rctrail.htm

A hike on the Ron Coleman Trail is one of the premier outings in Franklin Mountains State Park. Unofficially named after the influential El Paso Congressman who did much to protect the beauty and wilderness character of the Franklins, this trail runs from McKelligon Canyon on the east side of the mountains to the summit of Trans-Mountain road. Along its five-mile length, you’ll find a variety of flora and fauna, breathtaking views, and the challenge of a little off-trail scramble up a short section of near-vertical rock wall.	Near the summit of the Ron Coleman Trail
Deceptively benign when viewed from the surrounding valley, the Franklin Mountains reveal the many different aspects of their true nature on this hike. You’ll experience everything from walking along gently undulating, well-defined trails to pushing through thick clumps of spiky lechuguillas to peering down from the tops of sheer cliffs. You’ll learn to appreciate the geological and ecological diversity of the nation’s largest urban natural park. You’re sure to gain a new respect for all that the Franklins have to offer those willing to make the effort. The hike requires some logistical preparation. Vehicles must be positioned at both ends of the trail. A car shuttle transports everyone to the trailhead to begin the hike, and then back to the trailhead at the end. It’s best to hike from south to north (McKelligon Canyon to Trans-Mountain), rather than north to south, because it’s a lot easier and safer to go up the rock wall than it is to go down. With several short breaks to admire the scenery, and a longer stop for a light lunch, the hike takes about five hours. As with any hike in the desert southwest at any time of the year, take plenty of water and be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Calm, warm conditions at the trailhead do not mean it can’t be cold and windy up on top. Sun protection is essential, and good, sturdy boots are a must to negotiate some loose, rocky sections of the trail.
Leaving the McKelligon Canyon parking area, the trail ascends gradually but steadily to the first of two natural caves.	View from the McKelligon Canyon Trailhead
After the first cave, it’s a steep climb to the second.	The second, or higher, of the two natural caves
As you top out on the ridge behind the second cave, a fantastic vista of West El Paso, Mexico and New Mexico opens up before you. The views keep getting better as you walk along the ridge, slowly gaining altitude. On a clear day, you can see all the way from Cook’s Peak in the west to Guadalupe Peak 95 miles east of El Paso.	The view from the ridge over west El Paso
Soon, a small saddle provides the perfect opportunity for a leisurely snack break. Here you can sit back, relax and take in the scenery while enjoying some trail mix or a candy bar. You’ll need the extra energy to tackle the most exciting part of the hike--the rock wall climb.	Snack break at the saddle
It’s really not that difficult. The only reason to emphasize it is because some people may be uncomfortable with the exposure of the cliffside, or uncertain of their ability to clamber up the rock. By taking it slow and easy, almost anyone should be able to scale the obstacle and emerge on top unscathed. There’s always plenty of help and encouragement close at hand.	The rock wall scramble
Halfway up, you’re rewarded for your efforts with a chance to look out over northeast El Paso through the only natural rock “window” in the Franklins.	The "window"
Soon after your heart rate slows, you reach a level area that makes a good spot for lunch. There’s even a place where you can sit and dangle your legs over the top of a sheer cliff. Then a gentle ascent takes you to the high point of the trail near the Federal Aviation Administration towers on 7,200-foot South Franklin Peak. Intrepid groups may choose to continue the relentless climb to the towers, adding more challenge to the hike. But most of the time the consensus is to pick up the South Franklin Peak a.k.a. Smuggler’s Pass Trail just over the ridge. Narrow, steep and unstable in parts, and with at least one place where a wrong turn will send you off to a dead end at the top of a cliff, this popular and well-used trail descends steeply to the Trans-Mountain Road parking area. A short carpool ride back to McKelligon Canyon ends a spectacular and rewarding outing.	End of the trail at the Trans-Mountain Road parking area

This site was last updated on Tuedsay, December 3, 2002.
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