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Wyler Aerial Tramway

1700 McKinley
El Paso, Texas 79930
(915) 566-6622
Park Locator Map

The Wyler Aerial Tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park features an aerial cable car situated on 195.742 acres of rugged mountain and rock formations on the east side of the Franklin Mountains.

Activities: Driving the paved road that snakes up the east side of the Franklin Mountains from the intersection of McKinley and Alabama streets is half the fun. The visitor arrives at a parking area that sits at an elevation of 4,692 feet. The view of El Paso, to the east, is magnificent. Here visitors can admire the beauty of cacti gardens or watch the tramway gondolas take off.

Visitors can purchase tickets at the tramway station to ride a gondola that will transport them to the top of Ranger Peak. The Swiss made gondolas travel on a 2,600 feet long, 1 3/8 inch diameter steel cable. While waiting to depart, the visitor can view part of the machinery and mechanism of the system through a window located on the south side of the base station. On the smooth ride to the top, the cabin attendant will describe the different cacti and rock formations along the way. Abundant wildlife, including reptiles, birds and insects, offer exciting viewing opportunities. The 4 minute ride soars above a vast canyon that is 240 feet deep in some places.

From Ranger Peak, 5,632 feet above sea level, the visitor can enjoy the view of 7,000 square miles encompassing three states and two nations. The tramway ride is a memorable experience offering a vista of the vastness and stark beauty of the southwest.

The station at the top provides accessible ramps and paved grounds leading into an observation deck with a 360 degree view. Pay per view high power telescopes enhance the experience.

Birding in the El Paso area will take one into and through the Franklin Mountains and the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site areas. The local Audubon Society has created an excellent birding area known as Feather Lakes. The natural flyway that is the El Paso area brings a large variety of bird species to the area. Local groups are taking advantage of this natural flyway by rehabilitating the remains of local bosques (wetlands) adding to the available bird habitat in the area.

Area Attractions: In the El Paso area are three other state park facilities: The Franklin Mountains State Park; Hueco Tanks State Historic Site (great rock art and rock climbing); and Magoffin Home State Historic Site (the only historic home site in El Paso). Also in the area are Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (great shopping); the Mission Trail (visit some of the oldest missions in the nation); and the Camino Real (the ancient Spanish road taking travelers from today's Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico). The City of El Paso offers "Viva El Paso" (a live musical presenting El Paso's History) each season from June through September; Diablo Baseball (voted the best stadium in minor league baseball); Wilderness Park Museum (offering a historical perspective of life in the El Paso area); Chamizal National Memorial (cultural events offered throughout the year); and other attractions such as the El Paso Speedway, the El Paso Museum of Art, and more. For more information on this region go to the Texas Historical Comission - Texas Mountain Trail web site.

Fees:
$7 for each person 13 yrs. and over
$4 for each person 12 yrs. and under

Schedule:

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Directions: To reach the Wyler Aerial Tramway, take U.S. Highway 54 north from Interstate 10 and exit Fred Wilson Boulevard; take a left on Fred Wilson, which turns into Alabama Street; follow Alabama to McKinley Avenue and take a right. McKinley ends at the park.

Current conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

Information on the Texas State Parks Pass Information on Free Fishing in State Parks. Information on the free Texas State Park Guide. Information on State Parks Getaways. Information on Free E-mail Updates.
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