Old Tin Mine Hike at Franklin Mountains State Park

Old Tin Mine Hike at Franklin Mountains State Park

Join a Park Ranger or volunteer guides for a hike out to the El Paso Tin Mines, the remains of a mining operation from the early 1900s. This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles. The trail is a well-marked old jeep road with a gentle but steady climb for about 3 miles until you arrive at the mines. You can explore two of the old shafts and the ruins of the smelter before heading back the way you came. Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121. Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map. Meeting location: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park. We will meet in the parking lot at the end of Jon Cunningham. Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Please bring a check or exact change, as the Ranger or volunteer guiding the hike will be unable to make change. Alternately you can purchase your day pass ahead of time at the Tom Mays Visitor Center or at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com Directions: From highway 54, take the exit toward Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, and turn onto Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Turn west onto Jon Cunningham Blvd; it will dead-end into the parking lot for Chuck Heinrich Park.