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
Peak Challenge to North Franklin Peak
Sun. March 2nd 2025 at 8:30am
8 miles - strenuous
Test yourself against some of the most difficult hikes in the Franklin Mountains. This month we will hike to North Franklin Peak.
This hike begins with a gradual incline over rubble proving challenging for some; then transitions to a steady climb over loose rocks. Continue to meander across the ridgeline to the highest peak in the park.
Meet at West Cottonwood Spring trailhead
What to Bring: water (we recommend 2 litters), snacks or sack lunch, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, hiking sticks (optional)
*hikers with less than 1.5 litters or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike.
Fees:$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.
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100
Women Hike to West Cottonwood Spring
Sat. March 8th 2025 at 8:30am
2.5 miles - moderately difficult
This trail 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.
Meet at West Cottonwood Spring trailhead
What to Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, hiking sticks (optional)
Fees:$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.
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100
Outdoor Cooking: Pie Making
Fri. March 14th 2025 4pm
Celebrate Pi Day with us making some yummy deserts over a campfire; all materials are provided.
Fees:$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.
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100 due to limited space.
Old Tin Mine Tour
Sun. March 23d 2025 at 8am
6 miles - difficult
Join us to explore the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s.
This is a moderate to difficult hike. The trail is a well marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back.
Meet at Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park
What to Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, hiking sticks (optional)
Fees:$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. Permits must be obtained ahead of time at the park's visitor center (between 8am and 4pm) or online at https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100
Hubble Night Sky Challenge Star Party
Fri. March 28th 2025 at 7pm
Join us to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hubble telescope by participating with us in the Hubble night sky challenge (https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/science/explore-the-night-sky/hubbles-night-sky-challenge)
Meet at the Visitor Center
What to Bring: water, snacks, comfortable clothes, chairs (optional)
Fees:$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.
Permits must be obtained ahead of time at the park's visitor center (between 8am and 4pm) or online at https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100
Last Sunday Hike to Schaeffer Shuffle
Sun. March 30th 2025 at 8:30am
2.5 miles - moderately difficult
We'll start our hike with a steep initial descent down an old jeep road; transition to a relatively well maintained trail with technical sections into the canyon, leveling out along the ridgeline, then another steep descent before becoming an easy leisurely stroll down the trail.
Meet at the end loop / Campsite #39
What to Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, hiking sticks (optional)
Fees:$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.
Reservation required by calling the office at 915 444 9100
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