The Franklin Mountains, spanning the city of El Paso, Texas, are among the oldest in North America, with geological formations dating back over a billion years. Rising to an elevation of 7,192 feet at North Franklin Peak, they were significant to the Jornada Mogollon culture, who thrived in the region between 200 and 1450 CE. Their enigmatic rock art at nearby Hueco Tanks hints at ancient rituals and celestial observations. In 1598, Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate passed through the area, marking one of the earliest European incursions into the region. Over time, the mountains became a vital landmark for trade and migration, with ancient trails evolving into key routes like the Camino Real. Today, they stand as a symbol of El Paso’s rich cultural and historical heritage.