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For those looking for a place where culture, food, and outdoor activity thrive in West Texas, El Paso is the answer. Rated one of the safest big cities in the United States for two decades, El Paso is teeming with things to do. Hike, mountain bike, sip agave spirits galore and so much more—this is one destination that knows how to do it all.
Once you understand the scale of El Paso and its proximity to so many bucket-list destinations in the American West, it’s easy to get carried away with thoughts of margaritas and sunsets that stretch on for miles. Let us help you narrow down the choices with this long-weekend itinerary. Featuring the can’t-miss Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks State Parks, it is truly only a sample of how you could craft your time in El Paso. No matter what your trip looks like, chances are you’ll come for the 300-plus days of sunshine and authentic Mexican food, and stay for the genuine hospitality and access to outdoor adventure.
This story was created in partnership with Visit USA Parks.
DAY 1: Explore the Trails and Murals of Downtown El Paso
AFTERNOON Take things easy on day one. Embrace a leisurely pace by getting familiar with the downtown region, where the vibrant personality of El Paso greets you at every turn. First, stretch your legs on the Paso Del Norte Trail. This ambitious project to offer a county-wide trail is still underway, but the 6.8-mile paved Playa Drain Trail segment is an excellent place to begin your weekend. Full of shade structures, water fountains, exercise stations, picnic tables, and public art, this urban pathway is ideal for runners, bikes, strollers, and more. If you’re the type of traveler who arrived with a pair of binoculars around your neck, swing by the nearby Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, instead. This 372-acre city park consists of wetlands and riverside forest, offering shade during peak sun hours and great bird watching whenever you visit. Plus, the spring wildflowers in April and May are some of El Paso’s best!
EVENING That evening, continue getting your steps in. Take a self-guided journey through some of downtown El Paso’s most colorful and impressive murals, from bold jackrabbits to the impressive 64-foot tall, upcycled mountain lion made out of trash. After all that walking, belly up to the bar at a local favorite: The Tap. Their world-famous nachos (each tortilla chip is lovingly topped to perfection) will satisfy all hunger pains.
DAY 2: Get Outside, then Head to the Rooftop Pool
MORNING Get the day started with a plate of chilaquiles (or if you’re still full of tortilla chips from last night, the greek yogurt) and a cup of cafe de olla–a traditional Mexican coffee with spices like cinnamon–at Buen Dia. Then, it’s time to discover El Paso’s numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Head for the hills and explore the expansive Franklin Mountains State Park. Only 15 minutes from the city center, this rugged area features over 100 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking and terrain that draws rock climbers from near and far. No matter which activity you select, you’re sure to enjoy a variety of bird and plant life, from blooming barrel cactus to zippy hummingbirds.
AFTERNOON That afternoon, get ready to take your tastebuds on a journey through the El Paso culinary scene. First, indulge in lunch at Aurellia’s Bottle Shop & Brewhouse, where the chicken tortilla soup followed by a plate of churros–and an accompanying churro-flavored ale–will hit the spot. Then, visit Circa 1963 inside Hotel Indigo in downtown El Paso. This restaurant and rooftop pool combo boasts modern vibes and great views of the city, making it an ideal place to spend a few hours to unwind and splash around.
EVENING Alternatively, dive right into happy hour (and the rest of your evening) with a Oaxacan Old Fashioned or Spiked Peach Tea at the International Bar. Top it all off with dinner at wood-fired Mexican Ambar Restaurante, where more than 800 bottles of mezcals and other spirits make this new watering hole the “largest and rarest agave spirit collection in North America.”
DAY 3: Mountain Bike, Climb, Museums, and More!
MORNING On day three, fuel up with another hearty breakfast at one of El Paso’s many eateries. Then, choose your adventure: you can either pick up the pace on two wheels, go vertical with some bouldering, or hit the gas pedal! El Paso has a number of well-rated mountain bike opportunities, from the Billy Rogers Arroyo Park and Nature Preserve to the previously mentioned Franklin Mountains State Park. Wondering where to begin in the Franklin Mountains? The 25.2-mile, black-diamond “Franklin Mountain Loop” lures in expert riders, while those seeking an intermediate trail with a variety of terrain might try the popular “Old Blue Mad Lazy Cow Loop.”
As for scrambling around, there is no better place to boulder than Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site. This unique destination is famous for its beautiful limestone rock formations and somewhat unusual abundance of water in the surrounding desert landscape. Historically, this oasis-like terrain provided a stable home for the Jornada Mogollon people. Today, visitors can hike through the landscape to find ancient pictographs and sites that tell the story of their lives.
Of course, if you’d rather enlist the help of a combustion-powered engine, there’s always a UTV adventure! This guided experience takes visitors to Red Sands; a natural outdoor playground located within Hueco Tanks State Park. You’ll rip around red-hued dunes in your own Polaris RZR, catching plenty of scenic views and sand between your teeth as you let your inner kid run off leash in this east El Paso destination.
AFTERNOON That afternoon, visit the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Here, more than 600 species of native plants thrive. Wander along the pathways through delicate blossoms, spikey countenances, and drought-resistant flora that call the Chihuahuan Desert home. You could also stop by one of El Paso’s many museums: El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, or San Jacinto Plaza. Each offers unique insight to the rich history of the area and the thriving culture still found here today.
EVENING You’ll be more than ready for dinner by the time you arrive at Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch, proudly known as the “Manliest Steakhouse in America.” Offering a real taste of larger-than-life Texas, you’ll be as equally impressed by the size (and beauty) of this working ranch as the steak on your dinner plate.
DAY 4: El Paso is Your Gateway to Outdoor Adventure
Thanks to El Paso’s gateway location near so many outdoor destinations, your departure day is really just an extension of your experience thus far. Depending on your trajectory, journey onward to Big Bend National Park, White Sands National Park, or Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where you can climb to the “Top of Texas,” 8,749-foot Guadalupe Peak. No matter which way you go, don’t forget to get some tacos for the road and come back to El Paso again soon!