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
Three days. Three races. One wild weekend in the Franklins.
The Frenzy is the full TrailFest experience — 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 [coming soon] · 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 14 | Jun 15–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.
Event's current local time: 3:51 PM CT
