Sierra Vista: Pena Blanca to Franklin Mountain State Park

This is a long section of the Sierra Vista Trail that will take you all the way to the Texas/New Mexico border if you start from the northern end at the Pena Blanca parking area.

The northern section of the trail is fairly well-groomed, desert singletrack very similar to the Sierra Vista Trail: Soledad Canyon Rd. to Pena Blanca section of this trail. The trail becomes more technical as you continue south and you end up having to cross many sandy, dry river beds. This can make the ride slower and more difficult than you would initially anticipate.

Be sure to bring adequate amounts of water and try to avoid riding this section in the heat of the day during summer months. Also, be aware that high winds during the spring can make for a very dusty and low visibility ride. Checking the weather is advisable before taking this trail on.

It is also helpful to have a shuttle arranged at Franklin Mountains State Park, unless you are prepared to ride another 20+ miles back to the starting point.