Go in El Paso Within 2 Hours: A Guide to Fun and Adventure

As a travel enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the natural beauty of El Paso and its surrounding areas. El Paso, located in the westernmost corner of Texas, is a vibrant city that offers visitors a blend of southwestern culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. In this guide, I will take you on a journey to some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of El Paso, including national parks, day trips, road trips, romantic getaways, fun activities, scenic drives, and weekend getaways. So grab your backpack, buckle up, and let’s expl

National Parks in and Near El Paso

El Paso is home to two magnificent national parks that are a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The first is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is just an hour and a half drive from El Paso. The park is famous for its towering peaks, rugged canyons, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas, or explore the underground wonders of Carlsbad Caverns, just a short drive away. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and stargazing opportunities.

The second national park near El Paso is the White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, just an hour and a half drive from El Paso. The park is famous for its white gypsum sand dunes that cover over 275 square miles, making it the largest gypsum dune field in the world. Visitors can hike, sled, and explore the dunes, or take a scenic drive through the park. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and stargazing opportunities.

Day Trips from El Paso

If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, there are plenty of day trip options from El Paso. One such option is Las Cruces, NM, located just an hour’s drive from El Paso. Las Cruces is a charming town that offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the historic downtown, hike in the nearby Organ Mountains, or visit the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.

Another day trip option from El Paso is Hueco Tanks State Park, located just half an hour’s drive from El Paso. The park is famous for its ancient rock paintings, unique rock formations, and world-class rock climbing opportunities. Visitors can hike, rock climb, picnic, and explore the park’s rich cultural history.

Road Trips from El Paso

If you have more time to spare, there are some amazing road trip options from El Paso. One such option is Marfa, TX, located just a three-hour drive from El Paso. Marfa is a quirky town that is famous for its art scene, minimalist architecture, and mysterious lights. Visitors can explore the town’s galleries, museums, and restaurants, or take a scenic drive through the nearby Chinati Mountains.

Another road trip option from El Paso is Big Bend National Park, located about five hours’ drive from El Paso. The park is famous for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting. Visitors can explore the park’s canyons, hot springs, and historic sites, or take a scenic drive through the park’s winding roads.

Romantic Getaways near El Paso

If you’re looking for a romantic escape, there are some amazing options near El Paso. One such option is Ruidoso, NM, located just a two and a half-hour drive from El Paso. Ruidoso is a quaint mountain town that is famous for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cozy cabins. Visitors can hike in the nearby Lincoln National Forest, ski at the nearby Ski Apache, or relax in the town’s hot springs.

Another romantic getaway option near El Paso is Cloudcroft, NM, located just a two-hour drive from El Paso. Cloudcroft is a charming town that is famous for its mountain air, scenic beauty, and historic charm. Visitors can hike in the nearby Lincoln National Forest, explore the town’s historic sites, or relax in the town’s cozy cabins.

Fun Activities within 2 Hours of El Paso

If you’re looking for some fun things to do within 2 hours of El Paso, there are plenty of options. One such option is hiking in the Franklin Mountains State Park, located just a few minutes’ drive from El Paso. The park offers visitors a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, and provides stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

Another fun activity within 2 hours of El Paso is rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park. The park is famous for its world-class rock climbing opportunities, and visitors can climb some of the world’s most unique and challenging rock formations.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, you can visit the nearby hot springs, such as the Gila Hot Springs in New Mexico, which is just a two-hour drive from El Paso. The hot springs offer visitors a natural and relaxing way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Scenic Drives in and around El Paso

El Paso is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, and there are plenty of scenic drives to explore. One such drive is through the Franklin Mountains State Park, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can take a leisurely drive through the park’s winding roads or stop at one of the many scenic overlooks.

Another scenic drive option is along the Rio Grande, which forms the natural boundary between the United States and Mexico. Visitors can take a drive along the river and explore the nearby historic sites, such as the Chamizal National Memorial and the Ysleta Mission.

Weekend Getaways from El Paso

If you have a weekend to spare, there are some amazing weekend getaway options from El Paso. One such option is Santa Fe, NM, located just a six-hour drive from El Paso. Santa Fe is a historic town that is famous for its art scene, architecture, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town’s museums, galleries, and restaurants, or take a scenic drive through the nearby mountains.

Another weekend getaway option from El Paso is San Antonio, TX, located about eight hours’ drive from El Paso. San Antonio is a vibrant city that is famous for its rich history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the town’s historic sites, such as the Alamo and the River Walk, or take a scenic drive through the nearby Texas Hill Country.

Accommodations in and around El Paso

El Paso offers visitors a variety of accommodations, ranging from hotels to vacation rentals to RV parks. The city has a variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. There are also plenty of vacation rentals available in and around the city, such as cabins, villas, and apartments.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous accommodation option, there are plenty of RV parks in and around El Paso. Some of the most popular RV parks include the Mission RV Park, the El Paso West RV Park, and the Oasis RV Resort.

Conclusion and Tips for Planning Your Trip to El Paso

El Paso and its surrounding areas offer visitors a wealth of natural beauty, culture, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer road trip, there is something for everyone within 2 hours of El Paso. When planning your trip, be sure to check the weather and road conditions, and pack accordingly. Also, make sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a memorable and adventurous trip to El Paso and its surrounding areas.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head out to discover the best places to go in El Paso within 2 hours!