Desert outdoor guide
Outdoor & trail conditions
Plan ahead for desert heat, strong winds, and changing trail access in El Paso.
Check official Franklin Mountains State Park alerts and National Weather Service El Paso forecasts before heading outdoors. Trail and Rio Grande water conditions are not measured on this page.
Start early
Avoid strenuous hikes in extreme heat. Carry ample water and turn back before you are tired.
Watch for flash floods
Stay out of arroyos during storms and never enter flooded roads or channels.
Respect the Rio Grande
River flows vary. Irrigation channels and the river are not casual swimming destinations; follow posted restrictions.