The best walks and hikes around Westway

The Trans-Franklin Mountain Trail offers a rugged, high-desert hiking experience within Franklin Mountains State Park, showcasing unique geological formations and diverse desert flora. You'll navigate rocky, steep sections with loose rock, but the effort is rewarded with expansive panoramic views of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico, especially from the North Franklin Mountain Summit Junction. This moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route involves 948 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit means preparing for direct sun exposure, as shade is limited; bring plenty of water. The trail is popular from April to October, and dogs are welcome. While generally considered moderate, some sections are strenuous, so it's best for hikers with a reasonable fitness level who are comfortable with rocky terrain and elevation changes.

This trail is a gem for birdwatchers, with over 100 species, including golden eagles, making their home in the high-desert environment. It provides a significant wilderness experience just minutes from El Paso, highlighting the unique urban wilderness of one of the largest city parks in the United States. After rainfall, the desert can bloom with vibrant colors, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

Embark on a rugged journey up the North Franklin Peak Trail, where the Chihuahuan Desert's beauty unfolds with every step. The path is a steady climb over rocky, uneven terrain, eventually becoming quite steep as you near the summit. You'll navigate through sections of loose scree, passing resilient cacti and yucca, before reaching the flattened summit area, which offers an expansive 360-degree view of El Paso, Mexico, and New Mexico.

This moderate 3.8-mile (6.2 km) hike, with its 2201 feet (671 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes. It's a challenging ascent, so come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water, especially given the desert environment. The trail is within Franklin Mountains State Park, which has an entry fee, and you'll need to plan your visit around the park's 5 PM gate locking time.

North Franklin Peak stands as the highest point in El Paso, rising over 3,000 feet above the desert floor. The mountain itself is the seventeenth highest point in Texas, making this a notable achievement for peak baggers. The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the geology and diverse flora of the Franklin Mountains, a significant part of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.

If you're looking for an accessible introduction to the Chihuahuan Desert, the Lower Sunset Loop is an excellent choice. This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with 439 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. You'll traverse varied terrain, from wide doubletrack to scenic cliffside singletrack, offering expansive views of western Texas and the Franklin Mountains. Keep an eye out for diverse desert flora like blooming cacti and ocotillo, and you might even spot jackrabbits or roadrunners.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as this loop is suitable for beginners and families. While generally easy, some sections have loose rock, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Always bring enough water, especially when hiking in the desert. The trail is particularly beautiful in spring and summer after rain, when desert plants are in bloom, but winter offers cooler temperatures for a comfortable outing.

What makes the Lower Sunset Loop truly stand out is its ability to showcase the unique Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem in a relatively short distance. The diverse terrain, including arroyos and foothills, culminates in a stunning cliffside section often praised as one of West Texas's nicest trail segments. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy panoramic desert vistas without committing to a full-day trek.

The Anthony Gap Northern Pass Loop Trail offers a true taste of the Chihuahuan desert, winding through rugged terrain dotted with Ocotillo and Creosotebush. This moderate 5.0-mile (8.0 km) loop, with its 721 feet (220 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 21 minutes, providing stunning panoramic views and dramatic ridge vistas, especially as you climb the seventeen switchbacks on the Northern Pass.

To make the most of your hike, plan to start early, particularly in warmer months, to beat the desert heat. The trail features varied terrain, including solid and loose rock sections, and some steep climbs, so good footwear and sure-footedness are essential. Be aware that the path can sometimes be indistinct, requiring careful attention to navigation.

What makes this trail stand out is its unique perspective of the Franklin Mountains' interior, offering secluded views not visible from main roads. You'll also pass the distinctive Anthony Gap Cave, a small limestone cave with a vertical entrance. This route is part of the larger Sierra Vista Trail System and uniquely crosses between New Mexico and Texas land management areas.

The River Park Trail offers a remarkably long, yet generally flat, hiking experience along the Rio Grande. You'll traverse a mix of paved sections and natural paths, winding beneath a canopy of black walnut, shagbark hickory, and sycamore trees. Keep an eye out for various birds and other wildlife in this peaceful setting, making it a great option for those who enjoy extended walks with consistent riverside views.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is accessible from its entrance along the Rio Grande, and no permits are required. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the park area provides amenities like picnic spots and restrooms. Remember to bring plenty of water for this extensive 20.6-mile (33.1 km) journey, which is rated difficult due to its length and will take approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

This trail is notable for its commitment to environmental education, highlighting the delicate balance between human activity and natural resources. With only 127 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, it's a test of endurance rather than vertical challenge, suitable for experienced hikers looking for a full day out. Leashed pets are welcome, but bikes and skateboards are not permitted on the trail.