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Things to Do Outdoors

Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
UTEP Campus
500 University at Wiggins and University
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-5565

Created in 1936, the Centennial was the first museum in El Paso and one of the earliest buildings at the College of Mines, now UTEP. Permanent exhibits focus on the Chihuahuan Desert region, the largest desert in North America. Temporary exhibits are generally related to border life and culture, …

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El Paso Municipal Rose Gardens
3418 Aurora Dr.
El Paso, TX 79915
(915) 541-4331

Invite the ones you adore for a stroll through magnificent color-filled lush gardens at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden. Embark on your own adventure amongst 500 varieties of roses and over 1,900 rosebushes. Raised beds, waterfalls, walking paths, and a Koi Pond, all span over 4 acres creating …

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Featherlake Wildlife Sanctuary
9500 North Loop Dr.
El Paso, TX 79907
(915) 747-8663

Feather Lake is a 43.5-acre wildlife sanctuary based on a 40-acre wetland built by the City of El Paso in 1969 as a stormwater-retention basin. Since 1976, the El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society has maintained the wildlife sanctuary. There have been 219 different species of birds observed, espec…

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Keystone Heritage & Desert Botanical Park
4220 Doniphan Dr.
El Paso, TX 79922
(915) 584-0563

Keystone Heritage Park is home to the third sculpture of the XII Travelers Memorial of the Southwest – Susan Magoffin. Susan Magoffin’s 7-foot bronze statue is the first woman of historical significance and third statue to be included in the XII Travelers series. It was unveiled on June 2, 2012. …

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Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
10716 Socorro Rd.
Socorro, TX 79927
(915) 747-8663

The 372-acre city park is a compilation of wetlands and riverside forest which is home to over 200 species of birds. An excellent display of spring can be seen in the bright yellow blooms of the annual Forb Bittersweet. The spring wildflowers are best seen in April and May however, these 6-to-10-…

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Cave Climbing
113 Executive Center Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 502-0885

Widely considered one of the most enjoyable workout challenges for your body and mind, climbing has it all, from the thrill of adventure to the mind-bending pleasure of solving a puzzle with your body through sheer flexibility, footwork, and strength. On your first visit to The Cave, you’ll be we…

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Hueco Rock Ranch
17498 Bettina Ave
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 855-0142

The Hueco Rock Ranch was established as a campground. Semi-primitive camping can be purchased by the night or for a season. Newly expanded to over 10 acres, the ranch provides lodging to over 5000 campers per season. Whether you plan on pitching a tent, towing a trailer, or just setting up in you…

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Sessions Climbing & Guiding
1775 Cimarron Rialto Sq
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 308-7210

Enhance your travels or explore new experiences locally with a one-of-a-kind Adventure Guide. At Sessions Climbing and Guiding, open since 2012, they are consistently doing research and exploring new possibilities in order to keep tours fresh, interesting, and relevant.

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Aguirre Springs
Photography by New Mexico Meanders
Aguirre Springs Rd.
Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 525-4300

Located about 45 minutes from El Paso, just over the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, New Mexico, this park features streams that run year-round and shade trees located along hiking trails. Camping and picnic sites are available. Unlike most of the time-worn mountains in the area, the Organ Mount…

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Anthony's Nose Trail

A difficult 9.6 mile trail, featuring many spots to hike and rock climb. Very little traffic in this area, offering a quiet and relaxed excursion. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Ascarate Park Trail

An easy trail circling Ascarate Lake. The area is home to many ducks and geese, as well as the occasional red-tailed hawk and other native birds, perfect for casual birdwatchers. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Aztec Cave Trail

A 1.2-mile route, back and forth, featuring a steady, but challenging incline on the way to the Aztec Cave in McKelligon Canyon.

Billy Rogers Arroyo Park & Nature Preserve
Corner of Virginia St. and New York St.
El Paso, TX

Located in central El Paso, this untouched arroyo (dry creek bed that temporarily fills with water after heavy rains) sits at the foot of the Franklin Mountains. With beautiful views of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, the arroyo is a popular site for mountain bikers and nature lovers who enjoy birding…

Blackie Chesher Trail

A 1.6 mile loop around Blackie Chesher Park, considered an easy route, perfect for a jog or walk. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Chamizal National Memorial Trail

A 1.5-mile trail loop around the Chamizal National Memorial. An easy route taking about a half an hour to complete. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or jog. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Hike

A 0.6-mile loop trail near the Museum of Archeology. Considered an easy route, you’ll find plenty of flora and fauna to admire along the way. Relatively low traffic, so you’ll be able to spend a rather peaceful time amongst the some of the best Southwestern views. Dogs are welcome and, in certain…

Comanche Peak Loop Trail

A 4.4-mile loop trail, considered to be a moderately challenging path. A low traffic route that’s open year-round. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Edgemere Walk and Jog Trail

