el paso tx guided tour

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Best Guided Tours in El Paso, Texas

• by Marco Polo

Visit Mexico and experience its culture, cuisine, music, and retail therapy. This 4-hour tour of Mexico's culture and history begins when you meet your guide at the El Paso/Juarez border.

Marco Polo Guided Tours earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Your support is much appreciated.

This El Paso iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience is a great option for adrenaline seekers who aren't quite ready to jump out of a plane. Prior to testing your skydiving abilities in iFLY's indoor, vertical wind tunnel, you'll need to check in, suit up, and go through a briefing. Take a personalized flight certificate home with you as a keepsake.

This journey takes you to the Red Sands district of El Paso's eastern suburbs. In order to experience the thrill of operating your own UTV, a knowledgeable guide will accompany you and your group on a UTV tour in a separate buggy. The guide will also provide assistance and guidance so that you may get the most out of your time, safely.

Let's Roam is the world's leading app-led scavenger hunt firm. Answer trivia questions and solve puzzles as you walk to all of the best sites and secret jewels. Work with or against your team to discover new things and create unforgettable experiences. Let's Roam Scavenger Hunts are perfect for any occasion, including bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team-building activities, and more! Each participant chose an interactive role with varied challenges.

In terms of mobile scavenger hunts, Let's Roam leads the pack. While walking about the city, you'll be able to answer trivia questions and solve puzzles. Discover new things and create amazing experiences by working with or against your team. This type of team-building activity is ideal for a variety of settings, such as bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and more. Each participant was given a unique obstacle to overcome.

Get the most out of your trip by taking guided tours.

We collaborate with the world’s largest and most recognized travel businesses to develop a selection of tailored guided tours for your convenience. If you decide to purchase any of them, we earn a tiny affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

What are guided tours?

It’s common for guided tours to be all-inclusive group trips that are led by a local guide and follow a set itinerary for a specific tourist attraction or local thing to do. It’s possible to go on a guided sightseeing tour, buy a ticket to skip the line at popular attractions, go on a group tour, try food or wine, and even get a ride to the airport.

Should I use guided tours on my vacations?

Explore and experience your destination like a local.

Discover a treasure trove of hidden gems! There are guided tours that take you to locations and activities you never knew existed!

Avoid scams and pay better prices

Avoid con artists! Numerous local brokers abroad hike up costs exorbitantly in order to take advantage of tourists. Reserve your guide excursions in advance!

I have a tight budget, can I still buy a guided tour?

With such a vast number of guided tours available, there is sure to be one that fits your budget.

Save time, Get the most out of your trip.

Trying to find local guided tours during your holiday is a waste of your valuable holiday time.

With scheduled guided tours, you save time as you can pack your schedule with lots of fun activities.

Check reviews before buying a guided tour

Overwhelmed with options and unsure which guided tour to take? Check out other user reviews to see which activities are a better fit for you.

No risk to you. Free cancellation

Many of the guided tours allow you to change your mind and cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to the activity day without incurring any additional fees. If your trip plans alter at the last minute, this will come in handy.

Meet people all over the world, make new friends on your next vacation

Your guided tours are a great way to meet new people from all over the world.

Types of guided tours available for your vacation

Depending on the city you are taking a trip to, there are almost any guide tours and activities for everybody. There are outdoor guided trips, water activities, Nature trails, Music celebrations, Local food tours, Workshops and Classes, Arts Performances, Hidden Gems expedition, beer or red wine drinking and tasting tours, exclusive TV & Movies trips, romantic couple trips, kids’ activities, tours to Parks and Gardens, Island exploration tours, check out famous landmarks, Museum guided trips and tickets, Airport transfer services, Memorials for you to check out to under the local culture and history, go up Towers & seeing platforms to get a birds-eye view of the landscape, shopping tours, theaters and concert halls, stop by ports and harbors, sightseeing cruise, bikes for rental, helicopter trips, ferryboat tickets, Jeep and SUV for rental, yacht services and sailboat leasing.

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Things to Do in El Paso

Year-round sunshine, striking desert landscapes, and a vibrant and diverse culture define El Paso , Texas’ westernmost city. Explore thousands of years of history, step inside 300-year-old missions, hike through the foothills of a stunning mountain range, and let your imagination run wild as you experience El Paso’s one-of-a-kind charm. Beautiful desert golf courses, professional sports teams, fun family-friendly festivals, and more can be found in this lively border town. Needless to say, there are many amazing things to do in El Paso. Discover a few of these adventures below and start planning your trip to this unique Texas destination.

Hike, Bike, Climb & Explore

El Paso’s rugged mountains offer a lot more than a picturesque backdrop to the bustling border town. They are a veritable playground perfectly suited for hiking, mountain biking, camping and even rock climbing. In fact, two of the most unique state parks in Texas are just a stone’s throw from downtown El Paso. Drive 15 minutes to reach Franklin Mountains State Park , home to 125 miles of multi-use trails that wind throughout 37 square miles of rocky desert wilderness.

For some intriguing history, look no further than Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site . Thousands of years ago, people traveled to the rocky hills for the rainwater that collected in the natural rock basins. These early travelers left behind rock paintings that can be seen today on a guided or self-guided tour. Hueco Tanks State Park is perhaps better known these days as a top destination for rock climbers. Bring your climbing shoes, crash pads and chalk, and go on a guided climbing tour. If that’s not your cup of tea, there is an abundance of hiking and biking trails from where you can try to spot some of the 200 types of birds known to live in the park.

