Jul 14, 2023

El Paso, TX is a charming, culturally vibrant city offering world-class country and western music, delicious Mexican cuisine, the architectural delights of ancient Spanish missionaries, and thrilling rodeo shows. There are also many terrific outdoor activities to be enjoyed in the region’s dramatic and beautiful desert and mountain landscapes. Here are four things to have fun doing outdoors in and close to El Paso. 

4 Outdoor Activities You Can Drive to Near El Paso, TX

See Incredible Wildlife at El Paso Zoo 

How long has it been since you visited a really good zoo? El Paso’s clean, expansive, and well-maintained 35-acre zoo has 220 species of animal to observe. When you visit, you’ll have many picture opportunities with jaguars, tigers, bears, orangutans, elephants, roadrunners, sea lions, monkeys, and more fascinating wildlife. 

The zoo is well organized and easy to navigate, with four main sections showcasing animals from Africa, America, Asia, and the Chihuahuan Desert. You can find the zoo at 4001 East Paisano Drive. 

Explore El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens

The stunning desert landscapes in this part of Texas are host to a surprisingly colorful and thriving variety of flora. The most beautiful and interesting species of the region’s desert plants are on display at the El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens. 

You can wander around the picturesque, carefully cultivated gardens taking pictures of acacia trees, creosote bushes, yuccas, prickly pear, honey mesquite, and other fascinating plants and trees. Find the botanical gardens in Keystone Heritage Park at 4200 Doniphan Drive. 

Hike the Thousand Steps Trailhead

If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself, pull on your hiking boots, put on plenty of sun cream, and head to the Thousand Steps Trailhead at 4999 North Stanton Street at the southern end of Franklin Mountain State Park. This tough climbing trail is seriously good fun for anyone who loves hikes and stunning mountain views. 

As you progress, the trail becomes steadily more and more difficult, but it also becomes quieter and more peaceful, and the magnificent views from the top are worth the effort. On the way up, you’re even rewarded with the old crash site of a B-36 bomber. Once you’ve made it back down to the bottom of the trail, you can cool off in the wonderful air conditioning of your new 2024 Buick Encore GX. 

Go Horseback Riding at Miller Horse Farm 

Horseback riding has long been a beloved pastime and heritage of El Paso. One of the best places in the area to enjoy a day of horseback riding is Miller Horse Farm and Riding Academy. You can ride around a large and picturesque farm of vineyards and then enjoy the fine produce of one of the region’s best wineries. 

Of course, remember to drink responsibly with moderation and never drink and drive. The wine will only be for adults, but youngsters can still have the time of their lives learning to ride horses and enjoying the other delicious food and beverages the farm has to offer. You’ll find this charming horseback riding and vineyard farm at 200 Fig Tree Lane in Anthony at the northwestern tip of El Paso. 

Once you’ve completed your next outdoor adventure, visit Casa Buick GMC. We’ve been serving the drivers of El Paso with fantastic cars, deals, and customer service for fifty years, since 1973.