El Paso Tin Mines

"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."