How to Hike Crazy Cat Trail El Paso Sunset Views

The Crazy Cat Trail in El Paso, Texas, is one of the city’s most underrated natural treasures—a rugged, scenic path that delivers panoramic sunset views unmatched by any other urban hiking route in the region. While it may not carry the fame of national park trails, its accessibility, dramatic desert topography, and golden-hour light displays make it a must-do for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking an authentic Southwest experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to hike the Crazy Cat Trail specifically to capture its legendary sunset views, including essential preparation, navigation tips, safety protocols, gear recommendations, and real-world insights from seasoned locals. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned trail enthusiast, this tutorial will ensure you experience the trail safely, respectfully, and memorably.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Visit

Before setting foot on the trail, understanding the Crazy Cat Trail’s layout and timing is critical. The trail is located in the Franklin Mountains State Park, just north of downtown El Paso. It’s a loop trail approximately 2.5 miles long with an elevation gain of about 800 feet. The trailhead is accessible via the North Entrance of the park, off Highway 20, near the intersection with Transmountain Road.

Sunset timing varies seasonally. In summer, sunset occurs between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, while in winter, it can be as early as 5:45 PM. Use a reliable sunset calculator like Time and Date or a weather app with sunset alerts to plan your arrival. Aim to arrive at the trailhead at least 90 minutes before sunset. This allows time for parking, a short walk to the trailhead, hydration, and acclimatization to the elevation and temperature shift.

Check the park’s official website for trail closures due to weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance. Franklin Mountains State Park occasionally closes trails after heavy rain due to flash flood risks. Avoid hiking during monsoon season (July–September) unless you’re experienced and have checked conditions.

2. Prepare Your Gear

Proper gear transforms a good hike into a great one. The Crazy Cat Trail is rocky, steep in sections, and exposed to full sun until sunset. Here’s what to pack:

• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support—loose rocks and uneven terrain require grip and stability.
• At least 2 liters of water per person—dehydration is a common risk, even in cooler months.
• Headlamp or flashlight—even if you plan to finish before dark, trail markers fade quickly, and the descent after sunset is treacherous without light.
• Layered clothing—temperatures can drop 20°F within an hour after sunset. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a light fleece or windbreaker, and carry a packable down jacket.
• Sun protection—SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable. The desert sun is intense, even in winter.
• Trail map or offline GPS—cell service is unreliable on the trail. Download the Franklin Mountains State Park trail map via AllTrails or Gaia GPS before you leave.
• Snacks—energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit help maintain stamina during the climb.
• Small first-aid kit—include blister pads, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for cactus spines, which are common along the trail.

3. Navigate to the Trailhead

From downtown El Paso, take I-10 West toward the Franklin Mountains. Exit at Transmountain Road (Highway 20) and head north. Look for the main park entrance sign on the right, just before the road curves sharply. The parking lot is large but fills up quickly on weekends, especially during sunset hours. Arriving early ensures a spot near the trailhead.

If the main lot is full, use the overflow parking area approximately 0.3 miles north along Transmountain Road. From there, follow the marked pedestrian path back to the main entrance. Do not park on the shoulder of the highway—it’s illegal and dangerous.

Once parked, walk to the trailhead kiosk. You’ll see a wooden sign with a trail map and the Crazy Cat Trail logo—a stylized cat silhouette. The trail begins with a gentle incline along a packed dirt path flanked by creosote bushes and ocotillo plants. Do not take any side paths marked “Private” or “No Trespassing.” Stay on the main trail.

4. Begin the Ascent

The first 0.6 miles of the trail are relatively flat and ideal for warming up. Use this section to adjust your pace and hydration. After this, the trail begins a steady climb through a narrow canyon lined with limestone outcroppings. Watch for cairns—stacked rocks—placed by hikers to mark the path during sections where the trail fades slightly.

At the 1.2-mile mark, you’ll reach the “Cat’s Back,” a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. This is the most exposed and visually stunning section of the trail. Proceed slowly. Keep your center of gravity low and avoid stepping on loose rocks. If you’re uncomfortable with exposure, it’s safe to pause here and wait for sunset—it’s one of the best vantage points.

Continue climbing for another 0.4 miles until you reach the summit plateau. The trail levels out here, offering 360-degree views of El Paso, the Rio Grande, and the Mexican border. This is your sunset viewing zone. The best spots are on the western edge of the plateau, where there are large, flat boulders perfect for sitting or placing a camera tripod.

5. Capture the Sunset

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky transforms. The desert air clears, and the light turns golden, then amber, then deep rose. The Franklin Mountains cast long shadows across the Chihuahuan Desert, and the city lights of El Paso begin to twinkle like stars below.

For photographers: Use a tripod and shoot in manual mode. Set your aperture to f/8–f/11 for depth of field, ISO to 100, and shutter speed between 1/15s and 1/2s depending on light. Bracket your exposures to capture detail in both sky and shadow. Shoot in RAW format for maximum editing flexibility.