Need more adventure? Go see beautiful Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the stunning dunes of White Sands National Monument, or the mysterious caves of Carlsbad Caverns. All three sites are within 2.5 hours of El Paso, making for an easy road trip from the already amazing Sun City.

Tour the Mission Trail

Experience more than 300 years of Texas history, dating back to when the first European explorers set foot on the northern bank of the Rio Grande, when you explore the El Paso Mission Trail . Start at one of the most significant landmarks in the Lone Star State: the Ysleta Mission Church. Built in 1682, the white adobe-walled church is the oldest continuously active parish in Texas and one of the first buildings constructed in El Paso. Drive a few miles south to reach the eye-catching Socorro Mission, a unique structure with six-foot-thick adobe walls that dates back to 1691. Your final stop is the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, built with rounded archways and gold-trimmed pillars commonly found in traditional Spanish mission architecture.

While the missions are eye-catching, they aren’t the only things to see on the trail. Discover more than 350 years of Pueblo Indian history, art and culture at the Tigua Indian Cultural Center , or learn about the military history of San Elizario at the Veteran’s Museum , a memorial to the soldiers who have called the town home. A collection of art galleries showcasing distinctive Native American and Southwestern-style paintings (and other works) by local and regional artists can be found on the trail as well. If Wild West gunslingers are your thing, check out the Old El Paso County Jail Museum and see the only jail Billy the Kid ever broke into. If you time your trip right, you could catch an explosive reenactment of that infamous night. With so many cultural and historic attractions in one place, no trip to El Paso would be complete without a visit to the El Paso Mission Trail.

Experience El Paso’s Unique Culture

Don’t miss the El Paso Museum of Art , home to a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works from Europe, Mexico and the United States. Then step inside the Magoffin Home State Historic Site , a stunning example of territorial-style architecture built in 1875. The home was built by a multicultural family who was involved with everything from U.S. expansion and settlement to the Civil War, offering an intimate look at what life was like in a different era.

Once the sun sets, see world-class entertainers perform at the sombrero-shaped Abraham Chavez Theatre or head to the historic Plaza Theatre for a Broadway musical, concert or a show from a stand-up comedian.

Regardless of what part of El Paso’s culture you decide to experience today, there’s always something new to discover tomorrow.

Get a Taste of El Paso’s Flavors

Be a Festival Fanatic

Listen to world-renowned bands perform under a clear summer sky, take on the competition in a rock-climbing contest, and celebrate what may have been the country’s very first Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy all of these experiences during one of El Paso’s many events and festivals held throughout the year.

Celebrate El Paso’s cultural heritage at  Viva! El Paso , a musical extravaganza in June. If you’re in El Paso in the fall and winter, make sure to go on a ghost tour on Día de los Muertos, or browse the unique wares at the Christmas Fair. El Paso’s final event of the year is one of its largest. Join thousands of raucous fans at the Sun Bowl , the second-oldest bowl game in the country. With its outdoor races and competitions, cultural events and music festivals, El Paso always has something going on.

Shop ‘til You Drop

In the market for antiques? Browse The Whoopee Bowl Antique Mall, home to wagon wheels, rustic furniture, stained-glass windows and thousands of other distinctive items. Locally made soaps, handcrafts, food, and wine are available at the El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmers Market, Montecillo Farmer’s Market, and the Last Thursdays Market.

Get Your Game On

Play Golf Among the Dunes

Another option is the Butterfield Trail Golf Club , an 18-hole, par-72 course perched on rolling sand dunes just east of El Paso’s airport. Designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, Butterfield Trail was ranked one of the top municipal golf courses in America by Golfweek Magazine . Affordable tee times are also available at Ascarate Golf Course and Vista Hills Golf Club , El Paso’s other public courses. As you can tell, there’s plenty of golf to play in El Paso. Make sure you bring your clubs.

Experience the Downtown Renaissance

Events in El Paso

Attractions in El Paso

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14 Top-Rated Things to Do in El Paso, TX

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Anietra Hamper Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Located at the western edge of Texas on the left bank of the Rio Grande , which here forms the frontier with Mexico, El Paso is the largest American city on the Mexican frontier. Its unique desert landscapes are home to diverse flora and fauna, and the city is rich in cultural attractions.

Fun things to do in El Paso and great places to visit include the El Paso Museum of Art with its fine collection of pre-Columbian and Indian art, the Mission Trail, and the Magoffin Home State Historic Site .

Within the city limits, occupying the site of a military post established in the mid-19th century, is Fort Bliss , today one of the largest air defense centers in the world and home to fascinating military museums.

For those interested in exploring El Paso's outdoor recreation, Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site are ripe for adventure.

To learn more about other things to do in this part of Texas, read through our comprehensive list of the top attractions and places to visit in El Paso.

