Celebration of Our Mountains is a month-long
festival of events to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region's
environment. More than 30 hikes, field trips, driving tours, nature
walks, bicycle rides and other activities are listed below. This
year we've expanded the Celebration to offer outings all month
long. Most events are free; some have costs listed for park entry
fees, transportation or other nominal expenses.
These events have been planned and coordinated by a volunteer
Celebration of Our Mountains Committee, which formed last year
to carry on the work begun by the UTEP Department of Geological
Sciences, which continues to sponsor many of the events. Other
special support has been given by Texas State Parks and Wildlife,
Texas A&M Master Naturalists Program, Ardovino's Desert Crossing
and El Paso Scene. Printing of this guide is sponsored by El Paso
Scene, Print World and Sun Harvest Farms.
For information about specific events, please call the leader
listed. For general information, please call Randy Limbird at
(915) 542-1422 or Robert Ardovino at (505) 589-0653.
What: Driving tour
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Meet at University Ave. between the Centennial Museum
and the Geological Sciences Building.
Leader: Rip Langford, 747-5968
Bring: Water, lunch, hat
Length: 6-7 hours
Cost: none
Summary: This trip gives you the broad brush of the geological
events of our region. Participants use their private cars to caravan
in a big loop around and through the Franklin Mountains. Several
stops will be made with discussions. No major hikes, just short,
easy walks.
What: Field trip to UTEP's Indio Mountains Research
Station
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6. Leaves at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Meet in front of the Centennial Museum, UTEP.
Leader: Kevin von Finger, 581-2555 or vonfingerk@bliss.
army.mil; Kaiwen Wu, geologic volunteer, wu@geo.utep.edu
Maximum participants: 15
Bring: Camping gear (sleeping bag, tent), water canteens.
lunch for both days, snacks, etc. Full fuel tank. Wear hat, comfortable
hiking boots. Night may be cool. No showers. Two-wheel drive vehicles
OK, four-wheel-drive better.
Length: 2 days.
Cost: $10 for two meals
Summary: The Indio Ranch near Van Horn, Texas is owned
by UTEP, and serves as a station for the study of desert ecology
and geology. It is in an isolated, infrequently visited part of
West Texas. Participants will camp out at the ranch house. Long
and short hikes are available with guides knowledgeable in ecology
and geology. Night hikes also. Many interesting biological and
geological features.
What: Oral interpretive presentation
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26; noon-6
p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20
Where: Aerial Tramway (from Alabama, take McKinley to the
base of the tramway).
Leader: Master Naturalist volunteers, mtandck@elp.rr.com
Maximum participants: 20
Bring: binoculars, water, jacket. Miscellaneous items,
including popcorn, drinks and other snacks are available at the
gift shop on Ranger Peak (plus one-of-a-kind gifts)
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $7 for tramway ($4 age 12 and under). Free Oct. 19-20.
Summary: Participants will take the 4 minute ride on the
Wyler Aerial Tramway to the top of Ranger Peak. Upon arrival,
Master Naturalist volunteers will provide an in-depth look at
the geology, history, flora and fauna of the surrounding area.
Volunteers will point out an assortment of different things to
see, including three states and two nations! The view encompasses
the Guadalupe Mountains, Sierra Blanca Peak and the Samalayuca
Sand Dunes.
What: Archaeology events for families and children
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: Wilderness Park Museum, 4301 Transmountain Road
(Northeast El Paso west of U.S. 54)
Leader: Dr. Marc Thompson, 755-4332
Cost: Free
Summary: Activities include excavation of a pueblo ruin
exhibit, pottery making and bead stringing workshops, atlatl dart
throwing, Indian story telling and more.
What: Hike and cave exploration
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
Where: Meet at: northwest corner of Wal-Mart parking lot,
Transmountain Road at U.S. 54 in Northeast El Paso
Leader: Jim Iholts, 562-5801
Maximum participants: 25
Bring: Water (two quarts minimum), flashlight and lunch.
Optional: other snacks, camera.
Length: 4-5 hours
Cost: none
Summary: Tin was mined in the east-central Franklin Mountains
in the early 20th century and the Franklin Mountain operation
was the only one of its kind in North America. Remains of the
elaborate constructions are accessible to hikers. Franklin Mountain
State Park has constructed safe access to underground tunnels
and stopes (rooms). Participants will drive from the meeting place
to the trailhead in Northeast El Paso, then hike to the mines.
