FMSP - Hitt Canyon Loop Trail (CONTROLLED ENTRY)

This hike starts just off the Tin Mines trail. It is a moderate hike and has some very good views of the  Franklin Mountains and their surroundings. During the summer many beautiful wildflowers can be seen. In the spring cacti can be seen in bloom. Bikers do also use this trail so yield to them when hiking.

Started our hike from Chuck Heinrich park and entered the State Park. Hike along the Old Tin Mine Road to the junction of Scenic Road trail.  There are many species of cacti  and desert plants along the trail. Hiked up the side of the mountain to the site of the old tin mines. The climb is somewhat difficult because of loose rocks. Explored the mines with some flashlights . Very good views of t...

It is a fairly open trail with no shade. This trail is best hiked during the cooler part of the year. The trail is sandy with rocky spots along the way. Bikers also use this trail so be careful . The trail is ~7 miles round trip. The trail connects to other trail within the system. I have hiked this trail several times with my dogs.

Hike both trails and enjoy some very good views of the Franklin Mountains and the abundance of wildflowers particularly at the end of the summer. In the fall, enjoy the many beautiful grasses. The trails are not too steep  but long and are a pleasure to hike in sections. Bikers would not have any problems biking the whole length of the trails. Here is a map of Franklin Mountains. 

This a scenic but steep trail. Start on the SE turn off and followed the arroyo. After a while, the trail starts to climb up the mountain. The trail is rocky in places, but offers excellent views of the Franklin Mountains. On your descent on the NW side, you will have great views of the Avispa Canyon. Wildflowers can be enjoyed after the summer rains.

The trick to this view is that the park gate closes at 5 pm. Therefore you have two options: Option 1Park at the entrance of the park (outside of the gate) and hike into the park. From there walk along the road to the park entrance ($5 entrance fee) and continue to the first left road where you turn and then walk to the TH of the Upper Sunset Trail and then hike up approxim...