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North Franklin Mountain - 3 members in 5 triplogs have rated this an average 3.7 ( 1 to 5 best )
5 triplogs
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Mar 13 2023
avatar

 Guides 99
 Routes 1,485
 Photos 16,072
 Triplogs 1,375

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
North Franklin MountainBig Bend, TX
North Franklin Mountain
Big Bend, TX
Hiking avatar Mar 13 2023
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,375
Hiking8.04 Miles 2,495 AEG
Hiking8.04 Miles
2,495 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I was near this area and was wanting to do a county highpoint, so I decided to hike up to North Franklin (elevation of 7,192 feet and prominence of 2,982 feet), the highpoint of El Paso County.

This was a good workout hike and it had open views the entire way. The only downside was that there was lots of ankle busting rock on sections of the trail, particularly within a half mile or so of the trailhead.

On my way down, I forgot to put my phone in airplane mode and forgot to get route scout on the screen, so I didn't record the first 1+ mile or so of the descent. So my GPS track looks like I descended part of the way in a straight line. It was easy to adjust the mileage in this report though, since this was an out-and-back hike.
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Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
 
Oct 17 2019
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 79
 Photos 2,440
 Triplogs 652

34 male
 Joined Jan 10 2010
 Pomona, CA
North Franklin MountainBig Bend, TX
North Franklin Mountain
Big Bend, TX
Hiking avatar Oct 17 2019
PatrickL • Triplogs 652
Hiking8.00 Miles 2,500 AEG
Hiking8.00 Miles
2,500 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Forgot to log this triplog years ago.

I drove out to El Paso to see the band He Is Legend play in a club underneath a Domino's Pizza. Hit this peak the following day. Not the worst hike from what I remember.
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Nov 25 2017
avatar

 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
North Franklin MountainBig Bend, TX
North Franklin Mountain
Big Bend, TX
Hiking avatar Nov 25 2017
Booneman • Triplogs 4,634
Hiking8.20 Miles 2,641 AEG
Hiking8.20 Miles   3 Hrs   10 Mns   2.59 mph
2,641 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Since the road to Guadalupe Mountains NP was closed due to a truck crash I drove back to El Paso to hike Franklin Mountain. The park wasn't open so I parked near the highway and walked 1.2 miles to the trailhead of Cottonwood Springs. From there it was up a rocky trail to Mundy's Gap. Finally up the east side of the mountain to the peak putting me on the summit at exactly 5 miles. On the return trip I opted for a spur trail that shaved nearly two miles off and you can imagine how steep it was down that ridge!

This is a nice hike close to town with many options to reach the peak.
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Apr 19 2017
avatar

 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
North Franklin MountainBig Bend, TX
North Franklin Mountain
Big Bend, TX
Hiking avatar Apr 19 2017
fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124
Hiking7.80 Miles 2,461 AEG
Hiking7.80 Miles   3 Hrs   20 Mns   2.49 mph
2,461 ft AEG      12 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
one more good hike on my way back. i stopped in Franklin Mountains State Park in north El Paso to hike the highpoint of the second tallest range in texas. Good straightforward hike in a high desert mountain range. it was hot but a nice strong breeze largely kept it pleasant. strong lizard showing. nice trail system and very worthwhile summit hike.

great little getaway to do some hiking and peak bagging.
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hi
 
Nov 21 2015
avatar

 Guides 1
 Routes 136
 Photos 1,367
 Triplogs 364

47 male
 Joined Jun 10 2011
 Phoenix, AZ
North Franklin MountainBig Bend, TX
North Franklin Mountain
Big Bend, TX
Hiking avatar Nov 21 2015
The_Dude • Triplogs 364
Hiking7.80 Miles 2,461 AEG
Hiking7.80 Miles   2 Hrs   56 Mns   2.96 mph
2,461 ft AEG      18 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Work took me to El Paso for a few days, so I just had to get in a hike before my flight out in the afternoon. I got to the park just a bit before 8 so I could pay my fee and get going, my flight was at 12:50 and I had some efforting to do so I could get to the airport on time. Very windy morning, pretty consistent 20 mph winds that jumped up to 50+ once I got to the ridgeline section. Very easy to find my way, but I was really huffing it heading uphill into the wind. Many small breaks to recover my breath along the way, plus the constant juggle of hat/ gloves/ jacket on and off to find a happy running temperature. Made it to the top and took a few pictures, the wind was so cold and cutting that my eyes were tearing up so I headed down after about 2 minutes. Nice views of the city and the military base, the sky was a bit hazy but I would imagine yuo have some great long range views on a clear day. Headed back down the way I came, even had enough time for a quick bite of lunch at the airport waiting for my plane. Beautiful slice of the Chihuahuan desert, dominating plants are Sotols and Sideoats Grama throughout, a few Yuccas mixed in, some Whitethorn Acacia, Flameleaf Sumac, and Scrub Oak were the only 'trees' to be seen.
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average hiking speed 2.68 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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