The hike involves a moderately strenuous 5-mile round trip with
600 feet change in elevation, descent into three mines and 400
feet of underground exploration.
What: Moderate to difficult hike
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6.
Where: Meet at end of paved loop in McKelligon Canyon
Leader: Franklin Mountains State Park staff, 566-6441.
Maximum participants: 20.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water. Recommended: binoculars,
snacks. Dress comfortably, perhaps a light jacket,
Length: 4 -5 hours.
Cost: $3 per person (12 and under free).
Summary: Participants will embark on the 6-mile hike on
the Ron Coleman trail on South Mount Franklin. The trail was
named after the El Paso congressman who pushed for legislation
creating Franklin Mountains State Park. Park Staff will provide
stories on the prehistory and history of the area and the rise
and fall of the tin mine operations in the Franklins. Participants
will meet on the south end of the trail head at the end of the
paved loop in McKelligon Canyon. Arrangements should be made
to leave a vehicle at the north end of the trail, at the Smugglers
Pass unit of FMSP on Trans Mountain Road. Hike will generally
last approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the size of the group.
A bit of rock climbing is involved. Participants will need to
scale an easy 30-foot wall. Points of interest:
S. Franklin, Cristo Rey, Samalayuca, Juarez Mountains.
Topics of interest: natural history, cultural history, geology,
flora and fauna of area.
What: Walking tour
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Leader: John Sproul, 747-8663 or jsproul@utep.edu
Bring: binoculars, water
Length: 2 mile round trip; 2 hours
Cost: None
Summary: UTEP's Center for Environmental Resource Management
offers a free guided walking tour at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
in El Paso's Mission Valley. Learn about Rio Bosque's wildlife,
particularly the variety of migratory and year-round bird species
at the park, the historic river-valley environment, and the Wetlands
Park project. The meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside
Canal. To get there, take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American
Drive, turn left onto Pan American and travel 1.5 miles to the
bridge.
What: Grand re-opening, reception and exhibits
When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
Where: Wilderness Park Museum , 4301 Transmountain Road
(Northeast El Paso west of U.S. 54)
Leader: Dr. Marc Thompson, 755-4332
Cost: Free
Summary: The museum re-opened in September after being
closed nine months for renovations. After the ribbon cutting and
refreshments, noted ethnohistorian Dr. David Carrasco of Harvard
University will give a presentation on Aztlan, mythical home of
the Aztecs, at 2 p.m. The celebration also marks the 25th anniversary
of the museum and the 80th anniversary of the El Paso Archaeology
Society, as well as the beginning of Texas Archaeology Awareness
Month.
The museum, at the base of the Franklin Mountains in Northeast
El Paso, tells the 12,000-year-old story of prehistoric human
habitation in the region, with five dioramas and exhibits of tools,
pottery, rock art and other materials. The museum's Nature Trail
takes visitors through 17 acres of Chihuahuan Desert with 200
varieties of desert plants. The trail also offers a local pithouse,
pueblo ruin and an Apache brush hut. The park also has picnic
tables and a gazebo.
What: Art reception
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11
Where: Ardovino's Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive,
Sunland Park, N.M.
Leader: Robert Ardovino, (505) 589-6053
Cost: Free; food and drink available for purchase.
Summary: The reception opens the annual art exhibit at
Ardovino's Desert Crossing and also serves as the major social
event of the entire Celebration of Our Mountains. Invited artists
include: Todd Adams, Greg Allen, Sandi Casillas, Tom Darrah, Steve
Edwards, Cindy Gore, Bill Kwiecinski, David Nakabayashi, Irving
Dave Parker, Alice Peden and Mark Ploss.
Ardovino's Desert Crossing is at One Ardovino Drive in Sunland
Park, N.M. From El Paso, take Race Track Drive across the Rio
Grande and across McNutt Road (NM 273). Turn left on Ardovino
Drive (look for the windmill).
What: Camping trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13.
Where: Meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at UTEP Geology Building
(northeast side)
Leader: Jim Iholts, 562-5801, jeiholts@utep.edu
Maximum participants: 15
Bring: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, other camping equipment;
food and snacks for four meals. Optional: camera, notebook.
Length: two-day, 200 miles driving. Various hikes.
Cost: $10 if riding with someone else.
