Richard Contreras, 21, of El Paso, was fatally injured Saturday after he fell while hiking off-trail near the Ron Coleman Trail in McKelligon Canyon, El Paso police and fire department officials said Monday. Reporter Aaron Martinez contributed to this report. All hiking trails including the Ron Coleman Trail begin at the end of McKelligon Canyon and are open year round. - See 407 traveler reviews, 300 candid photos, and great deals for El Paso, TX, at Tripadvisor. Knowledge, preparation, and a good plan are your keys to . Only conditioned hikers should attempt this trail. Hikers who leave trails may potentially encounter loose ground, snakes and other wild animals and may damage the park's ecosystem by trampling on plants, authorities said. The victor Trail will take the hiker out of the shade of the palm trees, up and onto the ridge that overlooks the canyon and … The hike to the cave look out location is only about a thirty minute hike and is … They didn’t have lights. An estimate of the distance that Contreras fell was not immediately available. You access this canyon via the East side. A challenging hike is to make an 12.3 mile loop by taking the Fern Canyon Trail, the Dunn Road Trail, and the Dunn Road, then return by the Hahn Buena Vista Trail to the Vandeventer Trail, and the Palm Canyon hike to the Trading Post. The Dry Wash Trail connects the Palm Canyon Trail and Dunn Road. McKelligon Canyon Road is a 4.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near El Paso, Texas that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. “It is a strenuous trail. Recently we walked the McKelligon Canyon Road. The West Fork North Trail then heads downhill to the Coffman Trail that leads to the Murray Canyon Trail and service road, and on to the Alexander Trail or Palm Canyon Road, and then back to the Trading Post parking area. Hotels near McKelligon Canyon: (10.82 km) Chase Suite Hotel El Paso (9.80 km) Home2 Suites by Hilton El Paso Airport (9.27 km) Stanton House El Paso (11.27 km) Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso-Airport (9.11 km) Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown; View all hotels near McKelligon Canyon on Tripadvisor Ancient rock mortars adorning the entrance to the canyon remind visitors of the presence of the first people. Shop for gift items at our park store. We have seen several ages — young people and older people. We've seen people who lost daylight. Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute offers everything from single-day hiking classes and tours to multi-day backpacks, treks, and river rafting. Use sun block, hats and clothing to shield from the sun. Source: El Paso Fire Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife. Please note, McKelligon Canyon is part of the Franklin Mountains State Park and therefore is subject to fees and restrictions from the Texas parks and Wildlife Department. McKelligon Canyon McKelligon Canyon is a spectacular canyon in the Franklin Mountains at the edge of El Paso. Whet your hiking appetite by visiting the trails pages below. The Indian Canyons features more than 60 miles of hiking and walking trails. Ownership of the area of McKelligan Canyon was in dispute until El Paso County purchased the land in 1931. The trail here offers a short hike up to a beautiful little "cave" and sprawling views of the desert below. There are some great short trails here, so in one visit you can easily do 2-3 hiking trails. Hotels near McKelligon Canyon: (5.79 mi) Stanton House El Paso (6.76 mi) Chase Suite Hotel El Paso (6.13 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton El Paso Airport (7.04 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso-Airport (5.69 mi) Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown; View all hotels near McKelligon Canyon on Tripadvisor In 2000, Gadsden High School student Anthony Lee, 16, died when he fell while hiking on Castner Range. Minimum water requirements will be strictly enforced: Please note, during this time, the following is also in effect: Click here for operating hours and admission. The Indian Canyons is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Franklin Mountains State Park: McKelligon Canyon in Franklin Mountains State Park is a must hike! Contreras died shortly after being airlifted from the mountain and taken to University Medical Center of El Paso. They didn’t have the necessary supplies to descend. It's a fairly short hike, but the Franklin Mountains has plenty of amazing hikes with great views of this awesome border city :) The West Fork North Trail will take you up to a spectacular overview of the entire Indian Canyons at an elevation of 2,600 feet. Located right across the street from the Visitor Center is Shafer Canyon Overlook – it is a great place to get your first view of Canyonlands. The trail splits off from Thunderbird and heads due east toward a dip in the mountain ridgeline. This trail is just about 5 miles out and back and is located in the Franklin Mountains State … History. Hiking South Franklin