Franklin Mountain State Park

This was my first time riding out west. I had a blast. The elevation change had me light headed for a while. Other that that no complaints. Just like another person stated make sure you are tubeless or have some Bontrager Premium Tubes cause the thorn out there were insane.

The trails aren't maintained well. Rock are added to some of the trail to prevent erosion but it makes climbing very difficult. There are very technical sections from cardiac hill to blue moon but if you take tin mine up to lazy cow there are trails with less rocks the further east you go past the round house.

It's been a while since I rode there but I do remember it being one of the worst engineered trails systems I've seen. Lot's of gully crossings instead of contouring the slope to prevent erosion. Some okay tech sections but nothing I would go out of my way for.

Just rode the lower sunset trail. Not a big fan of this trail. It can be difficult at times, lots of loose rock. Plus they charge $5 per person to get in and the park's gate closes at 1600, so no way to ride there after work. Save your money and go ride lost dog/redd road area.

If you like rocks and cacti, you won't be disappointed here. There are lots of miles of trails to ride, some of it on jeep roads, some in dry creek beds, and some singletrack. You need to stay alert and watch your lines to minimize the bumps and to stay out of the cacti. Water and tubeless tires are a must!

There are a lot of trails on the east side of the mountains too but, plan your trip carefully. Yesterday I rode north out of the upper parking lot for about 7 miles then crossed over the mountains on the "Northern Pass" and worked my way back south on the east side where there is a new connector singletrack trail which, except for one short section, flowed very well. Going this direction there is a long, steep climb back over Mundy's Gap to get back to the parking area. I logged 23.5 miles with about 3,000 feet of climbing but it took me 5.5 hours to finish. I had taken plenty of water but should have packed more food.

This trail network definitely has a lot of technical challenges, but if you like a challenge and don't mind walking your bike on occasion, you'll really like the desert views and plant life.

Remember; Water, Food, and Tubeless Tires (or lots of patches & air)

A mountain biker's mountain bike trail. Won't be doing any day dreaming on this trail. Lots of loose rocky steep sections. Not to many fast flowey sections, and they end abruptly. Lots of wash crossing and some wash riding. As stated by others ( big tires,stans or lots of patches, full sup. A 29er would be really great here. Overall a great intermediate to advanced trail. Full loop is 16+ miles. 5 shortcuts for shorter options. Also options for more miles.

When you ride El Paso ride with Stans, The inside of my tires look like a brill carpet. There are some great spots along the hill side. But the new homes are cutting into some of thhe trails on the lower side out side the park area. You get a mix of trails, flat and fast, steps, little moab area, and some techno stuff, good place to mix up the ride. SOme more trails are open for riding on the N. east side of the mountain, out by some old mines, climes for a few miles, as well it has a small area that is like Moab. A few ways to ride up and a few way the come blasting down. There are few (3)mine shafts that are open and are fun to explore. Remember the stans! it makes the ride great, no draging the bike out on foot. * Review edited 1/16/2008

Take extra tubes for the cacti. This is some really good El Paso riding, but it s**ks to hump home your ride because you only brought a patch kit.

The park trails are great but theres better on the other side of Transmountain Rd. There is the Tin Mine, Doc's Drop, Mayberry, Little Moab and much more!