The Franklin Mountains offer big views and fun downhills.
The trails in Franklin Mountains State Park really rock!
Group shot at Bowen Ranch
Free transportation available from area hotels.
Took the 'Lean Beef' Level 1 tour!
Victoria S.
Jan 19, 2017
On a spontaneous trip to El Paso, my husband and I discovered that we could not only hike, but also bike, in Franklin Mountains State Park. After brief research online and in El Paso tourist magazines, we discovered GeoBetty Tours and gave Don a call. We're so glad we did! Don has recently turned his lifelong passion for the outdoors into a business, and we were so grateful to him for dropping everything to accommodate our last-minute request. When we called Don, we asked him about a mountain biking tour of the Franklins, and he customized an outing for us, taking our skill level, interests, and time frame into account. He communicated back and forth with us as he firmed up plans, and even when a major biking event was rained out and rescheduled for the day of our tour, he bent over backwards to ensure we'd still have bike rentals and rearranged his day for us. All we had to do was show up at the park at a specific time. Don reserved and picked up our high-quality mountain bike rentals from a local cycle shop, and supplied helmets, gloves, a Camelbak, and everything necessary to have a great day on the trails. And what a great day it was! We're pretty sure no one knows more about El Paso, the trails, the park, or the nature than Don. Don's a well-known local guy who leads bike and hike tours in many parks in West Texas. He led us at our own pace through the park, providing just enough challenge for an adventurous day for us novices. We learned so much and had a lot of fun! Our hours spent with Don were worth every penny. Next time we're in El Paso, we'll definitely go on a bike or hike with Don and GeoBetty Tours.
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Mike T.
Mar 15, 2016
I highly recommend Don's service. I come to El Paso on regular business trips and wanted to check out the local trails. Don picked out a bike and had it ready and waiting the exact time we planned. He chose a trail system that suited my needs. He is incredibly knowledgable about the mountain bike community in El Paso. He was really nice and tailored his riding to my level. We went about 8 miles in the central trails, a lot of climbing and loose rocks. I've heard better trails to the east of town. I highly recommend using Don and I plan on hiring him again.Mike Thomas, Phoenix, AZ
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Chris B.
Jul 8, 2018
My 14-year-old son and I signed up for the Mine Shaft Tour - Level 1, and it was a highlight of our weeklong road trip. Don was a congenial, informative, thoughtful guide, and I hope we make it out to El Paso again soon for another Geobetty adventure.
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Leroy M.
Oct 26, 2016
I had a killer time with Don out in the hills. The bike gear was great, i felt confidently unstoppable while navigating some rough spots. At the end, Don offered to do another loop (albeit smaller), but I was too exhausted to take him up on it! It was a great time. Highly recommended.
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C S.
Mar 29, 2017
My husband and I visited El Paso for three days in late March and we loved the town. One of the best things we did was a hike with Don Baumgardt in the Franklin Mountains. We considered going alone but with Don and his photographer friend and colleague Dennis we did so much more than we would have on our own. It was gorgeous, fun, great conversation and Don makes it just the right level. Don't go to El Paso without a hike in Franklin Mts - however much time you have there, call them and get in even a quick foray into this beautiful landscape.
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Gomathi R.
Apr 4, 2016
Great bike ride. We only had a little time so Don brought my husband and me 2 full suspension bikes, beautifully outfitted, helmets and water and took us to the Sierra Vista trail for a sunrise ride. I bike in NJ but the terrain in the west is very different and I was glad to have someone there to take us to a nice trail. Plus the views were stunning and the blooming cacti were awesome. Don was very knowledgable about the trail, nature and history as well. Would highly recommend if you like the outdoors and have a few hours (or more) in El Paso.
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