Summary: Learn about the largest exposed barrier reef in
the world on this two-day trip. The trip ranges from the basal
shelf toe to the shallow reef atop the Guadalupe Mountains. Recommended
for people in good physical shape who love the outdoors. A climb
of 4,000 feet is involved, with camping at 8,000 feet elevation.
What: Hike and special presentations on Mount Cristo
Rey
When: 8 and 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Mount Cristo Rey, Sunland Park, N.M.
Leader: Randy Limbird, 542-1422
Bring: Water bottle, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes
Length: 5 miles round trip (2-3 hours).
Cost: free
Summary: Participants will join a guided hike to the top
of Mt. Cristo Rey. Go on a guided hike leaving at 8 and 8:30 a.m.;
or hike on your own. Hike leaders and others stationed along the
way will discuss natural and man-made points of interest on the
mountain and the surrounding region. At the top of the mountain
will be a presentation on the statue and its sculptor by Paul
Daniggelis; geology by Dr. Phil Goodell of UTEP; and restoration
of the monument by Ruben Escandon of the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration
Committee. Presenters along the trail will discuss Keystone Heritage
Park and native plants.
Members of the Plein Air Painters of El Paso will be painting
on the mountain during the hike.
Join the guides for lunch afterward at Ardovino's Desert Crossing
where salads, wood-fired pizzas and refreshments will be served.
Meet at the large parking lot at the trail head to Mt. Cristo
Rey. This is located off of Doniphan onto Racetrack Dr. continuing
across the Rio Grande, then take a left on McNutt Road at the
light in Sunland Park, NM. Stay on McNutt for about 1 mile and
watch for a sign to Mt. Cristo Rey on the right. Drive up the
good dirt road, crossing two railroads.
Physical endurance required: small to moderate. The road to
the top zig-zags back and forth while slowly gaining elevation.
What: Bird watching, hikes and exhibits
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Keystone Heritage Park (off Doniphan near Frontera;
enter by City of El Paso Waste and Recycle Center)
Leader: Melissa and Bernie Sargent, 584-0563
Bring: binoculars, sketch and/or note pads for artists/writers
Cost: Free
Summary: Keystone Heritage Park has over 130 species of
migratory and local birds, and a 4,500-year-old archaeological
site. Guided and self-guided tours of the wetlands and archaeological
site will be offered. Exhibits for all ages. Learn about birds,
archeology, plants and wildlife.
What: Mountain bike ride
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Meet at Ardovino's Desert Crossing, Sunland Park,
N.M.
Leader: Patricia Sweisford, 562-7090
Bring: Helmet, water, spare inner tube, sunscreen, snack.
Length: 16 miles
Cost: none
Summary: Riders will leave from Ardovino's and ride the
Rio Grande Levee north, then return along the Montoya Canal. Easy,
flat ride. Sponsored by El Paso Bicycle Club.
Wyler Aerial Tramway: A 360º View of El Paso - 2- 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. See Oct. 5 listing.
What: Hike and canyon climb
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13
Where: Meet at 7-Eleven off the Vinton exit, I-10. Car
pool to hiking area.
Leader: Dr. Gary Olmstead, 581-8270 (h), olmstead@nmsua.nmsu.edu
Bring: Water; binoculars; walking shoes/boots; hat; snack
food
Length: 3 hours
Cost: None
Summary: Learn about the paleozoic stratigraphy (rock
layers) and paleontology (fossils) of Vinton Canyon, northern
west side of Franklin Mountains. See famous exposures of sediments
ranging from 300 to 250 millions years old. Physical endurance
required: easy walking on road and mild climbing in the canyon;
walking may be several miles round trip.
What: Interpretive nature exploration and education
When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13
Where: Meet at picnic area at top of Transmountain (west
side).
Leader: Eric Kappus, eric_kappus@hotmail.com; Andrew Frye
Maximum participants: 40
Bring: sturdy shoes, hat, plenty of water, snack. Optional:
camera, field guides.
Length: 2-3 hours
Cost: none
Summary: This is an easy, leisurely hike on the south side
of Transmountain to explore and learn techniques for nature study.
Learn about geology, trees, shrubs, animal tracks and more.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Meet at Texaco station at U.S. 54 and Martin Luther
King Jr. in Northeast El Paso. Drive to trailhead.
Leader: Charlie Topp, El Paso Ridge Walkers, 755-7789.
Maximum participants: 25
Bring: Suntan lotion, water, strong flashlight, light jacket.
