El Paso del Norte

Dogs Leashed

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

Branching off from Worm not long after it splits from El Refri to the north, El Paso del Norte continues in the same manner as its predecessor - meandering along an elevated, mostly flat singletrack a hundred feet above dry arroyos on either side. The trail is perfect for hiking at dusk, as a westbound hike offers gorgeous views of the sunset across the Chihuahuan Desert.

After about six-tenths of a mile, a rocky runoff segment splits from the trail, near a faint shortcut to the west that is easy to miss. While the runoff can be followed down the hill, it is uneven and slippery, so continue on the trail as it turns to the right, switching back as it descends. At the bottom of the hill, the trail ends at the intersection of El Refri and Worm.

The Franklins are filled with desert wildlife and you'll have the chance to see all sorts of plants and animals on a hike. Vegetation is best during the rainy months around summer when the desert blooms and the plants turn green. Jackrabbits, lizards and roadrunners are common, occasionally snakes will be on or near the trail. Watch for rattlers and give them a wild berth. If you get caught out past sundown, you may hear a few coyotes. Their howls are unnerving, but they generally leave people alone.