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North Franklin Peak

4.8

·67 reviews·El Paso, United States

Hike to the highest point in El Paso for breathtaking panoramic views. A challenging 7.2-mile trail in Franklin Mountains State Park.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

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North Franklin Peak

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike to the highest point in El Paso for breathtaking panoramic views. A challenging 7.2-mile trail in Franklin Mountains State Park.

4.8

(67 reviews)

"The views are great. It took my son and I 6 hours to walk up, then back to the car."

TIP

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential

The trail is rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety on the North Franklin Peak trail.

💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. Hydrate the day before and during your hike.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 67 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Address

North Franklin Mountain, El Paso, TX 79904, USA

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit of North Franklin Peak

Franklin Mountains State Park

Reach the highest point in El Paso for unparalleled panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Franklin Mountains State Park Trails

Franklin Mountains State Park

Explore the diverse network of trails, including the challenging North Franklin Peak trail, offering geological wonders.

Geological Formations

North Franklin Peak Trail

Discover unique rock formations and learn about the fascinating geology of the Franklin Mountains as you ascend.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Strenuous Climb

North Franklin Peak is a challenging hike, often taking 4-6 hours round trip. Be in good physical shape and plan for ample time, as park gates lock at 5 PM. Proper footwear and hydration are crucial for this rewarding ascent.

Timing is Everything for Views

While any time can offer stunning vistas, consider early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the harshest sun and potential heat. The views of the entire borderplex are breathtaking, especially as the light changes.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Beat the heat and crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour views

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekdays

Why

Fewer people on trails

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

North Franklin Mountain 7190ft #elpaso #hiking

@missalyssfit

57 likes • 1.1K views

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential

The trail is rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety on the North Franklin Peak trail.

💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. Hydrate the day before and during your hike.

North Franklin Peak Elevation of 7,192ft, the 27th highest mountain peak in Texas #hiking #mountain #peak #texas #elpaso #tx #trails #fypシ

@voodooedcool

290 likes • 11.6K views

Tales from the Trail - Longest episode ever. Come watch the emotional roller coaster as we hike 13.5 miles to North Franklin Peak and hit all sorts of PRs! 😆🎢 🤯⛰️🥾

emilybcruz

13 likes • 249 views

⏰ Plan for 4-6 Hours

The hike is strenuous and can take 4-6 hours round trip. Don't underestimate the time needed.

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

Start early or hike in the late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun and heat.

Come with us to North Franklin Mountain Peak ⛰️

stillcaterpillar

4 likes • 193 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential

The trail is rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for comfort and safety on the North Franklin Peak trail.

💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. Hydrate the day before and during your hike.

⏰ Plan for 4-6 Hours

The hike is strenuous and can take 4-6 hours round trip. Don't underestimate the time needed.

☀️ Avoid Midday Sun

Start early or hike in the late afternoon to avoid the intense midday sun and heat.

⛰️ Check Park Gate Hours

Park gates lock at 5 PM. Ensure you complete your hike and exit before closing time.

💨 Be Prepared for Wind

Expect windy conditions at the summit. It can be quite breezy at the top.

What Travellers Say

4.8

(67 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the amazing, rewarding views from North Franklin Peak, calling it the highest point in El Paso. However, many emphasize that it's a very strenuous hike requiring excellent physical condition, proper footwear, and ample water, with some finding the rocky terrain challenging.

"You need to be in shape for this hike, this was my second time to the top. It took my son and I 6 hours to walk up, then back to the car. There was maybe an hour of play time in there. The views are great. Expect windy conditions. Read up on the geology of the mountains before you go. There are some neat rocks as you go up."

NewOrleans Food Lover

"Amazing climb, it took us 5 hours to go up and down the mountain, the views are amazing, you can see the entire borderplex.
The date I went was the end of January 2022 and I hope to go this coming month when the rainy season begins.
I highly recommend this place.
The trial that I took was call north Franklin mountain peak highest point of the Franklin mountains."

Fernando Tarin

"A very challenging hike. The park rangers say the hike takes around 4-6 hours. We took around 6.5 hours (round trip) and were completely exhausted as we did not take multiple breaks. It’s best enjoyed when you have 8 hours to complete this hike. Remember the park gates lock at 5pm and you definitely don’t want to be locked inside. Going down is much easier than going up. The hike was challenging with great views. Reminded us of our hike up to Guadalupe peak. The biggest difference was the abundance of stones we had to walk on. Walking on those stone was not fun. You definitely need a good pair of hiking shoes for this trail and plenty of water (minimum 3 liters per person). At the end of the trail, your entire body will be hurting but the views at the top are very rewarding!"

myron almeida

What People Like

Amazing summit views

Rewarding challenging hike

Highest point in El Paso

What People Dislike

Very strenuous climb

Rocky terrain

Requires good fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

North Franklin Peak is located within Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, Texas. Access is typically via the park's main entrances. You'll then follow the designated trails towards the peak.

Yes, there are parking areas available within Franklin Mountains State Park. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as popular trailheads can fill up.

No, North Franklin Peak is only accessible by hiking. There are no roads leading to the summit.

The most common access point for the North Franklin Peak trail is from within Franklin Mountains State Park. Follow signs for the main trailheads.

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Franklin Mountains State Park can be limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for easier access.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically an entrance fee for Franklin Mountains State Park. Check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for current fees and operating hours.

Park hours can vary, but generally, the park is open from dawn to dusk. However, remember that the park gates lock at 5 PM, so plan your hike accordingly.

While there's an entrance fee for the park, a separate permit is usually not required for hiking the North Franklin Peak trail itself, beyond the park entry fee.

Night hiking is generally not recommended and may be prohibited due to safety concerns and park closing times. Always adhere to park regulations.

Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website for any potential discounts or passes that might apply to Franklin Mountains State Park entry.

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

Most hikers report taking between 4 to 6 hours for the round trip to North Franklin Peak. Some may take longer, especially if they stop for extended breaks.

The North Franklin Peak trail is considered strenuous. It involves significant elevation gain and a rocky, uneven surface. Good physical condition is required.

You'll get breathtaking panoramic views of El Paso, the surrounding Franklin Mountains, and the borderplex region. It's a truly rewarding vista.

Restroom facilities are typically available at the park entrance or trailhead areas, but not along the entire length of the North Franklin Peak trail. Plan accordingly.

Due to its strenuous nature and length, the North Franklin Peak trail is generally not recommended for absolute beginners. Experienced hikers or those in good shape are better suited.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The 'golden hour' provides beautiful colors over the landscape.

Capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, unique rock formations, and the expansive city views. The summit offers incredible photo opportunities.

For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, check with park authorities.

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a camera bag that can handle the rugged terrain.

The summit itself offers the most expansive views. Along the trail, keep an eye out for natural overlooks that provide different perspectives.