Women's Hike: Schaeffer Shuffle at Franklin Mountains State Park

Women's Hike: Schaeffer Shuffle at Franklin Mountains State Park

Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors. This is an easy to moderate 2.6 mile hike and is excellent for families, beginner hikers, or geology and wildlife enthusiasts. After a steep initial descent down old jeep road it transitions to a relatively well maintained trail with technical sections into the canyon, leveling out along the ridgeline. There is then another steep and technical descent down the backside of the hill before becoming an easy leisurely stroll down the trail. We’ll reconnect with the old jeep road and have one final steep ascent back up to the start of the trail. Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121. Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map. 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. Meeting Location: The end loop in the Tom Mays Unit. When you enter Tom Mays, stop by the Visitor Center and let the Ranger on duty know you are part of the hike. This is where you will pay the fee. Continue down the road until it ends in a loop and find a parking spot. Directions: From Westside on I-10, take exit 6 & travel east towards mountains for 3.8 miles. Park entrance will be on the left. From Eastside on Hwy 54, take exit 29 towards Transmountain Rd, travel west 7-7.5 miles over/through the mountains. Park entrance will be on the right. If using a GPS be sure to search for "Tom Mays Access Road," not "Franklin Mountains State Park."