A 2-mile trail nestled within the neighborhoods are east El Paso. Considered an easy route, this trail loops around Edgemere park. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Franklin Mountain State Park Tom Mays Unit
Tom Mays Park Access Rd.
El Paso, TX
(915) 566-6441

The Tom Mays Unit is the Thanksgiving table of the local parks system: it has something for everyone. hiking, mountain biking, road biking, birding, rock climbing, camping and picnicking are all available for outdoors enthusiasts of every stripe. This portion of the Franklin Mountains State Park …

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Gilbert's Trail (The Southside)

A 5.5-mile loop trail, moderate challenge taking about 2 hours to complete. A popular trail for hiking and mountain biking, it’s open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Historic Mission Trail
9065 Alameda Ave.
El Paso, TX 79907
(915) 292-8516

The two mission churches of Ysleta and Socorro stand as the oldest working missions in the region. In addition, the chapel of San Elizario, also located along the mission trail is known as an enduring symbol of the more than 400 years of rich history in the area.

Visitors looking for one-sto…

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Hueco Tanks Chain Trail

A 0.6-mile trail located in Hueco Tanks. Considered a moderately challenging path, this trail is popular for hiking and rock climbing. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
6900 Hueco Tanks Road #1
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 857-1135

Seen as a paradise for world-class climbing and archeological research, Hueco Tanks encompasses three low mountains that rise 6,787 feet above sea level. Its structure once sheltered tribes such as the Jornada Mogollan People, Mescalero Apaches and Tigua Indians, giving them a stronghold. Here, t…

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Lazy Cow Trail

A 6.8-mile trail considered an easy route. A popular trail for birdwatching, hiking and mountain biking. Open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lazy Cow and Mad Cow Loop Trail

An 8.4-mile trail loop considered an easy route. Popular for mountain biking and hiking, this trail is open year-round. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Lost Dog Trail Head
1651 Redd Rd
El Paso, TX 79911

The Lost Dog trails are situated in west El Paso and offer scenic and technical terrains. The area is about 14 square miles in size and some parts sit within the Franklin Mountains State Park. Parking is available at the trailhead.

Marty Robbins Park Trail

A short 0.8-mile trail. An easy 15 minute route going around Marty Robbins Park, perfect for birdwatching and walking. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

McKelligon Canyon
1500 McKelligon Canyon Drive
El Paso, TX 79930
(915) 444-9100

Nestled on the southeastern side of the Franklin Mountains and surrounded by desert canyon walls, McKelligon Canyon is a popular destination known for its rock climbing, hiking, running, walking, and biking. Visitors have a variety of rock-climbing routes to choose from, and the symmetric terrain…

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Montoya Canal Trail

A 12.5-mile trail considered an easy route, taking about 3 and a half hours to complete. Perfect for a nature walk, horseback riding, mountain biking and running. Open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Mundy's Gap Overlook

A 3.9-mile trail considered very challenging. Takes about 2 hours to complete, this trail is very popular for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching. Ideal times for visiting are September through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Nations Tobin Park Loop

A 1.1-mile easy trail going around Nations Tobin Park. Perfect for running and walking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Pat O'Rourke Hike and Bike Trail

A 4.4-mile trail generally considered easy. Perfect for biking, running or walking. Trail is open year-round, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Red Sands
Photography by Rent an ATV
15698 Montana Ave.
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 855-4288

Just west of Hueco Tanks sits Red Sands, which consists of 21 miles of off-roading opportunities. Red Sands features sand dunes, small hills and amazing views. Thirty four million years ago, the entire area used to be under an ancient sea and you’ll come across plenty of fossils. Since it’s open …

Resler Canyon Trail

A 2.1 mile easy trail located right off Mesa st. Great for hiking, running and waalking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Rio Grande Loop Trail

A 6-mile moderate trail with plenty of opportunity for birdwatching, day hikes and biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Open year-round, but rain may make certain areas of the trail impassable or more difficult than usual.

Rio Grande Riverpark and Trail System

A 21-mile route taking about 6 hours to complete. The trail follows along the Rio Grande River system making it great for birdwatching, walking or biking. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

River Park Trail
5240 Hunters Glenn St
El Paso, TX 79932
(915) 771-2380

The Rio Grande provides a picturesque backdrop for bird watching. The trail is a stretch of paved trail that parallels the Rio Grande from the New Mexico State Line in Anthony, TX to County Club Road in El Paso, TX. Whether you walk, jog, or ride a bike, this trail provides vistas of the Franklin…

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Schaeffer Shuffle Trail

A 2.5-Mile loop trail considered moderately difficult. A popular trail for birdwatching and hiking, dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash. Ideally, visit anytime from March through October.

Thousand Steps Trail

A 2.8-mile trail considered a challenging route. This path is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and running. Dogs are welcome, and may be off leash in some areas.