Length: 9-mile hike, moderate to difficult.
Cost: Free.
Summary: Tin was mined in the east-central Franklin Mountains
in the early 20th century and the Franklin Mountain operation
was the only one of its kind in North America. Remains of the
elaborate constructions are accessible to hikers. Franklin Mountain
State Park has constructed safe access to underground tunnels
and stopes (rooms). Participants will drive from the meeting place
to the trailhead in Northeast El Paso, then hike to the mines.
What: Desert/mountain hike
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Meet at Pan Am Center in Las Cruces and carpool
to trailhead.
Leader: Wesley Leonard (505) 527-9962 or greta@nmwild.org
Maximum participants: 15
Bring: Hiking shoes or boots, at least two quarts of water,
snacks/lunch.
Length: 4 miles round trip
Cost: none
Summary: The Robledo Mountains lie just northwest of Las
Cruces. The hike goes into an area proposed for wilderness by
the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. The hiking is steep desert
terrain but is on an old road. There are fantastic vistas from
the top of the Robledo Mountains, including the Rio Grande.
What: Fair, Expo, Tour, Gondola rides.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20.
Where: Franklin Mtns. State Park, Wyler Aerial Tramway,
Magoffin Home, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.
Leader: State Parks staff (FMSP, 566-6441; Tram, 562-9899;
Magoffin, 533-5147; Hueco Tanks, 857-1135.).
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water. Recommended: binoculars,
snacks. Dress comfortably, perhaps a light jacket,
Length: Varies.
Cost: Free.
Summary: Participants will have the opportunity to attend
any of the Lone Star Legacy events at each of the El Paso State
Park sites on the weekend of Oct. 19-20.
· Franklin Mountains State Park: Guided tours, Wilderness
Coalition display, climbing wall, stone tools exhibit, camping
demonstration, "Becoming an Outdoor Woman" exhibit,
Master Naturalist programs, wetlands exhibit, taxidermist display,
RV exhibits, bike rodeo, herpetologist and more.
· Wyler Aerial Tramway: Free admission all Saturday
and Sunday. Master Naturalists will give presentations 2 to 8
p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
· Hueco Tanks State Historic Site: the 8th annual
Interpretive Fair is Oct. 19-20, with native American performances,
a Buffalo Soldier encampment, folklorico and matachin dancers,
rock art and birding tours, climbing demonstrations, Bowen Ranch
Cowboys, environmental and cultural information booths, an evening
campfire storytelling program, and food, art and books for sale.
Birding tour 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.
What: Bicycle ride
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: White Sands National Monument
Leader: Steve Cantrelle, El Paso Bicycle Club, 822-1242
Maximum participants: Reservations must be made with the
National Park Service: Call (505) 679-2599 (toll-free) or (505)
479-6124, ext. 111.
Bring: Helmet, water, spare bike tire, headlight for bicycle.
Camping equipment if you wish to camp.
Length: 16 miles
Cost: $5
Summary: The park will be closed to motor vehicles so cyclists
can ride the 16-mile Dunes Drive under a nearly full moon. Mountain
bikes preferable, but the road surface can handle road bikes.
Riders must have a helmet and bicycle light. Reservations are
required and must be made with the Park Service.
What: Community Workday
When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Leader: John Sproul, 747-8663 or jsproul@utep.edu
Bring: water
Cost: None
Summary: UTEP's Center for Environmental Resource Management
manages the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park in El Paso's Mission Valley.
The monthly workday is an opportunity to both learn about and
help the project. The meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside
Canal. To get there, take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan American
Drive, turn left onto Pan American and travel 1.5 miles to the
bridge.
What: Bicycle ride and walking tour
When: Sunday, Oct. 20
Where: Meet at 8 a.m. at Welsh's parking lot, Mc Rae and
Edgemere; 9:30-10 a.m. at the Hueco Tanks turnoff on Montana.
Leader: Patricia Sweisford, 562-7090
Bring: Helmet, water, spare inner tube. Optional: sunscreen.
Length: 16 miles (from turnoff); 42 miles (from Welsh's)
Cost: none
Summary: Riders can choose a difficult ride from the East
Side or a shorter, easier ride from the Hueco Tanks turnoff (Ranch
Road 2775 at Montana, 32 miles east of downtown El Paso). The
El Paso Bicycle club will provide light snacks at Hueco Tanks
and a bike trailer to secure bikes during tour of Hueco Tanks
State Historic Site.
