El Paso Open Spaces
Partnered by the
El Paso Neighborhood Coalition
Frontera Land Alliance
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.
Resources
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
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
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
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
Franklin Mountains State Park
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
DETAILS
Sun. June 2nd
7:30AM - Women Hike to Aztec Caves
2 mile moderate hike (on the new trail); This trail takes you up to a set of caves over a gradual incline that offers scenic views.
Bring: water, water, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, sun protection (sun screen, hat, sun glasses) and comfortable clothes.
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. Or purchase your entrance ahead of time at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Reservation required by calling the park at 915 444 9100
Fri. June 7th
12pm - American Badger Fun Facts Video
This month's fun facts video is about the American badger; the video will be posted at noon on both the park's Facebook (Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park) and Instagram (@wyleraerialtramway) pages.
Sat. June 8th
9am - 12pm - Desert Bighorn Sheep Informational Meeting
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department invites the community to join these informational meeting about desert bighorn sheep. There will be 3 meetings offered this summer.
Please see attached flyer for more information about the meeting and to sign up for it.
Sun. June 16th
8:00AM - Lantern-lit Copper Mine Tour
Join your park ranger turned turn-of-the-century guide on a historical exploration of an old mine shaft in the Franklin's.
We will meet at the West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead in the Tom Mays unit of Franklin Mountains State Park.
*Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 14 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. If you are sensitive to oil lamp smoke, a face mask is highly encouraged.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $8.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Payment can be made at the Visitor Center.
Reservation required by calling the park at 915 444 9100, space is limited.
11:00AM - Copper Mine Tour
Join your park ranger on an exploration of an old mine shaft in the Franklin's.
We will meet at the West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead in the Tom Mays unit of Franklin Mountains State Park.
*Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 14 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $8.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Payment can be made at the Visitor Center.
Reservation required by calling the park at 915 444 9100, space is limited
Sun. June 30th
7:30AM - Last Sunday Hike at Upper Sunset Trail
This is a moderately difficult 1.3-mile hike and is excellent for families, beginner hikers, or geology and wildlife enthusiasts. We’ll encounter some elevation gains, with some short steep inclines/declines, a few rocky/rough sections, and great vistas as we walk along the ridgeline.
After getting your entrance permit, meet at the end loop parking area.
Bring: water, water, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, sun protection (sun screen, hat, sun glasses) and comfortable clothes.
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. Or purchase your entrance ahead of time at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Reservation required by calling the park at 915 444 9100
FLYERS
(info on left)
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