. SOS is an organization comprised totally of volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation of the Franklin Mountains. Our primary goal is to limit the exploitation of the Franklin Mountains as well as to ensure any future development projects are implemented in an environmentally and ecologically responsible manner, in order to maintain the beauty and grandeur of these wonderful landmarks for the enjoyment of current and future generations of El Pasoans.
Castner Update
Castner Update
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, partnering with The Frontera Land Alliance, Congressman Beto O’Rourke, the El Paso Community Foundation and an army of volunteers worked diligently in 2016 to preserve Castner Range as a National Monument. Over 35,000 letters and artwork supporting Castner’s preservation were created. Local, county and state agencies proclaimed their backing of the effort. Opinion/editorials appeared in local, state, and national publications urging that Castner become a Monument.
Resources
Resources
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
General Information
General Information
The Franklin Mountains provided most of the basic necessities of life for early people here. Today, the mountains meet a different human need – our need for time in nature. Come explore these high-desert mountains, just 15 minutes from El Paso.
Source: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Women Hike at Aztec Caves
Sunday, April 5th 2026 at 8am
Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors.
Length: 2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well maintained for most of the hike, with a steep incline with loose rubble just ahead of the entrance to the cave, so we will take this section slowly and carefully.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 566-6441.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and under.
Meeting Location: The Aztec Caves parking area.
Peak Challenge at Ron Coleman Trail
Saturday, April 11th 2026 at 7:30am
Test yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park.
Length: 4 miles
Difficulty: This is a very strenuous hike; considered by some to be the most difficult trail in Franklin Mountains State Park, this trail begins in McKelligon Canyon with a moderately steep incline over loose gravel and rocks leading to two natural rock shelters. After reaching the first cave, the trail hooks around on the right side and requires scrambling on all fours over bare rock to make it up to the second cave very near the ridgeline. The ridgeline provides a respite as you wander along the gentle rise which continues until you reach three sections of chain assisted rock ascents ranging from 15-40 feet. Be sure to stop in the middle of the second ascent to enjoy the view out the window! Shortly afterwards you will pass South Franklin Peak and make your way to “Mammoth rock.” The descent from the Mammoth can be very difficult to pick out and is steep and rocky. Once you reach the bottom, it is a short stroll to the Smuggler’s Pass Parking area off of Transmountain Road.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Bring: water (I recommend 2-4 liters), snacks and/or a sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: hiking stick, binoculars, camera, and a map.
*Hikers with less than 1.5 litters of water or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike*
Meeting location: We will meet at the Smuggler's Pass parking area, also known as Mammoth Trunk parking area, and carpool over to McKelligon Canyon so we will end the trail back at your vehicle.
Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please pay ahead of time online at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
iNaturalist 101 (workshop)
Saturday, April 11th 2026 at 1pm
Ever wondered "what is that" while on a hike?
Wonder no more! join this class to learn all about the iNaturalist app, a mobile app that helps you identify plants and animals you see around you. We will cover basics of using the app, how to take the best pictures for identification, events such as the upcoming City Nature Challenge where you can use this app, and more!
Bring: A mobile phone or tablet that you can use iNaturalists on (we will go over downloading the app if you do not already have it), water, and comfortable shoes and clothes (we will take a short easy hike on a section of the Tom Mays trail).
Optional: snacks, camera, map
Meeting place: the Visitor Center
Native Foods: Yucca
Sunday, April 12th 2026 at 9am
The desert has provided tools and food for many years, we just need to know where to find them and what to look for.
Join a park Ranger and learn about the Yucca plant its uses, and its edible parts; you'll get the chance to cook something with it's flowers.
Meeting location: Interpretive building (next to the visitor center)
Reservation required (limited spots) by calling 915 444 9121.
Fee: $8 for adults 13 years old and up; $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders and $1 children 12 years old and under.
Bat Walk
Friday, April 17th 2026 at 6:30pm
Join us for the first Bat Walk of the year! learn all about these amazing critters before going on a short easy hike to see if we can spot any.
Meeting location: Park's entrance gate (off of Transmountain Rd)
What to bring: water, flashlight, comfortable shoes and clothing
Optional: walking sticks, binoculars, camera
No pets
No children under 6 years old
Fees: $8 for adults 13 years old and up; $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders and $1 children 12 years old and under.
Reservations required (limited spots) by calling the park at 915 444 9121.
Old Tin Mine Tour
Saturday, April 18th 2026 at 7:30am
Join a park ranger or volunteer guides for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s.
Length: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: moderate to difficult. The trail is a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back the way you came.
What to bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park. We will meet in the parking lot at the end of Jon Cunningham.
Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, and $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please bring a check or exact change, as the Ranger or volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change. Alternately you can get your ticket at the Tom Mays visitor center ahead of time or purchase it online at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Last Sunday Hike at Maze and Cardiac Hill Trails
Sunday, April 26th 2026 at 7:30am
Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert and learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems.
Length: 3-3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderately difficult hike.
We will meander through lush desert shrub until the intersection with cardiac hill trail where we will go up a low hill and follow the crest heading east towards our starting point.
Meeting location: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park
What to bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fees: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, and $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please bring a check or exact change, as the Ranger or volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change. Alternately you can get your ticket at the Tom Mays visitor center ahead of time or purchase it online at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Visiting the park and not sure where to start? Check out the trail recommendations!
The park offers over 100 miles of trails to explore. No matter if this is your first time or you are an experienced hiker, there is at least one trail for you.
How much time do you have?
Resources
Resources
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