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A rocky, disused dirt road that parallels an arroyo, climbing towards the Franklin Mountains.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.4

KM

95%

Runnable

4,578' 1,395 m

High

4,358' 1,328 m

Low

220' 67 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Trails around the Franklin Mountains are often rocky and technical, so users unfamiliar with rough terrain should use caution. Trail shoes with rock plates are strongly recommended.

El Paso is in the desert, so plan around the climate. Summers are regularly in the 90's or above; winters will drop to the 30's and 40's. Lightning storms are frequent in the late afternoons during the warmer months. Check the weather before you go, and let someone know where you will be.

Description

The literally-named Rocky Road is a rugged, former 4x4 road connecting Pipeline Road to the base of the Franklins. About two-thirds of the trail is mirrored by a singletrack segment just to the south that makes for a smoother run.

The eastern end is an unmarked but clearly visible doubletrack near the State Park boundary gate. The initial portion of the road is much like the one it turns off of, somewhat rocky but not difficult. An arroyo is sometimes visible to the north, which the trail parallels for its entirety.

Rocky Road quickly comes to a clearing with a large steel water tank, owned by the Bowen Ranch. As the path continues to the southwest, it becomes more rugged at times, sometimes narrowing down to singletrack. An impressive view of the mountains, with North Franklin Peak to the left and Anthony Nose to the right, makes for a nice distraction.

After passing the western end of the shortcut, the trail crosses an arroyo and ends at the intersection with Sotol Forest and Newman Trail. While signs mark the other two trails, nothing indicates Rocky Road so look for the faint former tire tracks between the two signs.

Flora & Fauna

Ocotillo, agaves, barrel cactus and creosote bushes. Lizards, birds and sometimes snakes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#28887

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#775

in Texas

#28,887

Overall
1 Views Last Month
98 Since Oct 22, 2015
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Photos

View of  Anthony's Nose.
Sep 26, 2018 near Westway, TX
Creosote bush in bloom
Jul 12, 2019 near Westway, TX
View of the Franklin Mountains.
Sep 26, 2018 near Westway, TX
Beginning of trail
Nov 29, 2020 near Westway, TX
A water tank, owned by Bowen Ranch, hidden among the eastern foothills. Cattle wander pretty far into the mountains on some of the area trails.
Oct 23, 2015 near Westway, TX

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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