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| Franklin Mountains |
The Community of El Paso has had a tumultuous relationship with nature throughout history as with any other location. The natural formations that can be found in the area have always been of interest to explorers, nature enthusiasts, and scientists. This can be seen in many aspects of the area, but none more so than the history of higher education. The State Schools of Mines and Metallurgy at El Paso initially began with a single degree option of Mining from its inception. As the school developed, they added the option of Metallurgy and later Geology. Studies of Geology continue to this day at UTEP.
The Rio Grande of which the City of El Paso has been so well known for is also responsible for the city having a further diversified wildlife. Not only does the city have the desert landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert, but the wetlands area plentiful with life that could not be sustained otherwise would not have developed. Currently, the Rio Bosque Wetlands are under the care of UTEP through a grant project. While the Rio has given this gift of biodiversity, it wreaked havoc throughout the history of El Paso. Before the river was controlled through dams and canals, flooding was an issue which led to loss of life and property.
The Mountains of El Paso are probably the most prominent geological feature of the city as the city was built around the Franklin Mountains. Mammoth Rock has offered an interesting landmark to people passing through the Franklin Mountains on Transmountain. Whether it is the Franklin Mountains within the city or the Guadalupe Mountains to the east, they hold many clues to the history of this area with fossils, tracks, minerals, and striations. The interest in local natural history led to the establishment of Celebration of Our Mountains in 1994 who in 2019 was granted Non-profit status whose goal is to offer educational and recreational events in which people will learn more about the natural history of this part of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Places to Explore Nature of
El Paso and the Surrounding Area
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| Hueco Tanks |
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