EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Hiking in winter can be a beautiful experience, but it comes with added risks, especially as icy conditions and plunging temperatures are expected in the El Paso region this week.
Park officials at Franklin Mountains State Park are urging hikers to take extra precautions before hitting the trails.
“The first thing they have to do is wear proper clothing,” said Cesar Mendez, superintendent of Franklin Mountains State Park.
“Upper clothing includes several layers, as well as proper shoes or boots and proper socks. Also include some rain gear in case it starts to snow. You want to stay dry and warm,” Mendez said.
Mendez also advised hikers to avoid some of the popular trails on the park’s north-facing slopes, as they are more prone to icy conditions.
“Aztec Caves wouldn’t be a good place to try to hike if there’s ice because of the steepness of the trail,” Mendez said. “Since the cave is facing north, that snow is going to become ice, and that ice is going to stay there for several days.”