El Paso Day Trips: Top 5 Adventures and Escapes

El Paso, very, is a city positively brimming with culture, cuisine, too it’s almost got a certain Southwestern charm, and history, and as much as you could totally spend your days exploring its heart, you may find yourself itching for a little getaway, alright, as a matter of fact you will uncover the perfect escape. These top five day trips, just a little, offer a peek at nearby wonders, that will take you from serene mountains, in fact, to quirky towns, as I was saying each destination has something truly unique. That said we will have a little bit of adventure.

1. Cloudcroft: A Mountain Paradise

Cloudcroft, actually, is that charming mountain village nestled in the Sacramento Mountains, actually it presents a refreshing escape from the desert heat of El Paso. A little over an hour’s drive, alright, and also you find yourself surrounded by tall pine trees, I mean the mountain air is lovely. As a matter of fact, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, and simply unwinding in a more peaceful atmosphere, very different. The history of this area is something very special too. What you get here is amazing hiking too.

Explore the shops downtown, really, maybe grab a bite at a local cafe, naturally, it’s totally cute, by the way it shows how small things can be pretty spectacular. In winter, well, you could find some good skiing, which, very, is totally an unexpected treat so close to the desert, basically think snow fun, of course you get there as quickly as you can. Make sure to bring an empty belly because the treats will just melt in your mouth. To be honest you won’t regret it once you get there so, naturally pack an extra snack.

What to Do in Cloudcroft

Hike or bike the many trails, totally awesome views
Visit the Cloudcroft Historical Museum, I mean learning is fun
Ski or snowboard in the winter months, literally hit the slopes
Shop and dine in the village, find little knick knacks

2. White Sands National Park: A Sea of White

Just a little less than two hours from El Paso, anyway White Sands National Park will truly be an otherworldly experience, okay that is very different than El Paso. Rolling dunes of white gypsum sand create a surreal landscape, definitely amazing for photos, naturally makes you feel like you landed on another planet. Be prepared for the sun, in other words bring plenty of water, alright sunscreen, so wear light clothes because wow you will get fried out there. Here is where all the sand lives.

Sledding down the dunes, well, it’s a popular activity for all ages, I mean who doesn’t like sledding?, very but make sure to use a plastic sled, since, right, wood or metal won’t work too well, I mean it would but then it wouldn’t be fun. Sunset is particularly stunning, anyway the light turns the white sands into gold, seriously makes things glow. The unique beauty of White Sands, pretty much, is a striking contrast to the Chihuahuan Desert that surrounds it, almost like going into another reality so seriously be ready to witness it all!

Things to Experience at White Sands

Sled down the gypsum dunes, almost like a kid again
Hike the Alkali Flat Trail, find adventure when walking
Attend a ranger program, just absorb knowledge
Stargaze at night, the sky so dark!

3. Las Cruces, New Mexico: A Taste of New Mexican Charm

Las Cruces, actually, is just a hop, skip, alright, and a jump north of El Paso, basically about 45 minutes or so, and just so, offers a blend of history, alright culture, and definitely Southwestern flavors, almost the perfect taste. Visit Old Mesilla Village, too it’s almost like that where Billy the Kid was once held prisoner, right, just a cool little place, or explore the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, pretty much it’s interesting. And do not miss out on green chile dishes at the local restaurants, actually be careful it could be very very hot!, anyway because well they might bring water to extinguish the inferno.

The Rio Grande flows near Las Cruces, I mean it gives that tranquil vibe and almost allows for walks and appreciating local things. Check out the local wineries too it’s almost great spots for wine tasting. Seriously you don’t want to miss out if you like this kinda stuff. Oh yeah and, basically, don’t miss out on checking out that historic old Mesilla Village where you will discover more historical wonders!

Don’t Miss in Las Cruces

Explore Old Mesilla Village, walk where history did
Sample local wines at a winery, great wines
Visit the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and get your historical stuff here
Try authentic New Mexican cuisine, find the heat and love

4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Texas Top of the World

About two hours east of El Paso, well, there lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park, clearly this features Guadalupe Peak, incidentally is the highest point in Texas, pretty intense. The park provides challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views for people who seek a more adventurous route, in the meantime you might discover things on your way too! McKittrick Canyon offers a change of pace with its unique riparian ecosystem, in other words it will change you.

Be sure to plan your visit, pretty much it’s a bit extreme for new beginners so be careful when planning your trip. You know, I’m telling you, it’s really very easy to hike but the thing that really makes this memorable are views. Be aware of changing weather conditions at that altitude, well, they could turn very sour in just a moment. Experience nature, or, it’s just an appreciation for nature.

Must-Do Activities in Guadalupe Mountains

Hike to Guadalupe Peak, to experience the views
Explore McKittrick Canyon, enjoy the atmosphere
Visit the Frijole Ranch History Museum, walk with those old artifacts
Go stargazing, in that nice darkness of nature

5. Fort Davis and McDonald Observatory: Stars and History Aligned

A bit further afield, maybe a three-hour drive from El Paso, seemingly Fort Davis provides a combo of Old West history and starry skies. Visit the well-preserved Fort Davis National Historic Site, anyway there are more buildings and walking spots, as a matter of fact you have more than enough to be able to visit here. In the evening, so drive up to the McDonald Observatory to take a look at some stars through powerful telescopes, in short an experience of pure darkness.

Fort Davis, seemingly provides insight into the lives of soldiers and civilians during the frontier days, naturally helps you imagine and visualize things, by the way a night spent stargazing at McDonald Observatory, incidentally the isolation of the area contributes to minimal light pollution. Here is something you may want to do to discover all these beautiful sites. Anyway bring snacks to fill your belly before your trip back.

What to Explore in Fort Davis

Tour Fort Davis National Historic Site, and witness some great artifacts
Attend a Star Party at McDonald Observatory, it can become one to remember
Hike in the Davis Mountains State Park, take on that challenge
Visit the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, and find those animals