Franklin Mountains State Park, Texas

Go big when you’re in Texas, or go home! At 23 miles, the Franklin Mountains are the largest mountain range in Texas, and at 24,247 acres, Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States. When planning a visit, choose from equally as grandiose adventures including rock climbing Sneed’s Cory - a perfect place to practice basic lead climbing skills on the heavily bolted face - investigating pictograms and mortar pits in the Aztec Caves, or kicking your feet up for a tram tour that will take you to Ranger Peak, 5,632 feet above sea level. Although located completely within the city limits of El Paso, the park abounds in secretive, yet remarkably diverse wildlife. Visitors can catch a glimpse of mule deer, fox, or the occasional cougar. Look up and you can spot golden eagles, a variety of hawks, and at night, you might hear the resident bats and owls come out to play. When is the best time to visit you ask? Whenever your schedule permits! The weather in El Paso and the surrounding area is like a warm blanket year-round, so leave your sweaters at home.