See also: Where to Stay in El Paso

1. See the Views from the El Paso Scenic Drive

2. enjoy the animals at the el paso zoo, 3. head for the hills: franklin mountains state park, 4. hueco tanks state park & historic site, 5. take in a show at the plaza theatre, 6. hit the el paso mission trail, 7. get your art fix at el paso museum of art, 8. visit the centennial museum and chihuahuan desert gardens, 9. stop in at the national border patrol museum, 10. magoffin home state historic site, 11. the el paso holocaust museum and study center, 12. go horseback riding, 13. el paso museum of archaeology, 14. fort bliss and old ironsides museums, where to stay in el paso for sightseeing, map of things to do in el paso, tx, el paso, tx - climate chart.

For the best views of the city and its border landscape along the southern edge of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso Scenic Drive is a must-experience.

Take your time to enjoy the winding road as you increase in elevation with panoramic views. Pack a lunch and plan a picnic at the scenic overlook where you can see the city lights of El Paso and even into Juarez , Mexico. You can reach the El Paso Scenic Drive from Rim Road .

There are a few other scenic routes in El Paso worth doing by car, like a road trip through the Franklin Mountain State Park on Transmountain Road. There are several access points from the northeast and northwest sides of El Paso. This route has many picnic tables and scenic spots that are popular for watching the sunsets.

Highway 28 is another charming drive with the rural scenery of chile farms, pecan trees, orchards, and rustic cattle ranches. This is a beautiful countryside drive on a two-lane road that is nice for a day outside of the city.

El Paso Zoo offers an entertaining day for families as they explore the Animals of Africa, Animals of Asia, and Animals of the Americas exhibits, each housing large numbers of creatures big and small.

The zoo also features fun Zoo Adventure Programs for children and adults alike, along with daily animal encounters where visitors can get up close to sea lions, eagles, monkeys, tortoises, and other animals (check the events calendar to see what's on prior to arrival).

Other family-friendly attractions at the zoo include a massive treehouse playground, year-round water play area, and an African Star Train. Kids will enjoy the extras like the splash pad that operates in the summer, a carousel, and a treehouse playground.

Address: 4001 E. Paisano Drive, El Paso, Texas

Official site: www.elpasozoo.org

The spectacular Franklin Mountains are a common sight on the El Paso skyline. They're also a very welcome recreational outlet, not just for the entire El Paso community, but for out-of-state visitors, too.

Easily accessed on the north end of the city and one of the country's largest urban parks , the 27,000-acre Franklin Mountain State Park is a popular venue for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Other fun things to do at this sprawling state park include geocaching, ranger-led programs, and participating in the extensive wildlife watching opportunities on offer. For those pressed for time, the Franklin Mountains offer a variety of scenic drives, too.

Maps and trail information can be picked up at the park's main offices, along with permits for any one of the campsites located within its boundaries.

Address: Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, Texas

Official site: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains

Located just over 30 miles northeast of downtown El Paso, Hueco Tanks is another recreational hot spot near El Paso that caters to hikers, climbers, campers, and bird-watchers. It's also a must-visit for those interested in the region's history.

The park is named after the immense rock formations and natural basins that collect rainwater, and people have gathered at this unique area for thousands of years. Evidence of this early human presence remains today through ancient pictographs on the rock wall.

Due to the fragile resources of the park, there is a cap on the number of people who can visit in a day. Reservations can be secured by calling ahead of time. Guided tours of the pictographs can also be scheduled during your visit–and take a picnic.

Address: 6900 Hueco Tanks Road Number 1, El Paso, Texas

Official site: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks

Located in the heart of downtown, the Plaza Theatre stands proudly as a testament to El Paso's musical past. Originally constructed in 1930 and returned to its original grandeur in 2006, the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center showcases some of the best live entertainment and attractions in El Paso.

The theater is built in Spanish Colonial Revival style, and part of the experience here is simply appreciating the intricately decorated auditorium space. Mosaic-tiled floors, ornamental metal railings, and antique furniture add to this atmospheric theater, as do the painted stars on the ceiling that reflect a summer night's sky.

Today, the Plaza hosts a wide range of shows, including big-name country stars, traveling mariachi bands, and Broadway performances. Fun free tours of the building are held each Wednesday at noon, and are well worth doing.

Address: 125 West Mills Avenue, El Paso, Texas

Official site: http://elpasolive.com/venues/plaza_theatre

Encompassing the most important surviving Spanish mission stations in Texas, the Mission Trail starts in El Paso and is one of the best ways for tourists to explore the state's rich multicultural heritage. It is a nine-mile historic trail honoring the oldest missions in Texas, which existed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

A highlight of this popular scenic driving route is the Ysleta Mission . Consecrated in 1682, it's the oldest such structure in Texas. Others you'll see along the way are the Socorro Mission, first built in 1691, and San Elizario with its Spanish garrison church from 1789.

Many other authentic cultural highlights surround the missions, including local eateries, art galleries, and institutions like the Tigua Indian Cultural Center .

Address: 9065 Alameda Avenue, El Paso, Texas

The El Paso Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of more than 7,000 pieces focusing on American, European, and Mexican art from the 12th century to current times. The American art collection features many fine examples from the southwest.

Among its prized possessions are works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, as well as important portraits by Rembrandt Peale, Thomas Sully, and Gilbert Stuart.

Modernist artists represented include Milton Avery, John Marin, and Max Weber. The museum also displays Impressionist pieces by Edward Bannister, Frank Boggs, William Merritt Chase, and Henry O. Tanner, to name just a few.

