McKelligon Canyon

This is an excellent trail for walking or running. I’ve done both and think it’s a great workout. So I highly recommend this to try something different in your normal workout routine.

Nice, challenging hike that rewards you with amazing views. I will say, this hike is not for the faint-​of-​heart or weak-​of-​knee, as it is STEEP.
My fiancé and I started off wearing light polar fleece layers, since we went on one of those cooler mornings a couple weeks ago; regardless, though, we ended up stripping down to just t-​shirts and tank-​tops because we were sweating when we got to the top!
The summit provides a pretty cool look of a large section of the city, so the view definitely did not disappoint.
There’s even a long road leading up to the actual hike, if you’re feeling really adventurous. My fiancé is in the Army, and they «like» to run this road sometimes. I put «like» in quotes, because, honestly, who actually likes running up a 2 or 3 mile hill?!
But whether you decide to run, hike, or both, McKelligon is a great start to your Saturday morning!

McKelligon Canyon and I are in a love-​hate relationship. We’ve been in this sort of limbo for ten years now and every time I think I’ve been to harsh and MKC is just doing what’s best for me, best for us, it does something evil like put a hill with a thousand foot incline in my way. Love-​hate. We’re working on it.
This is a competitive runners dream course because it’s ridiculously difficult. Lot’s of hills and inclines, absolutely no shade, low traffic, and beautiful views. If you run this route daily, you’ll be ready for anything.
But that’s not all MKC is good for. People like to come up here to picnic, but be warned there is no grass or shade from trees. There are a couple of metal coverings that look outdated and rusted, but they’ll do if you’re just trying to grill up some eats before a run or hike.
And hiking. Yeah, there’s hiking. These trails are a little more traveled than what you find up at the Tom Mays Unit so you might find things like graffiti, but it’s still a cool hike. And technically you can hike from MKC to the Tom Mays Unit… if you’re crazy.
But what I live for is the amphitheater! Free movies in the canyon! I love going to this in the summer-​fall months. They have two or three different movies on the weekend and you guessed it, they’re FREE! And they play good movies, some older, but most new ones that just came out on DVD. They do sell stuff at the concession stands which are just fine.
MKC is great for the whole family. They’re pet friendly. They host events and runs. There’s usually always food available in some form (or you can bring your own). Oh and, once and a while the Humane Society or the Animal Rescue League (I’m not sure which) comes out there with dogs that you can both adopt or just take for a run. Those pooches need exercise too!

if you are looking for a run that is going to make you sweat and kick your booty well you are in luck because you have found it here! Mckilligan canyon is awesome and will put your body through the ringer but hey if you are at a canyon that is probably what you want right McCallion Canyon is a little over 5 miles when done from top to bottom typically when I go I run up it very slow but come back down fast for obviously because coming up is an iincline and coming down is a decline honestly Mckilligan canyon is really neat but it’s sad to say it much like most anything else in El Paso there isn’t very much to look at except well wishes and dirt but it’s pretty cool to see the top of mountains that you typically probably would see when you’re driving on the freeway but nonetheless it’s a great place to go to get a good workout and take the family I’m pretty sure my daughter might be able to make it about 2 miles or so

Great place to go for a weekend morning walk or jog. Very challenging pushing my double stroller up to through canyon. Right now it’s nice and green from all the rain we’ve been having.

El Paso has many great places to hike. But what makes McKelligon Canyon unique to any other hiking destination is that there is something for pretty much everyone. Aside from the main hiking trail that connects McKelligon Canyon to the Transmountain Pass many people like to frequent the canyon for a quick jog. (2.5 miles up hill, 5 miles round trip).
A top of the hill there are plenty of covered park benches which also offers a amazing view of Juarez due south. The one downside to the picnic area is the lack of facilities. The nearest restroom is located 3 miles down the road at the 7 – 11.
McKelligon I also frequented by cyclists, mountain climbers, and nature enthusiasts. The Canyon also offers performances on occasion in the amphitheater but the facility is run down and is in need of some improvements.
Whatever your activity is McKelligon Canyon has a lot to offer and is located in the center of town!

Great challenging walk and if you still need more after hiking up 2.5 miles there is a lengthy trail through the actual Franklin Mountains that you can hike up.