Texas Best State Parks List Includes A Huge One In El Paso
Texas is loaded with state parks and a ranking of the top 5 includes one that is, in true Texas fashion, the biggest in the nation.
They say "everything is bigger in Texas" and this particular Texas state park absolutely lives up to that claim. It takes up 26,627 acres and sprawls over about 40 miles.
It's got hiking trails, scenic views, ghosts, (especially Aztec Trail), lots of wildlife, a past as a military shooting range and much more. Just be careful on that former range part.
How Big Is Franklin Mountains State Park?
Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the country as all 26,627 acres of lie within the confines of El Paso, a city in far west Texas.
This rugged desert park lies within the El Paso city limits, but its gorgeous vistas of the Chihuahuan Desert provide a feeling of peaceful solitude, TPWD said. The department said its favorite hikes include North Franklin Mountain and Aztec Cave. - mysanantonio.com
One thing that makes Franklin Mountains State Park cool is its open feel.
You can really get away there as, despite it making the top 5 best Texas State Parks list, it's rarely very crowded.
How Many State Parks Does Texas Have?
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, out of a total of 89 Texas State Parks, Franklin Mountains State Park is the 35th most visited one.
That puts it on the far side of the middle which, along with being over 40 miles across, does help make you feel that you have truly gotten "away".
How Can I Get To Franklin Mountains State Park?
Franklin Mountains State Park can be accessed in a number of ways but the primary entrance/visitors center is located at 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road, El Paso, TX 79911. That's on the west side of Franklin mountain, see a map here.
It's easy to find, trust me. Despite its proximity to the 6th largest city in Texas, there's not really much else up that slope.