wellness
Cycling Routes Safe for Families and Beginners Draw Crowds to El Paso Parks
Flat protected paths through city parks let new riders and parents with children build confidence without traffic stress.
How we reported this
El Paso Parks and Recreation added 4.2 miles of dedicated family cycling loops at Ascarate Park and the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park this spring.
The additions come as more El Paso households seek low-cost outdoor activity during the summer months when indoor gym attendance drops. City data shows outdoor trail use rising steadily since 2023, when the department launched its free bike-loan program at four park entrances.
Routes through Ascarate and Franklin Mountains
The new loop at Ascarate Park follows the eastern edge of the golf course on a 1.8-mile paved path separated from vehicle lanes by bollards and landscaping. Riders enter from the parking area off Delta Drive and can extend the ride onto the adjacent Rio Grande levee trail that runs toward the Zaragoza Bridge. At the Tom Mays Unit, a 2.4-mile beginner circuit starts at the main trailhead on Transmountain Road and stays on wide, graded crushed-granite surfaces that avoid steep grades. Both sites provide restrooms, water fountains and shaded picnic tables within a short walk of the paths.
El Paso Parks and Recreation reported 18,400 checkouts of its loaner bikes in the first half of 2026, up from 11,900 during the same period in 2025. Helmet rentals cost $2 and are available at the Ascarate Park visitor center and the Tom Mays kiosk on weekends. The department also schedules free Saturday morning safety clinics at 8 a.m. through Labor Day, limited to 25 participants per session.
Practical steps for first rides
Parents planning a first family outing should arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid peak heat and check the city website for any temporary closures due to maintenance. Beginners are encouraged to start on the Ascarate loop, which stays under a 2 percent grade, before trying the slightly longer Tom Mays circuit. Riders must wear helmets on all city park paths, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Local bike shops along Mesa Street offer tune-ups starting at $25 for families who want to bring their own equipment.