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Far West Texas is best known for its vast, desert landscapes, regional natural wonders, and is home to the sixth largest city in Texas – El Paso. The allure of El Paso captivates travelers from across the U.S. and beyond with its 300+ days of sunshine, warm temperatures, and sensational outdoor adventures. The Sun City is a haven for exploration, and its surrounding region is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers to experience all within a few hours’ drive away. Whether you're into rock climbing, stargazing, or simply soaking up the sun, you must visit these five locations in and around El Paso during your next trip to the Southwest.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Located only 40 minutes east of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is a paradise for rock climbers and history buffs alike. Visitors can hike, try rock climbing and bouldering, bird watch, study nature and history, picnic, and stargaze. Also available are guided and self-guided tours to view ancient pictographs and petroglyphs, adding a fascinating historical dimension to the park. Stop by the interpretive center, in a historic ranch house, to learn about the park and its history.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
A two-hour, scenic drive north from El Paso will take you to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (T or C) — a charming town nestled along the Rio Grande. Famous for its hot springs, this serene destination invites visitors to relax and rejuvenate in its therapeutic mineral waters. After a soothing soak, explore the nearby Elephant Butte Lake State Park for water sports, hiking trails, and birdwatching opportunities.
Big Bend National Park
Venture east from El Paso into the vast Chihuahuan Desert, and you'll encounter the artistic, small town of Marfa, Texas. Known for its exquisite art installations, numerous cultural events, and mysterious Marfa Lights, this town exudes a creative spirit against a backdrop of wide-open spaces. Further south lies Big Bend National Park, a sprawling wilderness of canyons, desert landscapes, and the winding Rio Grande. Hike the trails, float the river, or simply revel in the park's rugged beauty.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Grab your favorite road trip snacks as you drive across the Texas state line into New Mexico to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The caverns are renowned for their immense size and intricate formations, featuring a vast network of limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the caves through a network of well-maintained trails and pathways, with options ranging from self-guided tours to ranger-led expeditions. The park also offers opportunities for bat watching, as it's home to one of the largest bat colonies in North America. Each evening from spring to fall, thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the caverns in a breathtaking spectacle. They were formed over millions of years through the dissolution of limestone by acidic groundwater, creating a labyrinth of underground passages and chambers. The Caverns feature a vast network of limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. During your visit, view the famous stalactites and stalagmites of the Big Room. Join a guided tour or take a self-guided walk through this subterranean marvel, where the sights are as awe-inspiring as they are otherworldly.
White Sands National Park
Less than two hours north from El Paso, White Stands National Park is one of the world's most surreal landscapes. The park’s glistening white gypsum dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a dreamlike setting that's perfect for photography and sledding down the soft sands. Explore the dunes at sunset for an unforgettable experience as the landscape transforms into shades of gold and pink.
From the ancient rock art of Hueco Tanks to the surreal dunes of White Sands, there's no shortage of outdoor marvels to explore. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, El Paso is your home base for your next adventure in the Southwest.