Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in El Paso, United States

El Paso, United States, El Paso, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities

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.