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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
Sat. Dec. 6th 2025
8am - Peak Challenge at Thousand Steps Trail
Challenge yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains.
The Franklin Mountains is a rugged playground for those looking to challenge themselves. This month we will be taking this challenge in the southern section of the park at the Thousand Steps trail.
Length: 4 miles
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous. This is a steep and rugged hike up to the B-36 crash site overlook and back. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for this one!
Note: Participants with less than two liters of water, or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike
Bring: water, water, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: The Thousand Steps trailhead (4999 N Stanton St).
Sun. Dec. 7th 2025
10am-12pm - Holiday Card Making
Let nature inspire you and make your own holiday cards to send to your loved ones!
Event will take place at the Visitor Center in the Tom Mays unit of the park.
No reservations required.
Meeting Location: The Visitor Center in the Tom Mays Unit.
Sat. Dec. 13th 2025
8:30am - Women Hike at Cardiac and Maze trails
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.
This is a moderately difficult hike of about 3 miles round trip. From the Tin Mine trailhead, we will turn onto the trail leading up a low hill and follow the crest heading west towards the mountains. Enjoy the view of the east slope of the Franklins and the surrounding dessert floor. When we reach the intersection with the maze trail, we will take it going back meandering through lush desert shrub.
Bring: water, snacks, 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.
Sat. Dec. 20th 2025
8am - Old Tin Mine Tour
Join a park ranger or volunteer guide for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s.
This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles round trip. 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.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
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.
Thurs. Dec. 25th 2025
10am - Santa Hike at Agave Loop
Celebrate Christmas with a nice stroll through the mountains!
Santa hats required!
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate. The hike begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained switchback trail to wide open vistas to the west. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting Location: West Cottonwood Springs trailhead in the Tom Mays Unit.
Sun. Dec. 28th 2025
8:30am - Last Sunday Hike at Scheffer Shuffle
Join a park ranger on a guided hike through the Western foothills of the Franklin Mountains.
Length: 2.6 miles
Trail Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult. Steep initial descent down old jeep road; transition to relatively well maintained trail with technical sections into the canyon, leveling out along the ridgeline, then another steep and technical descent down the backside before becoming an easy leisurely stroll down the trail. We’ll reconnect with the old jeep road and have one final steep ascent back up to the start of the trail.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: Meet at the end loop/campsite #39
12pm-2pm - Black Eyed Peas Outdoor Cooking Demo
Stop by the visitor center and taste some black eyed peas cooked on a Dutch oven over the campfire
Reservations are required for all programs (except the card making and the black eyed peas programs) by calling the park at 915 444 9100.
Entrance fees to the park are: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and under.
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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