There's also an extensive collection of prints, drawings, watercolors, posters, and photographs. Workshops and educational programs for all ages are also held frequently.

Address: 1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, Texas

Official site: www.elpasoartmuseum.org

Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the independence of Texas from Mexico, the Centennial Museum features displays related to the natural and cultural history of the Southwest and Mexico.

On the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso , the museum houses both permanent and changing exhibits dealing with archeology, ethnology, geology, and paleontology, as well as the arts and sciences.

A visit also includes the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens with its more than 800 species of native plants in specially themed gardens, along with exhibits dealing with water conservation.

Also part of the facility, The Lhakhang Cultural Exhibit is known as "UTEP's Cultural Jewel," and features traditional Bhutanese architecture, murals, and other fine details.

Address: 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, Texas

Official site: www.utep.edu/centennial-museum/

Don't be fooled by appearances. The unassuming looking National Border Patrol Museum, located just outside El Paso, offers a fascinating look at the history of this important branch of the US government.

Highlights include a large collection of patrol vehicles, from rudimentary boats, motorcycles, and jeeps to sophisticated helicopters and other aircraft (static displays include an OH-6 helicopter, a Piper Super Cub airplane, and a Conquistador speedboat).

Also of interest are exhibits of weapons, uniforms, badges, photos, and artwork. Another attraction worth visiting is Chamizal National Memorial , a 55-acre site celebrating the settlement of disputes between Mexico and the US.

Address: 4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road, El Paso, Texas

Official site: https://borderpatrolmuseum.com/

This 19-room adobe homestead was constructed in 1875 in Territorial style and boasts three wings, each constructed in different periods.

Built for one of El Paso's leading families, the house features original furnishings, textiles, and photos, along with many fine paintings and splendid mid-Victorian décor.

The pleasant one-and-a-half-acre grounds are also worth a visit. Operated by the Texas Historical Commission, the first stop on any visit to this historic home should be to the adjacent Visitor Center, where patrons can get signed up for a guided tour.

Address: 1120 Magoffin Avenue, El Paso, Texas

Official site: www.visitmagoffinhome.com

The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, also contains permanent exhibits with information covering all aspects of WWII, as well as life in Europe before the rise of the Nazis. There's also a gallery of El Paso Holocaust survivors.

This museum is one of only 13 of its kind in the United States, and the only bilingual Holocaust museum . Also on-site is the Robert and Sara Shiloff Library and Study Center with books and research on the topic. The museum offers educational workshops and presentations throughout the year.

Address: 715 N. Oregon Street, El Paso

Official site: www.elpasoholocaustmuseum.org

An exciting way to experience the open landscape and mountainous views of El Paso is on horseback. Just outside of the city center are several family-owned ranches that offer trail rides for all skill levels. Spend an hour or two outside, guided through farms and fields.

This is an interactive way to learn about local culture and agriculture as you ride through tree farms and desert with the border of Mexico off in the distance.

Many of the ranches in the area have been in operation for decades and are able to tailor rides for both children and adults. For an added adventure, you can plan an overnight camping trip by horseback or spend time at the facilities learning about the working ranches.

Most of the horse ranches are located on the Texas/New Mexico border, so you will get to experience the landscape and mountains of both states. Go West Stables, El Paso Trail Rides, Chihenne Ranch and El Paso Valley Trail Rides are some of the ranches close to El Paso that have trail rides.

There is a lot of fun to uncover at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, including detailed dioramas and galleries of life in the region for the last 14,000 years.

Located on the north side of the city near the base of Franklin Mountains, this eye-catching museum is free, and the facility often hosts special lectures, events, and family programs in its auditorium.

The museum also oversees 15 acres of land surrounding the facility and provides walking trails that meander next to more than 250 native Chihuahuan Desert plants.

Address: 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive, El Paso, Texas

Official site: https://archaeology.elpasotexas.gov/

Established as a US Army post in the mid-19th century, Fort Bliss later served as a base for Confederate forces during the Civil War. Today, the camp is home to the Army Air Defense Center, is a combat training location for allied nations, and is home to a number of interesting museums.

The Fort Bliss Museum features air and missile defense exhibits and other military artifacts covering the period from 1861 through to Desert Storm, along with the fort's long history.

The Old Ironsides Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the 1st Armored Division, also contains many fascinating exhibits and vehicles.

Address: 1735 Marshall Road, Fort Bliss, Texas

Official site: https://home.army.mil/bliss/index.php/my-fort/all-services/fort-bliss-and-old-ironsides-museu

El Paso's attractions are spread out in all directions, so choosing a place to stay is closely correlated to what you are primarily interested in seeing. To the east of downtown is the 17th Century Mission Trail, and to the west are the El Paso Zoo and the Wet-N-Wild Waterpark. In the north is Fort Bliss, and downtown is where many of the museums are located. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• About one mile south of Fort Bliss and near the airport, the Staybridge Suites El Paso Airport Area, an IHG Hotel offers two-room suites with kitchens, and an outdoor pool and hot tub.
• In a central location between Fort Bliss and downtown is the Holiday Inn El Paso Airport, an IHG Hotel , with a popular restaurant and a free shuttle available for transport to local attractions within five miles.
• Located downtown, the Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown, an IHG Hotel is stylish and edgy, with modern rooms and a rooftop pool. The El Paso Museum of Art is a short stroll away.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• On the east side of El Paso and just a couple of miles from the 17th Century Ysleta Mission, the Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso/East offers a free hot breakfast and a free shuttle to destinations within five miles.
• Near the University of Texas El Paso campus and within walking distance to the Sun Bowl stadium, the Hilton Garden Inn El Paso/University is great for sports fans.
• The TownePlace Suites by Marriott El Paso Airport is near the airport and offers large suites with kitchens, an outdoor pool with BBQ facilities, and a free continental breakfast.

