
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in El Paso, United States
1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Hike through the highest peak in Texas and explore historic buildings.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a variety of scenic hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
- Historical Significance: Includes the remains of an old mining town, McKittrick Canyon.
- Remote Location: A remote and quiet getaway, perfect for nature lovers.
2. White Sands National Monument
Experience the unique beauty of a sea of white sand dunes.
- Natural Wonder: Features the world's largest gypsum dune field.
- Recreational Activities: Offers sledding, camping, and backcountry skiing.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning sunrise and sunset views.
3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Explore one of the world's largest caverns with over 100 known caves.
- Geological Marvel: Features unique geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to the endangered Carlsbad Caverns bat population.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels.
4. Roswell International UFO Museum and Research Center
Learn about the Roswell UFO incident and explore alien-themed exhibits.
- Historical Event: Dedicated to the investigation of the 1947 Roswell UFO crash incident.
- Unusual Attraction: Features artifacts, eyewitness testimonies, and UFO-related items.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into the history of UFOs and extraterrestrial life.
5. El Paso Mission Trail
Discover the history of El Paso through its historic missions.
- Historic Landmarks: Includes the San Elizario Chapel, Ysleta Mission, and Socorro Mission.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a glimpse into the area's rich Hispanic heritage.
- Outdoor Activities: Surrounded by beautiful parks and hiking trails.
6. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Explore ancient rock art and historic Native American dwellings.
- Archaeological Importance: Features over 8,000 known petroglyphs.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers a variety of hiking trails with scenic views and rock climbing opportunities.
- Photography Locations: Provides stunning sunrise and sunset photography locations.
7. Lincoln National Forest
Enjoy outdoor activities in a forested landscape with diverse wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Features towering pines, scenic lakes, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Recreational Activities: Offers hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to various wildlife species such as black bears, elk, and eagles.
8. Fort Davis National Historic Site
Step back in time at a historic frontier military post.
- Historical Significance: Preserves the largest and best-preserved frontier military fort in Texas.
- Architectural Interest: Features well-preserved adobe buildings, including an old chapel.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Located within the Dark Sky Park, offering excellent stargazing opportunities.
9. Guadalupes de Guadalupe Mountains
Experience the culture and history of a traditional Mexican village.
- Cultural Immersion: Provides an authentic look at rural Mexican life.
- Historic Site: Features the San Miguel de Garzas Mission, a historical landmark.
- Outdoor Activities: Surrounded by beautiful parks and hiking trails.
10. Caprock Canyons State Park
Explore diverse landscapes, including canyons, grasslands, and rock formations.
- Natural Beauty: Features scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the canyons.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to a herd of free-roaming bison and other wildlife.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning sunrise and sunset photography locations.
11. Pallet Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Climb the massive pink granite dome and explore surrounding trails.
- Geological Marvel: Features a unique granite dome that is one of the largest in the US.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers a variety of hiking trails with scenic views and rock climbing opportunities.
- Photography Locations: Provides stunning sunrise and sunset photography locations.
12. Balmorhea State Park
Relax at the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
- Natural Wonder: Features a crystal clear, spring-fed swimming pool.
- Recreational Activities: Offers swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and bird watching.
- Peaceful Environment: Provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
13. Big Bend National Park
Explore diverse landscapes, from mountains to rivers, in this remote park.
- Natural Beauty: Features scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to a variety of wildlife such as javelinas, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Located within the Dark Sky Park, offering excellent stargazing opportunities.
14. Monahans Sandhills State Park
Experience the unique beauty of a sandy desert landscape.
- Natural Wonder: Features the largest coastal dunes in the United States.
- Recreational Activities: Offers sandboarding, hiking, and camping opportunities.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides stunning sunrise and sunset photography locations.
15. McDonald Observatory
Learn about the universe at a world-renowned astronomical research facility.
- Scientific Education: Provides educational exhibits and telescope viewings.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Offers excellent stargazing opportunities through large telescopes.
- Research Center: Involved in groundbreaking astronomical research and discovery.