For non-photographers: Find a comfortable rock, sit quietly, and breathe. This is one of the few places in the country where you can watch the sun set over two nations—the U.S. and Mexico—while surrounded by native desert flora and fauna. Listen for the distant call of a canyon wren or the rustle of a kit fox in the brush.

Do not leave your belongings unattended. While the trail is generally safe, theft has occurred in parking lots. Keep valuables locked in your car or carried with you.

6. Descend Safely

After sunset, the trail becomes significantly darker and colder. Do not attempt to descend by headlamp alone without a clear path. Use your GPS or phone app to confirm your location. The return route follows the same trail, but the descent is steeper and more treacherous than the climb.

Use trekking poles if you have them—they reduce knee strain and improve balance on loose scree. Step deliberately. Avoid shortcuts or side trails. Many hikers have gotten lost after dark by deviating from the main path.

As you descend, you’ll pass through the canyon again. The rocks retain heat from the day, so the air feels warmer near the ground. This is also where most wildlife becomes active. Give any animals space. Do not feed or approach them.

Once you reach the trailhead, do a quick gear check: ensure you have all your items. Walk back to your vehicle slowly. The parking lot is often empty by this time, so be aware of your surroundings.

7. Post-Hike Recovery

After your hike, rehydrate with water and electrolytes. Eat a light meal rich in protein and complex carbs to aid muscle recovery. Stretch your calves, quads, and hamstrings—tightness is common after elevation gain.

Take a moment to reflect. The Crazy Cat Trail isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a sensory immersion into the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert. Many hikers return weekly, not just for the views, but for the peace it brings.

Best Practices

1. Hike with a Buddy

While the Crazy Cat Trail is well-traveled, especially at sunset, hiking alone increases risk. A partner can assist with navigation, first aid, or simply provide moral support during the climb. If you must hike solo, leave your itinerary with someone reliable and check in when you return.

2. Respect the Environment

The Chihuahuan Desert is a fragile ecosystem. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging native plants like the creosote bush, which can take decades to grow. Pack out all trash—including food wrappers, tissue, and water bottles. Even biodegradable items like orange peels can disrupt local wildlife.

Do not carve names into rocks or remove natural objects like cactus flowers or petrified wood. These are protected under state park regulations.

3. Timing Is Everything

Many hikers arrive too late and miss the best light. Sunset begins 20 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon—the “golden hour”—and lasts until the last light fades. Arriving 90 minutes early gives you time to settle, photograph the changing sky, and avoid the rush of others trying to leave at once.

Avoid hiking during full moons. While the trail is visible, the moonlight washes out the colors of the sunset. For the most vivid colors, choose a night with a crescent or new moon.

4. Know Your Limits

The trail is rated moderate to difficult. If you’re out of shape, inexperienced, or have heart or respiratory conditions, consider a shorter trail like the Mundy’s Gap Trail or the Mt. Cristo Rey trailhead, which offer similar views with less elevation gain.

Watch for signs of altitude sickness—dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath. Though El Paso is at 3,750 feet, the trail climbs to over 5,000 feet. Hydration and pacing reduce risk.

5. Leave No Trace Principles

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impact.
• Respect wildlife.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

These aren’t just guidelines—they’re ethical commitments to preserving the trail for future generations.

6. Weather Awareness

El Paso’s desert climate is unpredictable. Sudden thunderstorms can roll in without warning, especially in late summer. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds forming, descend immediately. Flash floods can turn dry washes into raging torrents in minutes.

Winter storms are rare but possible. If snow or ice is present on the trail, do not attempt it. The rocks become slick, and the risk of injury skyrockets.

Tools and Resources

1. Recommended Apps

• AllTrails – Download the “Crazy Cat Trail” map offline. User reviews include recent trail conditions and sunset photos.
• Gaia GPS – Offers topographic maps and real-time elevation tracking. Ideal for navigating without cell service.
• Sun Surveyor – Shows the exact position of the sun and moon at any time and location. Perfect for planning photo angles.
• Weather Underground – Provides hyperlocal forecasts for Franklin Mountains, including wind speed and UV index.

2. Official Park Resources

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages Franklin Mountains State Park. Their website includes:

• Current trail conditions
• Trail maps (PDF download)
• Wildlife advisories
• Permit requirements (none needed for day hiking)
• Volunteer opportunities for trail maintenance

Bookmark this page and check it 24 hours before your hike.

3. Gear Recommendations

Not all gear is created equal. Here are trusted brands and products used by local hikers:

• Footwear: Salomon Quest 4 GTX or Merrell Moab 3
• Hydration: CamelBak Crux 2L reservoir or Nalgene wide-mouth bottle
• Light: Black Diamond Spot 400 or Petzl Actik Core
• Layers: Patagonia Capilene Base Layer + Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
• Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2 for satellite messaging (optional but recommended for solo hikers)
• Camera: Sony ZV-E10 or iPhone 15 Pro with ProRAW enabled

4. Community Resources

Join the El Paso Hiking Club on Facebook. With over 12,000 members, it’s the most active local group for trail updates, group hikes, and sunset photography meetups. Many members post real-time sunset photos from the trail, helping you gauge crowd levels and lighting conditions.