Budget Hotels:

• The Comfort Inn & Suites I-10 Airport offers spacious rooms at a fair price and provides complimentary appetizers and beverages Monday through Thursday in the late afternoon.
• Within walking distance to the airport, the Best Western El Paso Airport Entrada Hotel offers straightforward rooms and suites with separate living rooms.
• To the east of the city center, the pet-friendly Red Roof PLUS+ El Paso East is just a short drive from the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. This hotel features an outdoor pool and is within walking distance of a variety of chain restaurants.

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Big Bend National Park: Just four and a half hours southeast of El Paso is Big Bend National Park, one of the most impressive natural areas in Texas. Explore the park with our list of the top things to do in Big Bend National Park . Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the Chihuahuan Desert make this a spectacular area for camping and hiking. Hit the trails with our guide to the best hikes in the park .

Where to Stay in and near Big Bend National Park: If you are camping, you can stay right in the park or in nearby towns. Here are the best campgrounds in the area. Around the park are a number of luxury resorts and mid-range hotels. Find out about lodging with our article on the best places to stay near Big Bend National Park.

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Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train 8 Day Tour from USD $1295 #1 In Value 8 Day Tour from USD $1295 #1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Mexico’s Copper Canyon Train tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

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1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in West El Paso

We want you to feel comfortable and cozy in your home, whether you’re returning from a long day at work or looking to relax on the weekend. We offer three spacious Northwest El Paso apartment floor plans, state-of-the-art amenities, and perks.

1 BED / 1 BATH

Price and availability are subject to change. For information about handicap accessibility, please contact the office.

2 BED / 2.5 BATH

2 BED / 2 BATH

Mountain Village Site Plan

1 Bedroom Apartments in West El Paso, TX

Are you living alone or with your significant other? Our 1 bedroom apartments in West El Paso may be perfect for you. These measure in at 700 sq. ft. and come with one bedroom, bathroom, and an extra-large closet. They also feature a small patio or balcony area depending on which floor you stay on. Your in-home fireplace, available in select apartments, is a great spot to gather with your friends and family, while the ample space in your pantry and kitchen cabinets keeps you well-stocked and ready for any occasion.

2 Bedroom Apartments in West El Paso, TX

Mountain Village has two options for 2 bedroom apartments in El Paso. Our floor plans are 1,040 sq. ft., with one-story layouts and two-story layouts available. The one-story floor plan offers two full bathrooms, an expanded living room, and options for both a fireplace and balcony. With the two-story floor plan, these spacious options have two bedrooms on the lower level with individual bathrooms and a living room area upstairs with an extra half-bathroom, perfect for guests or family.

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(844) 645-4686 or contact us, amenities at mountain village apts..

• Business Center
• Covered Parking Available
• 24-Hour Fitness Center
• Three Onsite Laundry Centers
• 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance

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5890 Bandolero Drive El Paso, TX 79912

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Hueco Tanks Guide Service

We offer year-round bouldering, rock climbing, yoga, pictograph, and hiking guided tours in the Hueco Tanks backcountry (East Mountain, East Spur, and West Mountain), about 30 miles east of El Paso, Texas. We also offer photography services during these tours if desired.

Schedule a Bouldering, Yoga, Pictograph, or Hiking tour at Hueco Tanks or email us at [email protected] for more info.

Blue Lizard Yoga

For information on our yoga studio and school in the El Paso city limits, please visit our other website at www.bluelizardyoga.com

Hueco Tanks in the News

Blue Lizard Climbing and Yoga, LLC

17561 Old Butterfield Trail, El Paso, TX 79938

[email protected]

1 (512) 843-0963

Most photos copyright Steve Marek 2010-2024

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The essential guide to visiting Texas

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Lone Star State—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Texas

Big skies and bigger parks. Barbecue and Tex-Mex food (don’t miss the breakfast tacos). A vibrant live music scene in   Austin and world-class birding in South Texas. Plus, cowboys .

Best time to visit Texas

Spring:   March and April bring colorful wildflowers (indigo-hued bluebonnets , red-and-yellow Indian blankets) to the highways and backroads in Central Texas. In Austin,   the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has 284 acres of native plants inspired by the   Texas-born first lady . Outdoor festivals crowd the calendar. Austin’s South by Southwest Festival offers films and concerts each March; San Antonio ’s ebullient Fiesta   celebrates the city’s Hispanic heritage with parades, a stuff-your-face food festival , and concerts in April. And midway between Austin and Houston , the March Round Top Antiques Fair fills tents, barns, and hayfields with French furniture, vintage cowboy boots, and more.

Summer:   Y’all, it’s hot, with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the heat at one of the state’s Gulf of Mexico beaches , including South Padre Island , where you can watch hatchling releases of baby Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles . Or do as the locals do and go tubing in the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels or in the Frio River in Garner State Park .

