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
Lantern-Lit Copper Mine Tour
Sun. Oct. 13th at 8:30am
Step back in time and explore the copper prospecting mine by lantern light. Join your park ranger turned turn-of-the-century guide on a historical exploration of an old mine shaft in the Franklin's.
Meet us by the West Cottonwood Springs trail head in the Tom Mays unit.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121. *Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 15 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, flashlights, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, binoculars, 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. You can purchase your tickets at the Visitor Center as you enter the Tom Mays Unit.
Copper Mine Tours
Sun. Oct. 13th at 11am and 2pm
Join us for a hike out to the copper prospecting mines.
There will be two tours; one leaving at 11:00 and one leaving at 2:00.
Meet us by the West Cottonwood Springs trail head in the Tom Mays unit.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121. *Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 15 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, flashlights, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, binoculars, 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. You can purchase your tickets at the Visitor Center as you enter the Tom Mays Unit.
Women Hike (night hike) at Cardiac Hill
Fri. Oct. 18th at 7:30pm
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 3.7 miles. We will return on the maze trail.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444 9121.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes, flashlight.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park.
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 bring a check or exact change, as the Ranger or volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change. Alternately you can purchase your day pass ahead of time at the Tom Mays Visitor Center or at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Halloween Fest
Sun. Oct. 27th 9am-12pm
Halloween is almost here and that means creepy crawlers talk! Visit us at the park and learn about bats; these very misunderstood and under-rated night creatures.
We’ll also have a carved pumpkin contest!
To learn more about the amazing critters in the park, check out the booths and presentations 9am to 12pm
Vote for your favorite carved pumpkin between 9am to 11:30am; winners will be announced at 12pm
To participate in the carved pumpkin contest please sign up by calling the park at 915 444-9121. Pumpkins must be brought to the park before 9am ready to display.
Admission to Halloween Fest is free; if attendees will enter the park or participate on the guided hike the fees are: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under.
Carved Pumpkin Contest
Sun. Oct. 27th 9am-11:30am
Feeling artistic? Participate in our carved pumpkin contest!
This is your opportunity to show off your pumpkin carving skills during Franklin Mountains' Halloween Fest. Bring your pumping ready to be displayed at the park for a chance to win a prize!
Pumpkins must be brought into the park already carved by 9am.
Voting will happen between 9am and 11:30am.
Winners will be announced at 12 pm on social media and at the park.
To register please call the park at 915 444-9121.
Participation in the contest is free; if attendees will enter the park or participate on the guided hike the fees are: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under.
Last Sunday Hike at Beginners' Loop
Sun. Oct. 27th at 9:30am
Join us for the last hike of the month! This month we’ll take it easy on the beginners’ loop trail.
We’ll hike through a short 1.2 mile loop on even terrain (for the most part) at the base of the Franklin Mountains.
We encourage participants to bring their Halloween costumes!
Bring: water, snacks, comfortable and weather appropriate clothing, hiking shoes/boots.
Optional: walking sticks, camera, binoculars, Halloween costume.
Meeting location: Beginners’ Loop trailhead
Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5-12 years old.
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