Schaeffer Shuffle

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Schaeffer Shuffle, one of the Franklin Mountains State Park's more challenging trails, is a short mile and a half diversion off of Lower Sunset.

From the eastern trailhead, which is marked by a sign, Schaeffer Shuffle heads northeast around the base of a large foothill. Keep left at a fork shortly after the entrance; the right path leads to a small rest area. The path enters a creekbed briefly before heading up the hill on the opposite side. A rock cairn marks the way.

The climb starts off easy but quickly becomes a challenge, traversing large areas of talus at steep grades. Some brief respite can be had at the top, where hikers are rewarded with an impressive view of the Rio Grande and New Mexico. The trail's descent is as steep as the climb; use caution as footing can be very slippery among the small rocks. Schaeffer Shuffle then flattens out into an area with small ups and downs, crossing two washouts and merging back into Lower Sunset. A smaller sign and wooden structure mark the trail for hikers beginning from this side.

Desert plants tend to bloom in waves in spring and summer after the short periods of rain that El Paso experiences. Ocotillo tend to turn green and blossom first, followed by barrel and claret cup cacti, and finally flowers and prickly pears.

Animals are mostly limited to jackrabbits, lizards, and small birds. Roadrunners will dart across the trail at times, and hawks circle overhead, looking for prey. Coyotes are hard to spot and tend to only come out after dusk, though they leave most visitors alone.

Keep an eye out for snakes. They avoid the hot desert sun and are more common during the winter months. Most are harmless, but rattlers are a part of the local wildlife. Give them a wide berth, and if they're blocking the trail, tossing a few rocks in their direction tends to be enough incentive for them to leave.