Turkey Run El Paso: The Best Kept Secret in the City

Turkey Run: An Oasis in the Desert

Tucked away in the heart of El Paso, Texas, Turkey Run is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This 1,200-acre park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and rabbits, as well as a variety of hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or a spot to explore the great outdoors, Turkey Run is the perfect destination.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Turkey Run, exploring its history, its natural features, and the activities that it offers. We’ll also provide tips on how to plan your own visit to this beautiful park.

Turkey Run El Paso	Address	Phone
Turkey Run El Paso	123 Main Street, El Paso, TX 79901	(915) 555-1212
Hours	Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm	Saturday: 9am-3pm
Website	www.turkeyrunelpaso.com

History of Turkey Run

Turkey Run is a state park located in El Paso County, Texas. The park is situated on the eastern edge of the Franklin Mountains, and it offers a variety of hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. The park was established in 1972, and it is named after the Turkey Creek that runs through it.

The area that is now Turkey Run State Park was once home to the Mescalero Apache people. The Apaches used the area for hunting and gathering, and they also built a number of rock shelters in the area. In the 1800s, the area was used by both the Mexican and American militaries. The park was established in 1972, and it is now open to the public for recreation.

Location and Amenities of Turkey Run

Turkey Run State Park is located at 1200 Turkey Run Road in El Paso County, Texas. The park is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. The park entrance fee is $8 per person.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Turkey Run Trail, the Lost Mine Trail, and the Peak Trail. The Turkey Run Trail is a 3.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers through a canyon and up to a viewpoint overlooking the city of El Paso. The Lost Mine Trail is a 5.5-mile trail that takes hikers to the ruins of an old gold mine. The Peak Trail is a 7.5-mile trail that takes hikers to the summit of Mount Franklin, the highest point in Texas.

The park also offers a number of other amenities, including camping, picnicking, fishing, and bird watching. There are two campgrounds in the park, one with 50 campsites and one with 20 campsites. The campgrounds have restrooms, showers, and water. There are also a number of picnic areas in the park, as well as a fishing pond.

Turkey Run State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the Franklin Mountains. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, camping opportunities, and other amenities. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Turkey Run State Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Activities and Attractions at Turkey Run

Turkey Run State Park offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of the most popular:

* Hiking: Turkey Run has over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trails include the Grotto Trail, which leads to a natural cave, and the High Point Trail, which offers stunning views of the park.
* Camping: Turkey Run has three campgrounds with over 300 campsites. The campgrounds offer a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and water.
* Fishing: Turkey Run is home to a variety of fish, including bass, trout, and catfish. The park has several fishing areas, including the Lake Erie Spillway and the Little Sugar Creek.
* Boating: Turkey Run allows boating on Lake Erie Spillway. Boaters must have a valid Ohio fishing license.
* Picnicking: Turkey Run has several picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms.
* Biking: Turkey Run has several biking trails, including the Oak Ridge Trail and the Prairie Trail.
* Horseback Riding: Turkey Run offers horseback riding trails for experienced riders. Riders must have their own horses and equipment.
* Snowshoeing: Turkey Run is open for snowshoeing during the winter months. Snowshoes can be rented at the park office.

Tips for Visiting Turkey Run

Here are a few tips for visiting Turkey Run State Park:

* Plan your visit: Turkey Run is a popular park, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance. During peak season, the park can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or late in the day.
* Bring water: The park is located in a dry climate, so it’s important to bring plenty of water.
* Wear comfortable shoes: The trails at Turkey Run can be challenging, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
* Bring a camera: Turkey Run is a beautiful park, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
* Be respectful of wildlife: Turkey Run is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds. Be sure to stay on the trails and respect the animals’ habitats.
* Leave no trace: Please help to keep Turkey Run clean by following the “Leave No Trace” principles. This means packing out all of your trash and leaving the park as you found it.

Turkey Run State Park is a beautiful and challenging park that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Q: What is Turkey Run?

A: Turkey Run is a state park located in El Paso County, Texas. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and rabbits. It also offers a variety of hiking trails, camping facilities, and fishing opportunities.

Q: What are the best hiking trails in Turkey Run?

A: The park has a variety of hiking trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Oak Springs Trail, the Turkey Run Trail, and the Lost Mine Trail.

Q: Where can I camp in Turkey Run?

A: The park has two campgrounds, one for tents and one for RVs. Both campgrounds have restrooms, showers, and fire pits.

Q: What are the fishing opportunities in Turkey Run?

A: The park has two lakes where you can fish for bass, catfish, and trout. There is no fishing license required to fish in the park.

Q: What are the other activities available in Turkey Run?

A: In addition to hiking, camping, and fishing, Turkey Run also offers a variety of other activities, including biking, swimming, and horseback riding.

Q: How can I get to Turkey Run?

A: Turkey Run is located about 20 miles northeast of El Paso. The park is accessible by car via Highway 118.

Q: What are the park hours?

A: The park is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.

Q: How much does it cost to enter the park?

A: The entrance fee for the park is $5 per person. Children 12 and under are free.

Turkey Run in El Paso is a beautiful park with a variety of activities to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing stroll, or a place to picnic with your family, Turkey Run has something for everyone. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds. So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors in El Paso, Turkey Run is the perfect destination.