When the pace of everyday life feels overwhelming, El Paso has a beautiful way of slowing everything down. Framed by endless blue skies, golden West Texas sunsets, and breathtaking mountain ranges, Sun City invites you to step away from the noise, leave your inbox behind, and reconnect with nature.

Located just minutes from the Franklin Mountains, The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is the perfect homebase for travelers looking to move their bodies, clear their minds, and explore El Paso’s iconic hiking trails. 

Ready to get outside? Lace up and hit the trails with our local hiking guide to El Paso.

Where to Hike in El Paso’s Franklin Mountains

Whether you’re looking for a gentle desert walk or a challenging climb, these trails make it easy to experience wide-open space without straying far from your stay.

Lost Dog Trail | 1.4 miles | 2.24 km

Lost Dog Trail’s wide, well-maintained paths wind through native desert flora and offer expansive views at the base of the Franklin Mountains. The peaceful, unhurried pace makes this an easygoing hike for all experience levels.

Best for: Beginners, casual hikes, morning exercise before brunch 

Aztec Cave Trail | 1.9 miles | 3.05 km

This unique trail is short and steep, but put in the work and you’ll be handsomely rewarded. The Aztec Cave Trail climbs through wild Chihuahuan Desert terrain to a series of shallow caves that overlook El Paso. Along the way, stunning mountain sights unfold, offering one of the most memorable ways to see the park.

Best for: Moderate hikes, photo moments, unique geography

Tin Mines Trail | 6 miles | 9.6 km

Following a rugged off-road path, Tin Mines Trail features a steady ascent that leads to historic mine shafts and the remnants of a smelter at the summit. The blend of history and wide-open scenery makes this moderate to difficult hike a true West Texas experience.

Best for: Confident hikers, history enthusiasts

Mundy’s Gap Overlook | 3.9 miles | 6.2 km

Mundy’s Gap Overlook cuts across a rugged mountain pass, weaving through striking desert and ancient stone formations. This challenging hike opens to scenic viewpoints of surrounding ridgelines and waters of the Rio Grande, offering birdwatching and wildlife sightings along the way.

Best for: Active travelers, experienced hikers, birdwatching 

Ron Coleman Trail | 7.4 miles | 7.7 km

Considered El Paso’s most challenging and iconic hike, the Ron Coleman Trail is steep, demanding, and utterly unforgettable. You’ll be faced with steep climbs and bouldering on your way up, but the sights that stretch beneath you are worth it. Once you’re at the summit, you’re greeted with breathtaking vistas of Texas, New Mexico, and the neighboring country of Mexico.

Best for: Mountaineers, adventure seekers, bouldering

After the Hike: Refuel and Relax at The Plaza 

Once you’ve spent your day under the West Texas sun, returning to The Plaza feels like the ultimate reset. Each of our sun-washed rooms and suites blend glamorous heritage with modern luxury, giving you a restorative space to unwind, unplug, and settle into a slower rhythm. Every detail is designed to help slow your pace: lush Le Labo amenities, Frette linens for the best night’s sleep, and calming mountain views framed with Art Deco flair.

When it’s time to refuel and kick up your feet, The Plaza’s award-winning restaurant, Ámbar, awaits. Here, wood-fired Mexican cuisine draws inspiration from the parallel cultures of El Paso and Ciudad Juârez. Take a seat near the open-fire kitchen and watch as handmade tortillas, enchiladas suizas, and grilled churrasco are flame-grilled to perfection. Pair it with an agave spirit from Ámbar’s world-class collection, and soak it all in.

As evening falls, make your way to the city’s crown jewel: our rooftop bar, La Perla. Once Elizabeth Taylor’s penthouse suite, the 17th-floor views span the borders of Mexico and New Mexico. Signature cocktails like the La Perla Margarita, finished with Patrón Ámbar añejo and brut Champagne, make the perfect post-hike celebration. 

With hiking trails just moments away, a stay at The Plaza makes it easy to explore the landscape, soak in the sights, and truly slow down. 

Ready to experience the magic of West Texas? The Plaza is the retreat you’ve been looking for. Book your stay with one of our special offers, and meet us on the trails.