Things to Do in El Paso
Situated on a thin finger of Texas, wedged between New Mexico to the north and Mexico to the south, the desert city of El Paso thrives from its multicultural population
This former border town is now the state’s sixth-biggest city, where a growing creative class intermingles with authentic Mexican culture. Explore the desert landscape and rugged mountains at one of the many parks, enjoy the excellent museums, farmers' markets and even wineries—this is not your average Texas town. Fun for families and getaways with friends, El Paso has plenty of things to do!
Franklin Mountains State Park
A full 24,300 acres, it's the largest urban wilderness park in the U.S. and the place where El Paso hikers head for outdoor fun: Franklin Mountains State Park. The rugged mountain peaks here are 3,000 feet above the city and speckled with cactuses. You'll enjoy 40 miles of developed trails for hiking and mountain biking. Keep your eye out for small mammals, birds, reptiles, deer, and the occasional mountain lion. If you're a beginning hiker or have kids with you, try the 1.2-mile round-trip trek to the Aztec Caves.
Wyler Aerial Tramway
If you don't want to trek to the top of Ranger Peak, you can still look over the entire countryside by taking a gondola up instead. Step into the Wyler Aerial Tramway and soar up on a tram powered by a 2,600-foot-long steel cable. Learn about the local landscape from the cabin attendant who describes the different cactuses and rock formations as the gondola flies over a vast canyon some 240 feet deep. You'll exit the tram at 5,632 feet above sea level and gasp at the expansive view over three states and two nations.
El Paso Museum of Art
You'd never guess when walking into the sleek, contemporary building that houses the El Paso Museum of Art that it used to be a former Greyhound bus station. You'll enjoy the European art in the permanent collection, but the best of the best here is the Southwestern artworks. Don't miss a close look at works by nationally recognized artists of the American Southwest like Henry Raschen, Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as pieces by the Taos and Santa Fe schools of art—all for free.
El Paso Eateries
You'll find excellent Mexican food in El Paso, but when you start longing for something different, head to Tabla (115 Durango Street Suite D, El Paso), a downtown tapas restaurant. Pass around plates of pork confit with goat cheese polenta, Serrano ham and salsa verde or bruschetta loaded with smoked salmon to share.
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Put your hiking shoes on to tackle the more than 40 miles of trails.