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Frontera Land Alliance
Frontera Land Alliance
General Information
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.
-feel free to CONTACT US BY EMAIL » for requests of guest speaker presentations or about custom events-
Resources
Resources
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
General Information
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
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Save Our Sierras
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
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
Resources
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
General Information
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
Upcoming Events
Lantern-Lit Mine Tour
Sun. March 1st 2026 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.
We will meet at the West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead in the Tom Mays unit of Franklin Mountains State Park.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
*Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 14 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. If you are sensitive to oil lamp smoke, a face mask is highly encouraged.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, 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. Payment can be made at the Visitor Center as you enter Tom Mays.
Copper Prospect Mine Tour
Sun. March 1st 2026 8:30AM
Join us for a hike out to the copper prospecting mines.
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 14 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. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center as you enter the Tom Mays Unit.
Peak Challenge at Thousand Steps Trail
Sat. March 7th 2026 8am
Challenge yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains.
The Franklin Mountains is a rugged playground for those looking to challenge themselves. This month we will be taking this challenge in the southern section of the park at the Thousand Steps trail.
Length: 3.5 miles
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous. This is a steep and rugged hike up to the B-36 crash site overlook and back. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for this one!
Note: Participants with less than two liters of water, or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Bring: water, water, water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: The Thousand Steps trailhead. Park in the gravel parking area at the end of North Stanton Street.
Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and under. Please bring a check or exact change, as the volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change.
Directions: Follow Stanton Street to its northern terminus just past the Camelot Corporate Condominiums. If using a GPS unit, search for 4999 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79902.
Women Hike to West Cottonwood Spring
Sun. March 8th 2026 8:30am
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 month we will hike to the West Cottonwood Spring. 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.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
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.
Meeting Location: The West Cottonwood Springs trailhead in the Tom Mays Unit. When you enter Tom Mays, stop by the Visitor Center and let the Ranger on duty know you are part of the hike. This is where you will pay the fee. Continue down the road and take the first right. The parking lot is at the end of the road.
Pi Day Outdoor Cooking
Sat. March 14th 2026 12pm
Join us to learn the secrets of cooking over an open fire!
Sign up for this fun cooking class and learn how to make several different kinds of pie over an open fire for Pi Day.
There are spots available for a maximum of 12 people. Class will meet at the Interpretive Building next to the Tom Mays Visitor Center. Each participant will be provided with all the supplies they need to make their very own delicious pie with the help of the Rangers.
To reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
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.
Meeting Location: The Visitor Center in the Tom Mays Unit. When you enter Tom Mays, pull into the first parking lot to the right and go into the main visitor center to get your entrance permit. The event will be in the Interpretive building next door.
Ask the Expert: El Paso Feminist Birding Club (virtual)
Fri. March 27th 2026 1pm
This is our monthly online program where you can find out about different local organizations; this month we are hosting the Feminist Birding Club. They will be sharing what they do locally, upcoming events, and will also answer any questions you might have.
This program will be live on Facebook (Wyler Aerial Tramway).
Last Sunday Hike at Upper Sunset & Tom Mays Trails
Sun. March 29th 2026 8:30am
Join a park ranger on a guided hike through the Western foothills of the Franklin Mountains.
This hike is a moderate 3 mile loop hike that follows a low ridgeline west of the Tom Mays Park Access Road, then returns through the Tom Mays Hike and Bike trail.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: Southern Lower Sunset Trailhead. When you enter Tom Mays, stop by the Visitor Center and let the Ranger on duty know you are part of the hike. This is where you will pay the fee. Take the first sharp left after passing the booth and find a parking space.
Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and under. Pay at the Visitor center as you enter.
Plan Your Visit
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
Resources
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