10 Nature & Parks in El Paso That You Shouldn't Miss

November 1, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

For an alternative Texas experience, consider El Paso. Located far from the bright lights of Dallas or San Antonio, in the state's western corner along the sparkling shores of the Rio Grande, El Paso boasts a different feel than its eastern counterparts. A true melting pot of American and Mexican culture, the combination is noticeable everywhere. Visit the El Paso Museum of Art and see American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as Mexican colonial art and retablos from the 1700s and 1800s. Restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine, Texas barbecue or a little of both. While this fusion of cultures draws some, the rock climbers who descend on El Paso have only one thing in mind: scaling the massive boulders of Hueco Tanks State Park. Those who prefer the ground can wander through the park's interpretive center and see ancient Indian pictographs. Other popular El Paso pastimes include golf, mountain biking and our personal favorite, stargazing.
Restaurants in El Paso

1. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

6900 Hueco Tanks Rd, El Paso, TX 79938-2022 +1 915-857-1135 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hueco-tanks
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 294 reviews

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

Spanning more than 860 acres, this park is named for the large rock basins or "huecos" that have supplied water to this desert-like region for many centuries.

Reviewed By tflicky - El Paso, United States

Hueco Tanks refers to the natural huecos (hollowed out places in rocks) that saved water for the Native people and provides water for wildlife in the desert today. The beautiful rock formations are perfect for all kinds of climbing and attract climbers from all over the world. Make a reservation to go in and see the petroglyphs painted on the rocks, see the star parties, or enjoy the birds and wildlife. A true gem in the desert!

2. Franklin Mountains State Park

1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649 +1 915-566-6441 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/franklin-mountains
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 410 reviews

Franklin Mountains State Park

America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.

Reviewed By patriciar828

Amazing!!! Traveled from Missouri, about an 18 hour trip. Did the Coleman trail and it was amazing. This was during Thanksgiving as we were visiting family. There was a wind advisory for El Paso area at the time, so we didn't hike to far, for the wind was unbelievably strong. We wore rugged trail boots which made it better i believe to walk very rocky and loose gravel.

3. Thousand Steps Trail

El Paso, TX http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/FMSP_1000_Steps_Trail_2320.asp
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 25 reviews

Thousand Steps Trail

Reviewed By K4313FHrichardd

An amazing hike/climb but not for the faint of heart. You can walk the trails easily enough if you are used to the altitude but when you begin to climb to the top, make sure you are in good shape. Breathtaking views of the city.

4. El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

3418 Aurora, El Paso, TX 79930 http://www.elpasotexas.gov/community/_archive/050406/quality7.asp
Excellent
61%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

El Paso Municipal Rose Garden

Reviewed By Leverarms

All work here is done by volunteers, 95% are elderly. A huge sign greets you as you park stating opening/closing Months,days and hours. All info including venue rental number. Please be respectful stay on sidewalks, treading on the landscape compresses and suffocates all plants. I feel priviledged to volunteer with such great and giving people. Thank you all and enjoy.

5. Chamizal National Memorial

800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905-4123 +1 915-532-7273 http://www.nps.gov/chamizal
Excellent
35%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 114 reviews

Chamizal National Memorial

Reviewed By Waterlaw - Jerusalem, Israel

First, the Memorial is bounded by East Paisano Dr., Delta Dr. and San Marcial St. In 1911 Mexico and the US had an arbitration over a piece of land that was cut by the Rio Grande River and floated from the river's Mexican side to the U.S. side. Mexico was awarded the parcel by the arbitrators but the U.S. refused to honor the award for 52 years. These beautiful grounds and a great National Park Service building with a picture history, a museum and picnic area showcase the Chamizal's history. Phenomenal Park Rangers, knowledgeable and extremely nice and fun. Nice gift shop. Bring your camera, picnic and ability to have fun!!!

6. El Paso Zoo

4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905-4223 +1 915-212-0966 [email protected] http://www.elpasozoo.org/
Excellent
37%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 626 reviews

El Paso Zoo

Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring, and the Foster Tree House Playground. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the El Paso Zoo celebrates the value of animals and natural resources and creates opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature.

Reviewed By queengloriae - Marshall, United States

My husband is stationed on Fort Bliss and we share a love for animals and decided to check out El Paso’s zoo!!! Had so much fun!!! Loved watching people get to feed the tortoises!!!

7. Keystone Heritage Park and Botanical Gardens

4200 Doniphan Dr, El Paso, TX 79922-1216 +1 915-584-0563 http://keystoneheritagepark.com/
Excellent
42%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 26 reviews

Keystone Heritage Park and Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert vegetation while learning the history of history and the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Reviewed By lupeeloo9 - Santa Teresa di Riva, Italy

We enjoy stopping by now and then for a relaxing stroll through the beautifiully landscaped park area, with running koi pond and running water, then checking out the wetlands area for fowl. Today we got to see a handful of northern shovelers, the usual coots scooting around and gulls congregating, and were pleasantly surprised to discover a handful of buffleheads at the far end. Before leaving we ran into a number of yellow rumped warblers flitting around trees and shrubs near the entrance.

8. San Jacinto Plaza

El Paso, TX +1 915-212-0092 http://www.elpasotexas.gov/parks-and-recreation
Excellent
40%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 62 reviews

San Jacinto Plaza

Reviewed By K4313FHrichardd

A great urban park with lots of shade and a wonderful way to enjoy El Paso's downtown and people watch. Scooters and bikes are available to enjoy cruising around the city center safely.

9. Wakeem/ Teschner Nature Preserve at Ressler Canyon

164 S Alto Mesa Dr, El Paso, TX 79912-4437 +1 915-351-8352 http://fronteralandalliance.org/conservation/projects/wakeem-teschner-nature-preserve-at-resler-canyon/
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

Wakeem/ Teschner Nature Preserve at Ressler Canyon

10. Rio Grande Riverpark Trail

5240 Hunters Glenn Ct, El Paso, TX 79932-3149
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Rio Grande Riverpark Trail

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