Franklin Mountains TrailFest

Franklin Mountains TrailFest

100km, 50km, 30km, 30km relay, 10km, 5km, King/Queen of the Mountain January 21–24, 2027 | Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso, TX The Franklin Mountains TrailFest is four days of trail running in one of the most dramatic settings in the American Southwest. Rugged desert singletrack, a summit with four-state views, a trail film festival, and races from 5K to 100K. Something here for everyone, whether it's your first trail race or your fortieth. All races are held in Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, off Transmountain Road in El Paso, Texas.

The Franklins

The Franklins are the largest sustained urban mountain range in Texas. North Franklin Peak rises to 7,192 feet, roughly 3,000 feet above the city below. On a clear day from the summit, you can see into Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. It's not subtle. The terrain is what you'd expect from a true desert mountain race: rocky, exposed, and unforgiving in the best way. The 50K and 100K circumnavigate the mountain and climb to the summit. The 30K and King & Queen of the Mountain also top out on North Franklin Peak. You'll earn every one of those views. On the eastern flank of the mountain, you'll pass remnants of the country's only tin mining, milling, and smelting operation, which ran from 1910 to 1915. History underfoot. Franklin Mountains State Park offers primitive camping (no water on-site). Plan accordingly.

Franklin Mountain Frenzy

Four days. One Film Fest & Three races. One wild weekend in the Franklins. The Frenzy is the full TrailFest experience — Thursday's Trail Running Film Fest; Friday's King & Queen of the Mountain, a long effort Saturday, and a Sunday finisher to cap it off. Pick your Flite based on how deep you want to go. Frenzy Half Flite — K/Q + 30K + 5K — $210 Friday crown attempt. Saturday suffer-fest. Sunday victory lap. Frenzy Full Flite — K/Q + 50K + 10K — $250 Friday crown attempt. Saturday go long. Sunday earn it twice. Frenzy registration closes December 31. Sign up early — this one will go fast.

TrailFest Schedule

Thursday, January 21 Trail Running Film Festival at FLIX Brewhouse West El Paso — films, cold beer, good company. Tickets sold separately: Buy tickets [included with the Frenzy pass] ·  Past films: trailfilmfest.com/films Friday, January 22 King & Queen of the Mountain — 7:15 AM Straight up, straight down. A steep, rocky, direct assault on North Franklin Peak and back — 3 to 8 miles depending on your line. Grab a bracelet at the summit to prove you made it, and wear it across the finish line. First man and first woman down crowned conquerer of the Franklins! 5-hour cutoff. No aid stations. Carry everything you need. Saturday, January 23 100K — 5:30 AM (30-hour cutoff, noon Sunday) 50K — 6:00 AM 30K — 6:30 AM 30K Relay (2-person) — 6:30 AM Sunday, January 24 10K — 7:30 AM 5K — 8:00 AM

Registration

Distance Now–Jun 21 Jun 22–Jul 31 Aug–Dec 31 Jan 1–15 Jan 16–21 King & Queen $60 $67.50 $75 $90 $100 5K $45 $50 $55 $70 $80 10K $55 $60 $65 $80 $90 30K $85 $90 $95 $110 $120 30K Relay (team) $170 $180 $190 $220 $240 50K $115 $120 $125 $140 $150 100K $190 $195 $200 $215 $225 Prices increase through the year. Best pricing through Dec 31. 30K Relay priced per team — captain registers and pays for both runners.

Wanderlust Running

This event is organized by Wanderlust Running, hosts of premiere endurance events across the American Southwest. Learn more at wanderlust.run .