Autumn:   Cooler temps lure Texans outdoors to events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival , with bands in Zilker Park,   or the State Fair of Texas   in Dallas where you can eat a corn dog and wave to Big Tex ,   the 55-foot-tall animatronic greeter.   Lost Maples State Natural Area ,   northwest of San Antonio, has the state’s best fall colors. Celebrate New Braunfels ’ German heritage at Wurstfest .

Winter:   Mild weather makes outdoor activities pleasant around the holidays. In San Antonio, stroll the Riverwalk, where the bald cypress trees are draped with twinkling lights. Amid the Victorian downtown of Galveston , Dickens on the Strand brings costumed revelers and roving musicians.  

Four of America’s largest cities are in Texas.

In the south, San Antonio was once a part of Spain and later Mexico, a history that shows up at the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions . Houston has high culture (art museums, the acclaimed Alley Theatre ) and the NASA Johnson Space Center , where tram tours take in Mission Control and other sites.  

Sister cities Dallas and Fort Worth are just 30 miles apart in North Texas. In “Big D,” catch home games from the Dallas Cowboys football team or hear live music in funky Deep Ellum . A good art museum scene and cowboy culture rule in neighboring Fort Worth, where hatted herders lead longhorn cattle through the Stockyards District every day.

The capital city of Austin is known for live music, barbecue, and Barton Springs Pool , a natural, spring-fed watering hole and the soul of the city.

In the Rio Grande Valley,   an agricultural region bordering Mexico, there are cities such as McAllen and Brownsville plus the varied wildlife habitats (wetlands, thorn forests) of the World Birding Center .

In West Texas, El Paso   offers Tex-Mex bordertown culture amid the stark beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the foothills of the Franklin Mountains , best explored via mountain bike or hiking trails.

Parks and smaller cities

The Hill Country

The rolling terrain of the Hill Country in Central Texas is home to Fredericksburg , with its throwback main street full of indie boutiques and German restaurants plus 60-plus wineries in and around town. You’ll also find cowboy culture in Bandera and the beer-drinking enclave made famous in Waylon Jennings’   song “ Luckenbach , Texas .”

The Big Bend  

Two of the state’s largest parks— Big Bend National Park and the adjacent Big Bend Ranch State Park —lure hikers, bikers, and campers to the desert and mountain landscapes of West Texas. Stargaze at the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, or check out the Donald Judd art installations in funky Marfa .  

Texas Coast  

The longest barrier island in the world, Padre Island stretches for 113 miles from the tip of South Texas to Corpus Christi .   Farther north, Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to Victorian mansions.  

Panhandle  

Palo Duro Canyon , the second largest canyon in the U.S. and a state park, carves through the Panhandle for 120 miles.  

Getting in and around Texas

By plane: Dallas-Fort Worth International, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, and Austin-Bergstrom International offer domestic and international service; San Antonio International serves Mexico and other cities in the U.S.

By bus: Vonlane   and RedCoach   have luxury bus service between Austin, Dallas/Forth Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Valley Metro serves the Rio Grande Valley.

By train: Amtrak operates two train routes through Texas—the Texas Eagle   and Sunset Limited .

By car: Texas is easily accessible via major interstates including I-10, I-20, I-35, I-45, and I-37. One of the most scenic drives is FM 170, or the River Road, which hugs the Rio Grande and cuts through Big Bend Ranch State Park between Presidio and Lajitas.

In town: Major cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso have bus service and bike share systems. DART rail in Dallas serves 65 stations. Austin’s CapMetro rail operates a single line from downtown to the northern suburbs. Houston’s three METRORail   lines connect tourist destinations. The Streetcar in El Paso loops through uptown and downtown.

Know before you go

Cultural history: Native Americans have occupied Texas for more than 14,000 years. Coastal tribes like the Karankawa were semi-nomadic, the Caddos in East Texas and Jumanos in the West farmed and traded. Comanches and Apaches hunted bison and raided villages in the north and west. Enslaved Africans helped the Spanish settle parts of Texas in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The flags of France, Spain, and Mexico once flew over the state, which declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and joined the U.S in 1846. Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America in 1861. The end of enslavement was announced in Galveston at the end of the Civil War, leading to the Juneteenth holiday .   Immigrants from around the world, including Germany and Czechia,   arrived during the 18th   and 19th centuries, making their marks on places such as New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Kerrville .

LGBTQ+ : Texas ranked 27th in a 2020 24/7 Wall St. report of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states in the U.S. Despite Texas’ conservative politics, cities such as Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio get high marks on the Human Rights Campaign 2022 Municipal Equality Index scorecard.

How to visit Texas sustainably

Help preserve habitat by sticking to designated trails and roads. Support businesses that promote dark night skies. It’s legal to drive on public beaches, but watch for wildlife, including nesting sea turtles, and use reef-safe sunscreen. The Love Fredericksburg and Port A Way stewardship   campaigns encourage visitors to keep an eye out for wildlife and pick up litter. Look for LEED-certified hotels and restaurants committed to selling locally grown food.

What to read  

Empire of the Summer Moon , by S.C. Gwynne. This sweeping historic account follows four decades of fighting with the Comanches, Spanish colonialism, the decimation of the American bison and the arrival of railroads.

