El Paso Tin Mines
North Franklin Mountain Trail, El Paso, TX 79934
Hours open
Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Photos
Location & Phone number
North Franklin Mountain Trail, El Paso, TX 79934, United States
About the Business
El Paso Tin Mines is a tourist attraction located on the North Franklin Mountain Trail in El Paso, Texas, United States. The institution is a part of the Franklin Mountains, which overlook the Rio Grande and serve as the northern ramparts of the Paso del Norte. Throughout history, the area has been a passageway for Native Americans, soldiers, priests, traders, gold-seekers, and more.
The Franklin Mountains have been home to Native American groups for almost 12,000 years, as evidenced by the colorful pictographs and etched petroglyphs found on boulders and rock walls. Spanish conquistadors and priests also passed through the area in the 1580s on their mission to conquer and colonize Puebloan villages in present-day New Mexico.
The development of roads in the late 1970s led to the formation of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, which advocated for the protection and public access to the mountains. In 1981, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the Franklin Mountains, opening it to the public in 1987. The park covers 26,627 acres within the city limits of El Paso and is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the world.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition has been supporting the park for over 30 years, working locally and statewide to preserve the mountains' scenery, ecology, and history. Visitors can learn more about the coalition on their website. If there are any violations in progress, visitors are encouraged to call Operation Game Thief immediately. TPWD is committed to providing its programs and services without discrimination, in compliance with Federal civil rights laws.
Reviews
"Great family atmosphere. I love the rugged looking landscape. Trail was fun. Going in the mine was a cool experience"
"A neat 6.6 mile hike to see some abandoned tin mines. It took about 3.5 hours at a leisurely pace with some time to explore. Total elevation gain is about 1,000 ft, and the end is pretty steep. The miners quickly realized there wasn't much tin to be found, but the mines are safe for hikers to explore. It takes a bit of crouching and bring a light (phone flash is ok as long as you don't drop it on the rocky floor, headlamp is ideal). Since this is within Franklin Mountains State Park, there's a pay box at the parking lot, which is shared with Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park. If the parking lot is full, it looks like there is also street parking available in the neighborhood. State parks should have free admission - I'm from Ohio and our state parks are free. Texas doesn't really value the few public lands they have."
"It’s a nice hike, but I recommend to start early in the morning, one thing you got to know the trail is shared by mtn bikes so you got to be alert to move to the side if you don’t want to get run over. Its a moderate to hard hike when you get to the top. Bring plenty of water and good shoes, weekend are packed by cyclists all over. I recommend take a day off during the week day to enjoy the mountains and the fresh air and the environment."
"Incredible little hidden gem in the Franklins. I hiked out here alone and explored the mineshafts in total isolation, but I imagine most people would be more comfortable coming with others. I came out on a Monday morning and still saw several other people. The hike out is long but not difficult, but it will be infinitely more enjoyable if you can at least do the trek in during the cooler morning hours. Bring twice as much water as you initially plan to. You must have some kind of flashlight to explore the tunnels, and not be too freaked by enclosed, dark spaces. Both the top and bottom areas are wonderful, the light coming into the caverns are so picturesque. There is also a second small mine and ruined refinery just south of these main mines that you don't want to miss. I suggest hitting those on the way up to save the big mine (this one) for the climax of the journey."
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