Mountain, Mckelligon Canyon and The Window, El Paso Texas. The southern end of the Coleman Trail is found at the back of McKelligon Canyon. It is best to access this trail by hiking a mile south on the Palm Canyon Trail. I’m in town for the holidays (got tested two days ago, negative). "If you look at where the trail is, they were not on the trail," Briano said. McKelligon Canyon, El Paso: See 7 reviews, articles, and 3 photos of McKelligon Canyon, ranked No.36 on Tripadvisor among 80 attractions in El Paso. Visit for the day or camp overnight. El Paso Fire Department and mountain rescue officials are urging hikers to be cautious following the death of a young man who fell while hiking in McKelligon Canyon during the weekend. There are also a variety of longer hikes that you can tackle too. From there you can continue on to the East Fork Trail then back to Palm Canyon for a moderate and picturesque hike. All rights reserved. For more information call 760-323-6018 • 38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, Canyons open: face-coverings & social distancing required, We have increased the frequency of our cleaning of high-touch areas including restrooms, All team members and guests are required to wear face-coverings when interacting with others, We are requesting guests stay home if they are ill, running a fever or exhibiting symptoms, We are requiring all team members stay at home if ill, running a fever or exhibiting symptoms. - See 408 traveller reviews, 310 candid photos, and great deals for El Paso, TX, at Tripadvisor. All hiking trails including the Ron Coleman Trail begin at the end of McKelligon Canyon and are open year round. There have been 13 mountain rescues this year compared with 17 in all of last year, said Briano, explaining that the number of rescues is about average for this time of year. "Start on easier trails before you jump on Ron Coleman (Trail) if you have never been hiking before.". 18 reviews of McKelligon Canyon "Great challenging walk and if you still need more after hiking up 2.5 miles there is a lengthy trail through the actual Franklin Mountains that you can hike up." Hiking on a trail can become a problem if hikers are unprepared, inexperienced or do not have the right equipment, members of the mountain rescue group said. Oct 1, 2019 - Hi friends! Please note, McKelligon Canyon is part of the Franklin Mountains State Park and therefore is subject to fees and restrictions from the Texas parks and Wildlife Department. Whether you choose a rim hike or venture into the canyon, there are plenty of challenging options for the avid hiker to choose from. On the way back from enjoying the waterfall, take a right at the Coffman Trail junction. Lynn Canyon Park Map Maps are available at the Ecology Centre and can be downloaded from their website here 1331 McKelligon Canyon Road, El Paso, TX 79930 Directions Since 1987. Taking an almost straight path up the west face of the Franklin Mountains, McKelligon Saddle is a difficult but rewarding hike connecting both sides of the State Park. The West Fork North Trail is best enjoyed by combining the West Fork, West Fork North, Coffman, Murray Canyon, and Alexander Trails into a 8.7 mile loop. It can take three to five hours to complete. McKelligon Canyon: Great place to hike and for a workout! This stunning trail is one of the most scenic high country trails in the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Ron Coleman Trail is one of the toughest trails on the Franklin Mountains and becomes increasingly steep as it rises from McKelligon Canyon. Last week I spent and extended weekend in a much sunnier portion of the country- El Paso, Texas. Spending time outdoors is an excellent way to take care of your physical and mental health, especially now. Next up, the pavilion. No visit to the capital of West Texas would be complete without a hike in the Franklin Mountains and Mckelligon Canyon. Franklin Mountains State Park: McKelligon Canyon in Franklin Mountains State Park is a must hike! For full details concerning day hiking and backpacking at Grand Canyon … Lynn Canyon Park is the home of several beautiful hiking trails that are suitable for any hiking level. It’s best to access the West Fork North Trail is from the West Fork Trail. success. Mount Franklin from McKelligon Canyon is a 3.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near El Paso, Texas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. All hiking trails including the Ron Coleman Trail begin at the end of McKelligon Canyon and are open year round. This trail is one of the most scenic trails in the Indian Canyons. Just take Alabama Road to McKelligon Canyon Road. Plan ahead, know rules and regulations. Turn right or north for the West Fork North Trail or go straight or west for the Jo Pond Trail. Access the trail one mile south of the Trading post on the Palm Canyon Trail. This is in El Paso, Tx. “We have seen different reasons for the need for mountain rescues," Briano said. Only conditioned hikers should attempt this trail.