Texas state park hiking guides in Mission, Texas

The Franklin Mountains State Park Visitor Center is located at 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road in El Paso, Texas, United States. This travel agency offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the high-desert mountains just 15 minutes from El Paso. The park spans almost 27,000 acres with over 100 miles of trails for visitors to explore. Campsites are available for overnight stays, but do not have water or electricity, so visitors must come prepared. The park also offers designated climbing areas for those interested in rock climbing. Visitors can support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. The park also offers educational programs for groups and individuals, including the opportunity for kids to become Junior Rangers. In addition to outdoor activities, visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the Mission Trail, and El Camino Real. Birdwatching is another popular activity in the area, with several birding sites nearby. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on weekends during certain months. Reservations are recommended for camping and day use to guarantee entry. The park experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with winter temperatures ranging from 32 to 60 degrees and summer temperatures ranging from 68 to 95 degrees. Overall, the Franklin Mountains State Park Visitor Center offers a unique outdoor experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Hawk Tower is a park located in Mission, Texas, United States. This birder's paradise is home to about 360 species of birds, butterflies, javelinas, and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley in its near natural state by exploring on foot, bike, or tram tour. The park features an Exhibit Hall with bilingual exhibits, primitive campsites, a group hall for gatherings, and a two-story Hawk Observation Tower for birdwatching. With 7 miles of trails to explore, visitors can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds like Swainson’s and Broad-winged hawks. The park store, Algunas Plumas, offers field guides, binocular and bicycle rentals, and snacks. Le Chez Bleu cafe serves sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. Ranger-guided programs and outdoor skills workshops are available, and school field trips can be arranged. To guarantee entrance, passes can be reserved online or by phone. Hawk Tower is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts on the Lower Texas Coast.