El Paso, with its mountainous terrain, offers a diverse range of hiking trails to explore. In this article, we’ll discuss the best locations to connect with nature while getting plenty of exercise.
El Paso Tin Mines Trail
- Elevation change: 1,023 feet
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Difficulty: moderate
First up on our list is the El Paso Tin Mines Trail, which is located within the Franklin Mountains State Park. Spanning 6.6 miles, this trail has pace for hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking.
The Tin Mines Trail takes close to three hours for experienced hikers, so prepare accordingly.
Although not listed on the Franklin Mountain State Park map, directions to the El Paso Tin Mines Trail can be found here.
Aztec Cave Trail
- Elevation change: 419 feet
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty: moderate
The Aztec Cave Trail is a 1.2 mile track also contained within Franklin Mountain State Park. An out and back trail with an elevation gain of 419 feet, it is an ideal spot for walking, hiking and bird watching. Most hikers need 45 minutes to complete the trail.
Thousand Steps Trail
- Elevation change: 946 feet
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: difficult
Next on our list of El Paso hiking trails is the Thousand Steps Trail, a challenging trail that leads up to an aerial tramway. Marked with steep climbs and unwelcoming terrain, the 1.5-mile hike climbs from an elevation of 4,366 feet to a peak of 5,312 feet.
Also located in Franklin Mountain State Park, the Thousand Steps Trail is ideal for experienced hikers in search of a challenge.
B-36 Crash Hike
- Elevation change: 830 feet
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Difficulty: difficult
Our next hiking trail in El Paso is the crash site of an Air Force B-36 in 1953. The trail is characterized as difficult, climbs a steep side of the Franklin Mountains, and takes about 90 minutes to complete. This rugged, rocky trail is unmaintained so proceed with caution!
Lost Dog Trail Loop
- Elevation change: 1,000 feet
- Distance: 7.7 miles
- Difficulty: moderate
Located in west El Paso, the Lost Dog Trail Loop is a 7.7-mile moderately challenging loop with a completion time spanning 3.5 hours. Hiking, mountain hiking, and trail running are popular activities among hikers on this trail.
Lazy Cow Trail
- Elevation change: 406 feet
- Distance: 6.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
The Lazy Cow Trail is one of the easier El Paso hiking trails, with an average completion time of 2.5 hours. Relatively flat, the trail is a prime spot for birding and mountain biking.
Ron Coleman Trail
- Elevation change: 1,697 feet
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: difficult
One of El Paso’s most well-known hiking trails, the Ron Coleman trail is situated within the Franklin Mountain State Park and is quite difficult. The trail is rugged, rocky and a challenge for all who attempt it.
McKelligon Canyon Road
- Elevation change: 669 feet
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Difficulty: easy
McKelligon Canyon presents little challenge to most experienced hikers and provides great views of the El Paso area. Located near Fort Bliss, the trail takes a little more than 2 hours to complete.
Mundy’s Gap Overlook
- Elevation change: 1,003 feet
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Difficulty: moderate/difficult
Nestled in the Franklin Mountain State Park and filled with challenging terrain, Mundy’s Gap Overlook is our last hiking trail in El Paso. With a completion time of around two hours, it is also a great place for horseback riding and mountain biking.
