The City of El Paso is blessed with no less than 287 parks. These parks include everything from small neighborhood parks, large city parks, green spaces, splash parks, and playgrounds to huge state parks. They all offer green spaces to relax, partake in exercise and sports, and spend time in nature. Enjoy the outdoors at one of these El Paso parks.
1. Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest state park located in an urban setting. The high desert mountains boast 37 square miles of open space and desert wilderness. Hikers and bikers can make use of the 125 miles of multi-use trails.
The park’s highest peak reaches 7,192 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There are designated rock-climbing areas and campsites. Other popular activities include bird watching, geocaching, and joining in with the many ranger-led programs.
2. Tom Lea Upper Park
This small, quiet park is located on the hillside at Rim Road. The park offers beautiful sweeping views of downtown, Mexico, and the neighboring mountains. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city, or if you don’t mind an early start, catch the sunrise!
There are some beautiful plants and flowers to admire. Facilities at the park include walking trails, sports courts and fields, a running track, and parking.
3. Ascarate Park and Lake
Ascarate Park is El Paso’s largest public park, spanning over 400 acres. The 48-acres Ascarate Lake has a lakeside boardwalk, perfect for lakeside strolls or jogs. Water enthusiasts can explore the lake via canoe or pedal boat, both of which can be rented in the park. Fishing is also permitted here. The 280-acre golf course features an 18-hole, 72 par golf course, and a nine-hole executive course.
The park includes playgrounds, softball fields, soccer fields, a baseball field, and an Aquatic Centre with an Olympic-sized pool. The park also has facilities for picnicking, basketball, tennis, and handball.
4. Marty Robbins Park
Marty Robbins Park is a large community park located on Vista Del Sol Drive. The park has a wealth of facilities, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, multipurpose sports fields, baseball fields, basketball courts, a swimming pool, a recreation center, restrooms, and a spray park.
The indoor pool is open year-round and offers community swim lessons, fitness classes, and general swimming for just $3 a session. The recreation center also hosts fitness classes and organized sports.
5. El Paso Museum of Archaeology Wilderness Park
The Wilderness park offers fifteen acres of trails that display over 250 native Chihuahuan Desert plants. Visitors can view the scenic vistas of the Franklin Mountains, see the Indian Garden during the summer, and the poppy fields in the spring.
The museum and park offer visitors the opportunity to learn and discover all about the natural and cultural history and geology of the El Paso area.
There are literally hundreds of public parks spread across the city. To discover and visit them all, it may take you a while – but that just gives you plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the natural wonders around El Paso! Start your explorations today!
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