Are dogs allowed on Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike?

No, Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike?

Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike is rated expert. It is 10.3 miles long with 4,964 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike suitable for kids?

Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Texas trail conditions

Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike route map

ExpertOut and Back

Texas

Franklin Mountains Ridgeline Hike

El Paso, Texas

10.3 mi

Distance

4,964 ft

Elev. Gain

5h 24m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Hike from N. Stanton St to Trans-Mountain Rd along the Franklin Mountains ridge. NOTE: This hike begins with the Trans-Franklin Mountains South Trail and ends at the Ron Coleman Trail. Study those hikes for information on that part of the trail. At 2.0 miles on the Trans-Franklin South Trail you reach the ridge. When that trail curves right and down look for a dim trail that goes straight along the bluff. At 2.25 miles turn left and climb the arroyo to the ridge. Then go right and up. Follow the dim trail until you reach the TV towers at 2.7 miles. Go left and follow the fence around. DO NOT TRESSPASS, VIDEO CAMERAS! At 2.9 miles begin bushwhacking north on the ridgeline. You will encounter a knife-edge ridge at about 3.4 miles. Go right and down, then back up and left to bypass it. At 3.8 miles you reach the Govt Radio Site. Don't touch, just hike through. The hike gets easier from this point. At 5.6 miles you reach the junction of the Ron Coleman Trail. Continue North. DANGER - read the disclaimer. THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,325 ft

Max:1,856 ft

1,513 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.