When: Oct. 25-27
Where: Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico
Leader: Sandi Casillas, omasandi@paquinet.com.mx or 011-52-636-692-4275.
Maximum participants: 10
Bring: Birth certificate or USA passport needed
Length: 3 days
Summary: Artist Sandi Casillas, resident of El Pueblo
Viejo de Casas Grandes will show you around for an educational
weekend of fun. Options include visiting ruins (Paquime), meeting
artists (potters of Mata Ortiz), exploring a cave (La Cueva de
la Vieja) riding a funky little train (Aventuras sobre Rieles)
or reading petroglyphs (el Arroyo de los Monos). Meet the 3-M's:
Mennonnites, Mexicans and Mormons ... a multicultural adventure!
Those interested in the trip should meet the evening of Friday,
Oct. 11, at Ardovino's Desert Crossing (during the art reception)
to arrange ride sharing, meeting place and time. Cost will be
gasoline,train (about $6) food and hotel (about $60 a night) visa
and car permit fees.
What: Sightseeing and Walking Tour
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Meet at the Chamizal Museum in Juarez.
Leader: Leonel Barraza, (915) 252-2126 or lbarraza@elp.rr.com
Maximum participants: 10 for van, open for other vehicles
Bring: A hat, sunscreen, wind breaker and water bottle.
Wear jeans or shorts, tennis or walking shoes. A permit is required
to enter Mexico beyond the 30 Kms. check point. People bringing
their own vehicle should obtain a car permit the day before. The
permit requires drivers license, credit card, motor vehicle registration
and title.
Length: 4-5 hours
Cost: Free, or $20 (paid at least 24 hours in advance)
if going in the van.
Summary: The trip will go 50 kilometers south of Juarez
to see the pueblo, sand dunes, and the Samalayuca Mountain. The
area contains the tallest dunes in North America and petroglyphs
from ancient dwellers. First stop is a replica of San Lorenzo
mission, and sightseeing of the big dunes. Second stop is the
pueblo. Third stop is a walk to see the petroglyphs. Fourth stop
is a walk in the sand dunes. Fifth stop: a restaurant to try a
burrito.
What: 1/2 mile hike and short cave crawl
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.
Where: Call for meeting location
Leader: Chuck Kooshian, 545-5214 or mtandck@elp.rr.com
Maximum participants: 8
Bring: Long pants and shirt, flashlight, water.
Cost: None
Summary: Drive to Anthony Gap and down a dirt road. Hike
up a mountain and crawl through a 12" natural cave entrance.
Learn about geology, plants, animals from a master naturalist.
What: Hike
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Meet at UTEP parking lot across from the Center
for Environmental Management (University and Sun Bowl Dr.)
Leader: Greta Balderrama, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance,
(505) 527-9962
Maximum participants: 150
Bring: walking or hiking shoes, binoculars. Be prepared
for unpredictable weather.
Length: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 for van transportation. NOTE: RSVP Requested
by Oct. 12.
Summary: Hike around Alamo Mountain, which is part of the
Cornudas Mountains. See hundreds of petroglyphs (rock art), great
native plant diversity and interesting geology. Learn about the
Otero Mesa, Cornudas Mountains and the Butterfield Stage stop;
and the wilderness proposal in the Otero Mesa area and threats
from oil and gas industry. Participants can choose to make the
moderately difficult hike to the top of Alamo Mountain or keep
to the easy walking available around the base of the mountain
to see petroglyphs.
What: Introductory walking tour
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Leader: John Sproul, 747-8663 or jsproul@utep.edu
Bring: binoculars, water
Length: 2 mile round trip; 2 hours
Cost: None
Summary: UTEP's Center for Environmental Resource Management
offers a free guided walking tour at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
in El Paso's Mission Valley. Learn about Rio Bosque's wildlife,
the historic river-valley environment, and the Wetlands Park
project. The meeting place is a bridge crossing Riverside Canal.
From Americas Ave. (Loop 375), turn east onto Pan American and
travel 1.5 miles to the bridge.
Wyler Aerial Tramway: A 360º View of El Paso - 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. See Oct. 5 listing.