Forget the Alamo ,   by Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson and Jason Stanford. The myths surrounding the Texas “cradle of liberty” get debunked and explored in this fascinating look at the evolution of the Lone Star State, its legends, and its prejudices. Valley of Shadows ,   by Rudy Ruiz. In this novel set in 19th-century West Texas, tensions along the Mexican border bubble up in dramatic, dark style—with a dash of magical realism.  

( For more tips on what to do in Texas, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

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When's the best time to visit Texas?

Aug 8, 2023 • 3 min read

From vibrant live music festivals to the best conditions for hiking, here's what you need to know about events and seasons in Texas © Ismael Quintanilla III / Shutterstock

Considering the wide geography of the Lone Star State, there’s really no such thing as a bad time to visit Texas . While you may want to skip the soaring temperatures of the Santa Elena Canyon in summer months, winter in Amarillo is not the best time to visit the Great Plains.

Here are our tips and a seasonal guide to help you decide the best time for your visit to different places across Texas.

October and March are peak times for visitors to Texas

Music lovers flock to Austin in October and March for two of the state’s biggest festivals, Austin City Limits (two weekends in October) and South by Southwest (nearly two weeks in March). Both festivals attract musicians and music lovers from all over the world, while the SXSW festival has grown to include programming in technology, politics, entertainment and entrepreneurship. In general, these are the two months that attract the most visitors to all cities in Texas with milder temps and plenty of outdoor fun . 

Football season is also in full swing by October: catch the Friday night lights at a local high school, cheer on a college football team, gather pumpkins at a harvest festival or brave the crowds at Austin City Limits music festival.

Winter is for hikes, galleries and holiday festivities 

Cooler temperatures are here to stay by November, making a trip out to West Texas ideal: hike Big Bend , browse the art galleries in Alpine or slow down in Marfa. Texas weather can be unpredictable over winter: one day could be 70°F (21°C) and ideal for a hike, the next could be cold and blustery and ideal for browsing museums and galleries. 

Texans also love their holiday lights, and you can find extravagant displays in neighborhoods, parks and on courthouses across the state for the whole month of December.

Choose the shoulder season for wildflowers and the great outdoors

Fewer tourists flock to Texas in April and September, but with slightly cooler temps than summer, these are both great months to make the most of outdoor activities. Regardless of your destination, it’s generally a safer bet to plan a hike  outside the months of May to August. 

Though they often blossom toward the end of March, the peak season for spying Texas wildflowers is in full swing in April. 

Expect summer festivals (and hotter temperatures) from May

While there’s really no such thing as a low season in Texas, tourists often avoid the hotter months (May to August) when temps across the state can range from 90°F to 113°F (32°C to 45°C) and above. That said, there are plenty of museums and galleries across the state to enjoy more air-conditioned fun, but locals cope with the heat by taking a plunge in one of the state’s many rivers, lakes and beaches.

There are plenty of festivals to build a trip around in summer, including the Texas Crab Festival in Crystal City in May,  Juneteenth  parades in Austin, Houston and other centres; or head to the Fredericksburg Peach Festival in July, peak peach season. 

This article was first published Oct 7, 2021 and updated Aug 8, 2023.

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BorderReport

4.8 kilos of cocaine seized following high-speed chases

by: Julian Resendiz

Posted: Jun 11, 2024 / 02:10 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 11, 2024 / 06:15 PM CDT

Three charged in connection with undercover drug buy in East El Paso hotel parking lot

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – A federal grand jury has charged three El Paso men with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The charges filed on Wednesday stem from the seizure of 4.8 kilograms of cocaine following high-speed evasion attempts that led to a crash near Chito Samaniego Drive and a disabled vehicle on Gateway East Boulevard.

The investigation began after Homeland Security Investigations agents learned last month that Alejandro Torres allegedly was in possession of more than 4 kilos of cocaine. Undercover agents contacted Torres and agreed to purchase the cocaine for $50,000. Court records show the suspect allegedly referred to the kilos as mochilitas (little backpacks) during secretly recorded conversations.  

Torres and a driver later identified as Ricardo Isael Martinez met with undercover agents in the parking lot of a hotel in the 11400 block of Chito Samaniego Drive at 11:50 a.m. on May 9 in East El Paso. Torres allegedly told an agent a second vehicle would bring the cocaine to the parking lot a few minutes later. A white BMW 328i driven by Alan Daniel Mendoza Cardiel drove up to the parking lot and the agent was shown four cellophane-wrapped bundles in the trunk he identified as cocaine, court records show.

The agent gave a signal and law enforcement officials wearing body armor showed up yelling “Stop!” and “Police!” One parked a vehicle in front of the BMW. Court records show Mendoza disregarded the commands and sped off the scene. He crashed down the road into a vehicle driven by another HSI agent and was taken into custody.

Meantime, Torres and Martinez drove off in a Nissan Altima and were spotted by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. Records show the driver failed to yield and sped into a neighborhood. The vehicle proceeded onto Gateway East Boulevard allegedly weaving in and out of traffic and passing vehicles on the shoulder of the road.

Records show a DPS trooper twice conducted a PIT maneuver – which involves crashing or “tapping” the rear side of a moving vehicle – until the Nissan was disabled.

