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A shortcut along a hilltop ridge has 360-degree views of the foothills.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Point to Point

4,300' 1,311 m

High

4,227' 1,288 m

Low

2' 1 m

Up

73' 22 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Description

Three-quarters of a mile after beginning Worm from the north, the main trail descends abruptly on the north side of the ridge, leaving the ridge trail to continue as Worm Shortcut. Much of the surrounding state park and west El Paso can be seen from this trail over the next quarter mile, with views as far as New Mexico and the Juarez Mountains in Mexico.

Shortly before the trail meets up with the end of Worm and Lost Dog Trail to the south, it descends from the ridge. Use care through this section, as the rocks are larger and footing is looser.

Flora & Fauna

The Franklins are filled with desert wildlife and you'll have the chance to see all sorts of plants and animals on trail. 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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#28936

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#778

in Texas

#28,936

Overall
2 Views Last Month
89 Since Aug 20, 2015
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Photos

View along the hill ridge of Worm / Worm Shortcut.
Aug 20, 2015 near Canutillo, TX
Creosote bush in bloom and Franklin Mountains
Apr 10, 2020 near Canutillo, TX
View of the gulch
Mar 21, 2018 near Canutillo, TX

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