Day Trips & Excursions: El Paso

Nearby Day Trips

Many captivating spots lie just a short drive from El Paso. Each location provides an unique glimpse into the region's beauty and heritage.

Discover charming towns, stunning natural wonders, and cultural sites.

Popular Nearby Destinations

Las Cruces, New Mexico: For wine trails and historic Old Mesilla.
White Sands National Park: Experience unique gypsum dunes.
Cloudcroft, New Mexico: A cool mountain escape with hiking.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Massive underground formations.

Natural Escapes

Beyond El Paso, the Chihuahuan Desert reveals more of its unique features and preserved landscapes.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

Located at the base of the Organ Mountains, this New Mexico state park features a historic ranch house and rugged desert hiking.

Park Features

Challenging Dog Canyon Trail with rewarding views.
Diverse desert flora and fauna.
Historic ranch house exploration.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

This park is home to Texas's highest peak, Guadalupe Peak, and a diverse range of ecosystems, from desert to forested mountains.

Park Highlights

Extensive hiking and backcountry camping.
McKittrick Canyon for stunning fall colors (seasonal).
Remote wilderness preservation.

Nature's Artistry

McKittrick Canyon Beauty

foliage in autumn.
Unique geological formations.
Limited water sources, carry plenty.
No motorized vehicles allowed beyond trailhead.

Desert Wildlife Spotting

Opportunity to see unique desert animals.
Birdwatching along riparian areas.
Wildlife may be elusive during peak heat.
Avoid disturbing natural habitats.

Planning Your Natural Escape

Oliver Lee Memorial Park Travel Time:Approx. 1 hour drive
Oliver Lee Park Activities:Hiking, historic ranch
Guadalupe Mountains Park Travel Time:Approx. 1.5-2 hours drive
Guadalupe Mountains Park Activities:Hiking, camping, fall colors

Best Time for Fall Colors (McKittrick):Late October/Early November
Park Entry Fees:National/State Park fees apply
Water Recommendation:Carry ample water
Weather Check:Verify park conditions before visit

Traveler Tip

Always check park websites for operating hours, trail conditions, and any special advisories before your visit.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural exploration to nearby historic towns, each with its own story.

Old Mesilla History

A historic town square dating to the mid-19th century, preserved from the Southwest's past.

Ruidoso's Charms

A mountain resort town known for horse racing and outdoor recreation.

Art & Heritage

Explore art galleries and a museum dedicated to local history.

Old Mesilla Exploration

This historic town played a role in the legend of Billy the Kid, featuring beautiful adobe architecture.

Highlights of Old Mesilla

Visit the historic Basilica of San Albino.
Gadsden Purchase Museum for local history.
Browse unique shops and art galleries.

Ruidoso Adventure

A popular mountain resort town located in the Lincoln National Forest, offering a cooler escape.

Activities in Ruidoso

Billy the Kid Casino at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack.
Ski Apache (winter ski resort).
Hiking and fishing opportunities.

Cultural Excursion Snapshot

Old Mesilla Drive Time:Part of Las Cruces trip

Old Mesilla Time Required:2-4 hours

Ruidoso Drive Time:3-3.5 hours from El Paso

Ruidoso Popularity:Year-round resort town

Cultural Significance:Historic Southwest charm

Outdoor Appeal:Cooler mountain climate

Plan Ahead

Check seasonal hours for attractions like Ski Apache.
Weekend visits to Ruidoso can be busy, book accommodation in advance.
The drive to Ruidoso is scenic but winding.
Many small shops in Old Mesilla close earlier than larger stores.
Consider combining with a Las Cruces visit for Old Mesilla.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, combine your El Paso visit with a multi-day journey to other significant Southwestern destinations.

Big Bend National Park

A vast and remote protected wilderness, ideal for extensive desert, mountain, and river adventures.

Big Bend Exploration

Requires 3-4 days to explore properly.
Driving is the main mode of travel.
Diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities.

Santa Fe & Taos

These New Mexico destinations offer a different cultural and artistic experience in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Art and Culture in New Mexico

Santa Fe's renowned art scene and historic Plaza.
Taos Pueblo and bohemian vibe.
Ideal for a 3-5 day extension.

Tucson & Phoenix, Arizona

Explore the unique desert environment and attractions in Tucson, then potentially continue to Phoenix for urban exploration.

Arizona Desert & City

Saguaro National Park in Tucson.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Phoenix for museums, dining, and activities.

Transportation Connections

Direct drives connect El Paso to these major cities via interstates.

Travel Logistics

Big Bend: Approx. 6-7 hour drive southeast.
Santa Fe/Taos: Approx. 4-5 hour drive north via I-25.
Tucson/Phoenix: Approx. 4-5 hour drive west via I-10.

Suggested Multi-Day Routes

Tailor your road trip for maximum enjoyment and minimal stress.

Big Bend Route

Drive from El Paso, explore Big Bend for several days, then return or continue eastward.

New Mexico Route

Drive to Santa Fe, explore, then extend to Taos for additional art and mountains.

Arizona Route

Head to Tucson for desert experiences, then to Phoenix for urban attractions.

Booking Tip

Consider GetYourGuide for convenient day trip and excursion bookings, allowing for seamless travel planning.

Day Trips & Excursions