Torres and Martinez were taken into custody and a loaded Glock handgun seized from the vehicle.

An arraignment has been set for June 18 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jose A. Torres in El Paso.

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Scheffler holds on to win Memorial for his 5th PGA Tour title of the year

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Winning has become a habit for Scottie Scheffler, except there was nothing typical about his victory Sunday at the Memorial.

What You Need To Know

Scottie scheffler endured more stress than he wanted and got the victory everyone has come to expect, his fifth of the season — one week into the month of june — as he heads for another tough test next week in the u.s. open muirfield village was so demanding with its ultra firm greens and swirling gusts throughout the afternoon that only six players broke par and the average score was a fraction under 75 scheffler finished at 8-under 280 and won $4 million from this signature event and its $20 million purse. he also became the first player since tom watson in 1980 to have won five times on the pga tour before the u.s. open. next up is the so-called toughest test in golf, and players felt like they just got finished with one at muirfield village.

He made only one birdie. He closed with a 2-over 74, his highest final round in two years. And victory wasn't assured until Scheffler had the mettle to put a firm stroke on a downhill putt from 5 feet above the hole to take out the break.

It went right in the heart for a one-shot victory over Collin Morikawa, and a handshake with tournament host Jack Nicklaus. Their  exchange  said it all.

“You're a survivor,” Nicklaus told him.

“Thanks,” Scheffler said. “Yeah, you made this place brutal today.”

Scheffler endured more stress than he wanted and got the victory everyone has come to expect, his fifth of the season — one week into the month of June — as he heads for another tough test next week in the U.S. Open.

Muirfield Village was so demanding with its ultra firm greens and swirling gusts throughout the afternoon that only six players broke par and the average score was a fraction under 75.

Scheffler, who started four shots ahead, never lost the lead. He never felt safe, either, not with Morikawa and Adam Hadwin on his heels all afternoon, and on a back nine where making par felt like hard work. Par is what it took on the 18th hole.

“This is a tough place to close out,” Scheffler said. “I didn’t do a whole lot great today, but I did enough.”

Just barely.

Scheffler was leading Morikawa by one shot and both hit approach shots that bounced hard and high off the green and into the rough. Both chipped to about 5 feet. Scheffler buried his putt to win, and the force of his fist pump to celebrate showed how tough this day was on him, and practically everybody.

Making the day even more special was a recent memory with Nicklaus at the Memorial, and cradling month-old son Bennett at his newborn's first PGA Tour event.

Scheffler thought back to 2021, when he missed a 6-foot putt on the final hole that ended any chance of a playoff. Walking off the green, he recalls Nicklaus telling him one day Scheffler will make the putt on 18 “and I'll be walking off to shake his hand.”

“It was pretty special thinking about that as I was walking over to shake his hand," he said.

Morikawa, who played in the final group of both majors this year, holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-3 12th hole and stayed on Scheffler's heels the rest of the way. He shot 71, the only one from the final 13 groups to break par.

Adam Hadwin was right there with them until closing with three straight bogeys for a 74 to finish alone in third.

Scheffler finished at 8-under 280 and won $4 million from this signature event and its $20 million purse. That pushes him over $24 million for the year, breaking the PGA Tour season earnings record — and it's barely June — that he set last year in this era of rising purses.

He also became the first player since Tom Watson in 1980 to have won five times on the PGA Tour before the U.S. Open.

That's next week at Pinehurst No. 2, and Scheffler will go to the U.S. Open as a huge favorite. This was his 11th consecutive tournament with a top 10.

Morikawa picked up $2.2 million and now has a big cushion as he tries to sew up the fourth spot for the Americans going to Paris this summer for the Olympics.

Hadwin was within one shot of the lead until finishing the front nine with a pair of bogeys. He stayed in the hunt until closing with a pair of bogeys for a 74. Still, his third-place finish moves him ahead of Corey Conners for the second Canadian spot in the Olympics.

The world ranking after the U.S. Open determines who goes to Paris.

Scheffler had only one birdie — a 10-foot putt on the sixth hole — and he missed two birdie chances inside 10 feet on the back nine that could have provided a cushion.

But he made the biggest one on the par-3 16th.

Scheffler and Morikawa were both short of the super slick green some 90 feet away. Scheffler used a putter and hit it weakly, coming up 15 feet short. Morikawa chipped from the collar and also hit a pedestrian chip some 20 feet short.

Morikawa missed his par putt, and Scheffler buried his for a two-shot lead.

Scheffler dropped his final shot on the 17th, however, and he was clinging again to a one-shot lead playing the tough 18th that he ended with one last putt.

Next up is the so-called toughest test in golf, and players felt like they just got finished with one at Muirfield Village.

“You could look at it one of two ways,” Hadwin said. “Either it's good prep for next week or we just got our butts kicked before going into next week.”

For Scheffler it's another victory, his 11th of his career and 12th worldwide. He has finished strong to win big or come from behind. He has pulled away when it was tight at the start. This time, he nearly lost a four-shot lead.

It was his highest closing round since a 74 in the British Open at St. Andrews in 2022. But it goes in the book as another big win against the strongest fields. He now has won three signature events (Bay Hill and Hilton Head were the others) to go along with The Players Championship and his second green jacket at the Masters.