Local outdoor shops like Mountain Equipment Co-op El Paso and Trailhead Outfitters offer free trail briefings on weekends. Ask for the “Crazy Cat Trail Sunset Guide” pamphlet—they print it monthly.

Real Examples

Example 1: Sarah’s First Sunset Hike

Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from downtown El Paso, had never hiked before. She read about Crazy Cat Trail on Instagram and decided to try it one Friday evening. She arrived at 6:30 PM, 90 minutes before sunset, with just a water bottle and her phone.

She got lost near the Cat’s Back because she followed a faded cairn that led to a dead end. She panicked, but remembered to use AllTrails’ offline map. She retraced her steps and found the correct path. At the summit, she sat quietly as the sky turned from gold to violet. She took one photo—just one—with her phone—and cried.

“I didn’t know a place so close to home could feel so far away,” she later wrote on the El Paso Hiking Club forum. “I came for the view. I left with a new rhythm.”

Example 2: Miguel’s Sunset Photography Expedition

Miguel, a professional landscape photographer, has visited Crazy Cat Trail over 60 times. He tracks lunar phases and atmospheric haze using specialized apps. He arrives 2 hours before sunset with a tripod, ND filter, and drone (for aerial shots—allowed in the park with prior notification).

One winter evening, he captured a rare phenomenon: a “green flash” just as the sun disappeared. The image went viral in photography circles. He later donated prints to the park visitor center, with proceeds funding trail signage.

“The magic isn’t in the light,” he says. “It’s in the silence between the wind and the rocks. That’s what you come for.”

Example 3: The Family Tradition

The Rivera family has hiked Crazy Cat Trail every Sunday evening for 17 years. They started when their daughter, now 24, was 7. They bring a thermos of hot chocolate, a blanket, and a small speaker playing jazz.

They don’t take photos. Instead, they each write one word on a slip of paper and place it in a tin box they bury under a juniper tree near the summit. This year’s words: “Hope,” “Peace,” “Gratitude,” “Home.”

“It’s not about the trail,” says Mrs. Rivera. “It’s about showing up—for each other, for the land, for the quiet.”

FAQs

Is the Crazy Cat Trail safe for beginners?

Yes, with preparation. The trail is moderate in difficulty, but not technical. Beginners should hike with a partner, carry enough water, and avoid hiking during extreme heat or after rain. Stick to the main trail and turn back if you feel unwell.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times. Pick up waste immediately. Many native animals, including coyotes and rattlesnakes, are active here. Keep your dog close and avoid letting them chase wildlife.

Are there restrooms on the trail?

No. The nearest restroom is at the trailhead parking lot. Use it before you begin. There are no facilities on the trail or summit.

What time should I arrive for sunset?

Arrive 90 minutes before sunset. This gives you time to park, hike up, find a good viewing spot, and enjoy the full transition of light. Crowds peak in the last 30 minutes, so arriving early ensures space and peace.

Is there cell service on the trail?

Spotty at best. Verizon has the most reliable signal near the trailhead. AT&T and T-Mobile often lose connection past the first mile. Download offline maps and save emergency contacts before you go.

Can I camp on the summit?

No. Camping is prohibited on the Crazy Cat Trail and throughout Franklin Mountains State Park without a permit. Overnight stays are only allowed in designated campgrounds, which are located far from the trail.

What should I do if I see a rattlesnake?

Stop. Do not approach. Back away slowly. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive—they want to avoid you. Give them space and wait for them to move off the trail. Do not try to move or kill them. Report sightings to park rangers.

Is the trail open year-round?

Yes, weather permitting. The park closes trails only during flash floods, extreme heat advisories (above 105°F), or after snow/ice accumulation. Always check the official park website before heading out.

Can I hike at night without a permit?

Yes. Day use is free and open to the public without a permit. Night hiking is allowed as long as you follow all park rules, including staying on marked trails and carrying a light.

Why is it called the Crazy Cat Trail?

The name comes from the trail’s winding, unpredictable path that resembles a cat’s playful zigzag. Locals say it also reflects the “crazy” beauty of the desert—unexpected, wild, and strangely alive. The park never officially named it; the name emerged from hikers in the 1980s and stuck.

Conclusion

The Crazy Cat Trail in El Paso is more than a hiking path—it’s a portal to the soul of the American Southwest. Its sunset views are not merely visual spectacles; they are moments of stillness, awe, and connection. To hike this trail is to witness the desert breathe, to feel the weight of time in the rocks beneath your feet, and to understand why so many return, again and again, not just for the view, but for the silence that follows.

This guide has provided you with everything you need to experience the trail safely, respectfully, and deeply. From gear to timing, from navigation to ethics, each step is designed to honor both you and the land. The desert does not ask for much—only that you come prepared, leave nothing behind, and carry its quiet beauty with you.

So when the sun begins its descent, and the sky ignites in hues of amber and rose, remember: you are not just a visitor here. You are part of the story—the hiker who paused, looked up, and let the light change everything.