Franklin Mountains TrailFest
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Franklin Mountains TrailFest
January 21–24, 2027, Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, off Transmountain Road, El Paso, Texas.
This four-day trail running event offers multiple race distances and related activities in an urban desert mountain setting. Races are held entirely within Franklin Mountains State Park at the Tom Mays Unit.
Main distances
- 100 km
- 50 km
- 30 km
- 30 km relay (two-person)
- 10 km
- 5 km
- King/Queen of the Mountain climb
The terrain is rocky, exposed desert singletrack. North Franklin Peak rises to 7,192 feet, about 3,000 feet above the city; on clear days the summit provides views into Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. The 50K and 100K circumnavigate the mountain and include a summit climb. The 30K and King and Queen courses also reach North Franklin Peak. On the eastern flank runners pass remnants of a tin mining, milling, and smelting operation that operated from 1910 to 1915.
King and Queen of the Mountain is a steep out-and-back to the summit, roughly 3 to 8 miles depending on route. There are no aid stations on that course; participants must carry their own supplies. A Trail Running Film Festival is scheduled Thursday at FLIX Brewhouse West El Paso. The Franklin Mountain Frenzy combines the film fest with multi-race packages; Frenzy Half and Frenzy Full options are listed with package prices and registration conditions. Primitive camping is available in the park; no water is provided on site. The event is organized by Wanderlust Running. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