What: Birding tour
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
Where: Meet at entrance to Tom Mays area of state park
(Transmountain Road, west side of mountain)
Leader: Bob Johnson, 757-1876, bobwldbirder@cs.com
Bring: Hat, water, binoculars
Length: 2-3 miles
Cost: Park entrance fee
Summary: Moderate hike up the improved path from Tom Mays
Park picnic area to West Cottonwood Springs to observe various
bird species, including migratory birds that may still be traveling
through the El Paso area.
When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
Where: Meet in northwest corner of Walmart parking lot,
Transmountain Drive in Northeast El Paso. Car-pool to Cloudcroft.
Leader: Charlie Topp, El Paso Ridge Walkers, 755-7789.
Maximum participants: 25
Bring: Water, sunscreen, jacket, camera (optional: rain
gear)
Length: 10 miles, difficult
Cost: Free, except gas-sharing for car-poolers and lunch.
Summary: The 1890s' railroad from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft
was an engineering marvel, with the old S-trestle and other sections
still standing. Hike along old railroad beds, see a replica depot,
railroad trestles and switchbacks amid the forest near Cloudcroft.
What: 3 mile hike in the Organ Mountains
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
Where: Meet at A.B. Cox Visitors Center at Dripping Springs
Natural Area, at the end of Dripping Springs Road (the eastern
extension of University Ave.), about 10 miles east of Las Cruces.
Leader: Oz Gomez, (505)525-4336.
Maximum participants: 20
Length: 3 miles, about 3 hours
Bring: Water, good walking shoes, snack (optional:lunch)
Cost: $3 per vehicle
Summary: The hike will lead to Dripping Springs, a small
waterfall in the Organ Mountains. The recreational area, run by
the BLM in cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, includes tseveral
hiking trails and La Cueva Picnic Area. The hike will be led by
Oz Gomez, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM.
Area attractions
Franklin Mountains State Park - The largest urban park
in Texas (it's 24,000 acres are all within El Paso city limits),
Franklin Mountains State Park is a mostly undeveloped park with
spectacular lookouts along Trans Mountain Road (Loop 375). The
park extends north from the heart of El Paso to the New Mexico
state line. The highest point is North Mount Franklin, 7,192 feet
above sea level. Information: 566-6441.
Most hiking and mountain biking trails begin in the Tom Mays
area, off Trans Mountain Road on the west side of the park (east
of I-10). Entry fees are $3 per person, free for age 12 and under
(with family). Group rates available. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
every day. (During summer, open until 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.)
Park rangers give interpretive tours on the first and third
weekends of the month, beginning at the Tom Mays Unit entrance.
A guided hike to Mundy's Gap (5.5 miles, strenuous) is offered
Oct. 6 and 19. Guided hikes to Aztec Cave (1.7 miles, moderate)
are Oct. 5 and 20. Reservations required: 566-6441.
The park also offers:
· Mountain biking, with special trails and race course.
A $25 restricted annual mountain bike pass is available.
· Camping in the Tom Mays Area of the park, with both traditional
tent sites and RV areas (no hookups). Site fee is $8 (limit of
four campers), plus the park entrance fee. No ground fire.
· Picnicking in the Tom Mays Area, with picnic tables and
restrooms that are accessible to the handicapped.
Feather Lake Wildlife Sanctuary - 9500 North Loop, just northwest of Americas Avenue. The sanctuary is open October through April. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, and 2 p.m. to dusk Sunday. A variety of migratory birds, as well as some year-round species, can be seen there. Directions: Take I-10 East to Americas Ave. (Loop 375), go south 1.2 miles to North Loop, turn right and go 0.4 miles to the sanctuary entrance, on the left at North Loop and Bordeaux. Information: John Sproul, 545-5157.
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site - The park is famed
for many Native American rock paintings and unique geology.
North Mountain is available for self-guided day use, for up
to 70 people at a time. There is an annual orientation program
for visitors. Guided access is offered to the rest of the site.
Rock art tours, hiking tours, and bouldering tours are available
at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday, by advance request. Call
849-6684 to request a tour. See Lone Star Legacy weekend listings
above for Oct. 19-20 free events.
Picnicking allowed at tables closest to headquarters. Camping
is available. Call for reservations and other information.
Admission fee is $4, $2 for seniors 65 and older; free for children
12 and under. Freeadmission for all Oct. 19-20. Bicycles permitted
only on designated paved areas. Pets allowed only in camping or
picnic areas. Hours: 8 a.m.6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.7
p.m. Friday-Sunday. Information: 857-1135.