Three Hills Nature Trail

A 4.3-mile trail rated as moderately challenging, this route takes about 2 hours to complete. Low traffic area with great opportunities for hiking and birdwatching. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Tin Mine Trail

A 6.5-mile easy trail taking about 3 hours to complete. Perfect for hiking and mountain biking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Tom Mays Nature Walk

A short 0.8-mile easy trail. Perfect for hiking and walking. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in certain areas.

Tom Mays Unit Trail

A 4.8-mile moderate challenge trail. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking and running. Open year-round and dogs are welcome, but must be on leash.

Trans-Franklin Mountain Trail

A moderately challenging 12.8-mile trail. A popular trail for hiking, birdwatching and running. Best season to traverse is April through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.

Yucca Park Loop

A 1-mile trail loop around Yucca Park. Perfect for running and walking, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Balmorhea State Park
Photography by Balmorhea State Park
9207 TX 17
Toyahvale, Tx 79786
(432) 375-2370

Known as the Oasis in the Desert, Balmorhea is the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Visitors enjoy swimming, scuba diving and more. With water temps in the mid 70’s year-round, a trip to this historic park is appropriate any time of the year!

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Big Bend Region
Photography by Visit Big Bend
Highway 385
Panther Junction, TX 79834

Big Bend is home to a few remarkable communities: Marathon, Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park. We highly recommend setting some time aside to visit these unique communities as they each possess their own unique charm and distinct experience. Accommodations ran…

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Photography by National Park Service New Mexico
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(505) 785-2232

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established on October 25, 1923 in order to preserve the more than 100 known caves. The Park also contains Lechuguilla Cave, which is the nation’s deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and fourth longest.

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Franklin Mountains State Park
Tom Mays Park Access Rd.
El Paso, TX 79930
(915) 566-6441

Towering above the city of El Paso is the Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting. Here you can hike rugged terrain in 37 square miles of desert wilderness, scrub vegetation and open space, with 125 miles of multi-use trails that are especially popular with mount…

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon Rd..
Salt Flat, TX 79847
(915) 828-3251

Located 110 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park has been described as one of America’s best kept secrets. Created on September 30, 1972, Guadalupe Mountains National Park preserves one of the best examples of Permian-era (260 to 270 million years ago) geology in the world. Fo…

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Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
6900 Hueco Tanks Road #1
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 857-1135

Seen as a paradise for world-class climbing and archeological research, Hueco Tanks encompasses three low mountains that rise 6,787 feet above sea level. Its structure once sheltered tribes such as the Jornada Mogollan People, Mescalero Apaches and Tigua Indians, giving them a stronghold. Here, t…

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1800 Marquees St.
Las Cruces, NM 88005
575-525-4300

The crown jewel of the southern Rockies, the Organ Mountains encompass extremely rugged terrain with a multitude of steep-sided crevices, canyons, spires, and several perennial springs. Organ Needle is the high point in the complex, topping out at slightly less than 9,000 feet in elevation. In a …

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Transmountain Road
Photography by Transmountain Road
Transmountain Rd.
El Paso, TX 79912
915-534-0600

Passing through the protected Franklin Mountain State Park, Transmountain Road is perfectly situated for glorious shows at day’s break and end. Watching an El Paso sunset, especially from Transmountain Road is something that certainly defines a true El Paso experience. Several picnic tables with …

White Sands National Park
US-70
Alamogordo, NM 88330
575-479-6124

Located between Doña Ana and Otero County, The White Sands National Monument is without a doubt, the Chihuahuan Desert’s best-known tourist attraction. Appearing as a bright white spot in the middle of an otherwise beige landscape, the dunes are as beautiful as they are enigmatic. Visitors are fr…

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El Paso Trail Rides and Chihenne Ranch
6864 McNutt Rd.
Anthony, NM 88021
(915) 253-4168

El Paso Trail Rides is located in the upper valley area of La Union New Mexico. This family owned business is the sister company to Greg Evans Quarter Horses and Chihenne Ranch. They offer horseback trail riding by appointment only. El Paso Trail Rides has over 60 years of combined horsemanship e…

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Jackie & John Middagh Horseback Riding
6855 McNutt Rd.
Anthony, NM 88021
(915) 490-9452

Beginner to advanced by appt. Most Sat/Sun Weekday/ Eve. Please call for additional details.

Miller Horseback Riding and Tours
Photography by Miller Horse Farm and Riding Academy
200 Fig Tree Lane
La Union, NM 88021
(575) 618-7577

Miller Horse Farm offers horseback riding for children and adults alike as well as Ride and Wine Tours to the nearby winery. Ride along the beautiful farm roads along green fields planted with southern New Mexico crops through the wide open desert. Regardless of your riding experience, there is a…

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