Sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife and Franklin Mountains State Park, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the day and explore the area with park staff, volunteers and members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition including the El Paso Zoo, El Paso Parks Department, El Paso Water Utilities, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition and many other local organizations. There will be short easy walking guided walks, speakers, educational exhibits, horse and hay rides and demonstrations.

Cost:  Regular entrance fee to the park of $5.00.

Among a day full of presentations, hikes, and activities by all of the great entities participating in this event, the Franklin Mountains State Park will be offering 5 different programs:

-          9:30 a.m. – Upper Sunset trail: short 30 minute hike with discussion of Land Conservation

-          10:30 a.m. – Lower Sunset trail: short 30 minute hike with discussion of park activities/opportunities

-          11:00 -1:00 – Geocaching 101 workshop

 -          1:00 p.m. – Mineshaft tour:  short 40 minute hike/tour into the West Cottonwood Mines

-          1:40 p.m. – Mineshaft tour:  short 40 minute hike/tour into the West Cottonwood Mines

If you are an experienced desert goer the event makes for a great time to renew friendships with other members of the community and to make new friends. If you are a novice with little or no experience attending the event will help you connect with the Chihuahuan Desert and its amazing biodiversity, geology and cultural resources.

***Each individual hiker is responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating with EP Hiking Group activities. The organizers of EP Hiking Group and EP Hiking Group are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated with any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.***