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
Women Hike to West Cottonwood Spring
Sun. April 7th at 8:30am
This is a moderately difficult trail of about 3 miles. It begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained trail to wide open vistas to the west. At the paragliding launch site the trail becomes a narrow track cutting across a north facing slope and through a draw to the spring overshadowed by a large Cottonwood tree and surrounded by wild cherry. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, 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.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Peak Challenge to North Franklin Peak
Sun. April 14th at 7:30am
very strenuous hike of about 8 miles. It begins with a gradual incline over scree, or rubble, proving to be challenging for some; then transitions to a steady climb over loose rubble/rocks. Continue to meander across the ridgeline to the highest peak in the park, North Franklin Peak! Bring your camera, the views are unbelievable with a 360 perspective of our region –with views of Mexico, the City of El Paso, and into New Mexico.
Bring: water (I recommend 2-4 liters), snacks and/or a sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, 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.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Copper Mine Tours
Sun. April 21st
8:30am - Historic Lantern Lit
11am & 2pm
Meet us by the West Cottonwood Springs trail head in the Tom Mays unit.
Bring: water, flashlights, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
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. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center as you enter 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.
Twilight Walk
Fri. April 26th at 6pm
Meet us at the Tom Mays Unit entrance gate at 6:00 pm. Once everyone arrives we will drive in to the parking area together and begin the walk. This is an easy walk mostly on the road of less than 2 miles. No pets allowed on this one.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, and a flashlight with a red, green, black, or UV light setting.
Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 years old and under. We highly encourage you to get your entrance permit ahead of time at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Reservations required by calling the park at (915) 444-9121. Space is limited
Last Sunday Hike at the Nature Walk
Sun. April 28th at 9am
This hike is an easy 0.75 mile hike. This short distance trail meanders through arroyos and hills to give a great introduction to desert plants and wildlife for kids, beginner hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The bird blind at the beginning of the trail is always a good spot for nature viewing!
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, 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.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
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