Where to Climb and Hike In El Paso

El Paso’s unique terrain, climate, and culture make it not only a neat place to live, but a great place to experience fitness unlike any other city. Hiking and Climbing are two of the most prominent fitness avenues the region has to offer. 

Hiking

Now if you’ve been hiking before, El Paso’s offering may differ from what you'd expect. Hiking in a desert is significantly more challenging than hiking in a forest. Assuming you hike during daylight hours, prepare for little to no break from the sun. Beautiful desert plants and cactus line the trails but provide no shade. It’s nothing a hat or a bottle of sunscreen can’t handle. The positive redeeming quality of El Paso’s desert trails is the low humidity. As part of the Chihuahuan Desert, El Paso has the lowest humidity in all of Texas. 

Tom Mays Unit:

Tom Mays is the biggest and most diverse of the local parks. It has tons of trails that offer near-endless combinations for hikes at every distance, ranging from mild to extreme. There is something for everyone.

Lost Dog Trails:

This 14 square mile patch of the mountains offers some of the most scenic hikes in El Paso. The Lost Dog Trails are on the more difficult end of the spectrum, perfect for more technical and experienced hikers. 

McKelligon Canyon:

This is possibly the only shaded hiking option in El Paso, nested between desert canyon walls. McKelligon Canyon Road is a 4.8 mile paved roadway, great for runners and walkers. The Ron Coleman Trail, which begins at the end of the canyon, is open all year and belongs to the Franklin Mountains State Park.

Bouldering

Bouldering is a form of Climbing that doesn’t require a rope or safety net, just strength, mental endurance, and strategy.

Hueco Tanks

Just a 30min drive east of El Paso, Hueco Tanks is a world renowned bouldering destination. It’s very popular amongst tourists, therefore it often requires reservations to boulder, so keep that in mind before making the drive. Hueco Tanks has 3 mountains that run about 6,800ft above sea level. There are thousands of cave paintings and rock art there for people who aren’t up for bouldering. While El Paso remains dry pretty much all year, Hueco Tanks can hold large amounts of water for months at a time. November through March is the best time to visit. 

The Cave

If you’re looking to train before hitting the mountains, El Paso also offers a climbing gym, the Cave. They have bouldering coaches, classes, and even guided tours to Hueco Tanks whenever you’re ready to go.