As the largest city on the US-Mexican border, El Paso – otherwise known as the Sun City – deserves its nickname as it enjoys over 300 days of sun per year, mild winters, and low rainfall. So: with all this sunshine, you’ll want to get outside! Check out these four popular outdoor activities in the local area!
1. Hike the Franklin Mountains State Park
Located just a 15-minute drive from the center of town, the high-desert mountains of Franklin Mountains State Park offer 27,000 acres and over 100 miles of trails to explore. The highest peak, North Franklin Peak, sits high at 7,192 feet and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Grab some water and get walking or join a guided hike led by park rangers.
Other activities offered at the park include mountain biking, rock climbing, geocaching, bird watching, camping, and a mix of ranger programs like group hikes and arts.
2. Shop Local Produce at the Farmers Market
Every Saturday for the last 20 years, Ardovino’s Farmers Market has supplied fresh, organic produce, baked goods, jams, honey, handmade crafts, art, and other goodies. Consumers can chat and gain knowledge from the real people who produce the goods they take home and serve on their own table.
Other activities at the farmers’ market include cooking demos, kids’ activities, and gardening tips. Grab a coffee or freshly squeezed juice from the market’s very own CoffeeStream and explore everything the local producers have to offer! Other city farmers’ markets include the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market every Sunday and the Country Club Farmers Market every Saturday.
3. Go Rock Climbing and See Ancient Art
30 miles east of El Paso lies Hueco Tanks State Park. Composed mostly of heavily cracked and eroded syenite granite, this state park is a dream for those who love climbing, bouldering, and scrambling over the many crevices and eroded rock formations. The North Mountain is open for anyone to scramble up its 250 feet of elevation, with hundreds of recognized routes, and those that summit can enjoy views of the Hueco Mountains to the north and empty desert to the south.
The historic site is home to thousands of pictographs, petroglyphs, and other historic artwork, all etched onto the ancient granite. However, in order to protect the delicate nature of this historic art, most of it can be viewed only by joining a guided tour.
4. Meet the Animals
The El Paso Zoo offers 35 acres of fun and adventure. The zoo is home to exotic animals from all across the globe such as lions, giraffes, meerkats, wolves, alligators, elephants, and orangutans. Attractions include the African Star Train and the Foster Tree-house Playground. The El Paso Zoo is accredited by the AZA and is committed to providing excellent care for animals and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Now you’ve got some adventuring to do! Start making your plans to visit one – or all! – of these entertaining spots for a bit of fresh air and a change to your normal routine!