Texas features a wide array of diverse landscapes, animals, and plant life to explore. If you’re interested in the natural world, don’t miss a trip to one of our three favorite state parks within a short drive of El Paso, TX.
1. Franklin Mountains State Park
Located right in El Paso, this state park spans nearly 25,000 acres of breathtaking desert landscape. Franklin Mountains State Park features rugged terrain with more than 100 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Rock climbing is allowed at Sneed’s Cory and McKelligan Canyon in designated areas only. You can stay for the weekend at one of the park’s five RV sites or 14 tent sites.
The park is located on Tom Mays Park Access Rd just off Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr. Franklin Mountains State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (6:30 a.m. opening on summer weekends). Admission is $5 for guests ages 12 and over and free for younger children.
2. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
This state historic site is less than a 30-minute drive from El Paso. Hueco Tanks is a fragile natural area that includes pictographs and petroglyphy from more than 1,500 years ago. You can take a self-guided or guided tour of these images or explore the park’s hiking trails, where you might glimpse one of the more than 200 bird species that live here. Hueco Tanks also has 10 shaded picnic shelters.
Although Hueco Tanks is a popular park for day trips, you can also reserve one of its 20 campsites for a longer stay. During the summer, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Friday through Sunday.
3. Balmorhea State Park
You can reach this state park with a drive of less than three hours from El Paso to Toyahvale, and it’s worth it since you’ll get to swim in the largest spring-fed pool in the entire world. Bring your scuba gear to experience the local marine life up close. The restored desert wetlands habitat at Balmorhea State Park provides a home for many endangered wildlife, bird, and fish species.
The park also features a playground, sports fields, and picnic sites, as well as 34 campsites and a lodge. Balmorhea State Park is located at 9207 Texas Hwy 17. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or sunset (whichever comes first). Admission costs $7 for adults and kids ages 12 and older, but younger kids get in for free.
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Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
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