Jackaloop Trail

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The trails in the southern section of Franklin Mountains State Park are among the most rugged and technical in the area. Trail shoes are strongly recommended.

Sections of the Ranger Peak trails near the tram are often visited by less experienced hikers. They may not be familiar with trail etiquette, so give them some extra room and patience.

El Paso is in the desert, so be mindful of the climate. Summers are regularly in the 90's or above, and winters will drop to the 30's and 40's. Lightning storms are frequent in the late afternoons during the warmer months. Winds are frequent and gusts over 40 mph are not unusual. Dust storms, strongest in the late spring, can be hazardous and reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile. Check the weather before you go, and let someone know where you will be.

Really an extension to Ranger Peak Loop, the State Park has designated this short segment as a separate trail. Jackaloop Trail begins a few hundred feet into Ranger Peak Loop after the latter turns to the right following the descent from the tram platform. As with the other mountaintop trails, Jackaloop is very rocky and requires careful attention to footing.

The trail makes a steep descent under the tram as it circles around the cliffside. Use caution crossing a precarious scree field where the path flattens out. Jackaloop then begins to climb, with some portions requiring some minor scrambling. The trail ends about a quarter mile later at Directissimo. A wooden sign marks the intersection.