To get there: Take Montana Avenue (U.S. Highway 62-180) all
the way into the Hueco Mountains, then turn left on Ranch Road
2775. It's about 32 miles from downtown El Paso.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park - 110 miles east of
El Paso on the way to Carlsbad, the 86,416-acre park includes
the highest point in Texas: Guadalupe Peak, 8,749 feet.
The national park offers camping and more than 80 miles of trails.
Park headquarters is at Pine Springs, off of U.S. 62-180; camping
for tents and RVs, a nature trail and ruins of the Butterfield
Overland Mail Station are nearby.
McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center is seven miles east of Pine
Springs, and offers nature, canyon and geology trails. Hours are
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October; 8 a.m. to 4:30 after October.
No camping. The Canyon is the park's biggest attraction from mid-October
into early November because of its sensational display of fall
colors. The brilliant reds, subtle yellows and deep browns of
the foliage there contrasts dramatically with the flavors of the
arid Chihuahuan desert .
Admission is free. Camping is $8 a night ($4 with Golden Age
Passport). Information: (915) 828-3251.
White Sands National Monument - The glistening gypsum
dunes are a year-round attraction, offering eerie vistas, relaxing
hikes and a wonderful natural playground for kids of all ages.
The monument is approximately 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo,
N.M., on U.S. 70.
Ranger-guided Sunset Stroll Nature Walks begin daily at 5:45
p.m.through Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3-15; 5:15 p.m. Oct. 16-26,
4 p.m. after Oct. 26.
A Moonlight Bicycle Ride will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct.
19. See listing above.
Lake Lucero tours are at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29; and 9 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26. Participants drive their own vehicles 17 miles
then hike 3/4 mile to the source of the white sands. The trip
begins on U.S. 70, 25 miles west of the White Sands Visitor Center.
Advance reservations (accepted beginning two weeks in advance)
are required. Cost for this tour is $3 per adult; $1.50 for children
16 and under and Golden Age Passport holders. Hours: Visitor
Center, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dunes Drive, 7 a.m. to sunset. Entrance
fee: $3 per person 17 and older. Free for children. Annual passes
are $20. No alcohol permitted within the park. Information: (505)
479-6124 ext. 232 or www.nps.gov/whsa. From El Paso, call toll-free
at (505) 679-2599.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park - The caverns open at
8 a.m. daily, and the last elevator down leaves at 3:30 p.m. Visitors
can also walk to the main caverns through the natural entrance
- last walk-in is 2 p.m. Plan 3-1/2 hours for a walk-in tour,
1-1/2 hours for Big Room tour. Cost is $6 ($3 for ages 6-15, or
seniors with discount card). The park's award-winning CD-ROM audio
self-guided tour is $3 extra (also available in Spanish). Information:
(505) 785-2232 or www.nps.gov/cave.
The park is about 160 miles east of El Paso, off U.S. 62-180.
For an extra fee ($8 adults, $4 youth and seniors with card),
visitors can go on a ranger-guided tour of the King's Palace,
Papoose Room, Queen's Chamber and Green Lake Room; reservations
are required.
Guided tours also are available for Slaughter Canyon Cave, an
undeveloped cave 23 miles from the main cavern. Call for reservations.
Cost is $15 ($7.50 ages 6-15, seniors with card). The 1-1/4-mile
tour lasts about 2-1/2 hours. Flashlight, fresh batteries required.
Wear good walking shoes and bring water.
Other special guided tours are available, including "Wild
Cave Tours" of Spider Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Lower
Cave and Left Hand Tunnel.
The "bat season" generally lasts through October.
Daily bat flight talks are 10 or 15 minutes long, and then - bats
willing - visitors are treated to the sunset spectacle of clouds
of bats flying out of the cave entrance. Flights become even more
spectacular in late summer and early fall, as the bat population
increases and matures. Bring a blanket or pillow to sit on, and
be advised that the events are much less crowded, and more fun,
on weeknights.
Aguirre Spring Campground - The Organ Mountain recreational
area, run by the federal Bureau of Land Management, is off U.S.
70 about 15 miles east of Las Cruces. Fifty-five family camping
and picnic sites, plus two group areas. Day use fee is $3 per
vehicle. The Baylor Pass (hiking and horseback riding) and Pine
Tree (hiking) trails begin at the campground. Information, group
reservations: (505) 525-4300.