El Paso is a fascinating city, but if you’re in the area, it would be a shame not to explore the stunning surroundings as well. The region around El Paso boasts charming towns, national parks, historic sites, and much more. Due to the geography and history of the area, some destinations are a bit farther away, so we’ll focus on those within a few hours’ drive for ideal day trips.
While there are additional exciting destinations across the border, this guide will emphasize adventures on the U.S. side due to the complexities of border crossings.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: 45 miles (50 minutes)
Just north of El Paso, you’ll find Las Cruces, a vibrant city known for its art and food scenes, as well as its friendly locals. Don’t miss the nearby town of Mesilla, known for its quaint square and excellent restaurants and shops. The region is also surrounded by pecan farms, so be sure to pick up some local pecans.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Organ Mountains and Dripping Springs offer popular hikes. History buffs can explore the White Sands Missile Range Museum, Las Cruces Art Museum, and New Mexico Farm Museum.
Eat: Visit La Posta De Mesilla for delicious Mexican cuisine served in a beautiful historic building.
White Sands National Park
Distance from El Paso: 95 miles (90 minutes)
White Sands National Park features the world’s largest concentration of gypsum crystal “white sand.” The landscape is breathtaking, resembling a sea of white. The park offers activities such as hiking, stargazing, camping, and even sledding, which feels more like gliding on slushy snow than on sand.
Nearby Alamogordo is famous for its pistachios, and you can visit the amusing “world’s largest pistachio” statue. Alamogordo also offers attractions like the New Mexico Museum of Space History and hiking in Lincoln National Forest and Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
Eat: Brown Bag Deli in Alamogordo serves excellent sandwiches—perfect for your trip.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Distance from El Paso: 149 miles (2 hours 20 minutes)
Carlsbad Caverns is one of the world’s largest cave systems, with over 119 discovered caverns. The “Big Room,” North America’s largest cave chamber, is a must-see. Make sure to book a reservation at recreation.gov and consider a ranger-guided tour for a deeper experience.
Eat: Cactus Cafe offers a tasty selection of burgers and breakfast dishes, accompanied by some of the friendliest service around.
Tip: Fill up on gas before heading out, as there are no services between El Paso and Carlsbad.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Distance from El Paso: 113 miles (2 hours)
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited parks but boasts over 86,000 acres of rugged mountains and valleys, including Texas’s highest peak at 8,751 feet. Trails like Devil’s Hall, McKittrick Canyon, and El Capitan offer great hiking opportunities. The park also contains historic sites like old cabins and ranches.
Eat: Bring your own food, as there are no services nearby. The closest amenities are in White’s City, 30 miles away.
Lordsburg, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: 162 miles (2.5 hours)
Lordsburg originally thrived during the railroad days. While the town itself is small, nearby attractions include Shakespeare Ghost Town, a relic of the silver rush era revitalized by a local family. Other local attractions include a veterans park and the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Museum, which features WWII Internment and POW exhibits.
Eat: Ramona’s Cafe serves delicious southwestern and Mexican cuisine.
Deming, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: 102 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Deming is known for its rich railroad history and natural attractions. The Mimbres Museum showcases early western history, while Rockhound State Park and Spring Canyon offer outdoor activities like gem hunting and hiking.
Eat: Cactus Cafe offers a delightful selection of local Tex-Mex dishes.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: 119 miles (2 hours)
This uniquely named town, once called Hot Springs, is known for its sulfur-free hot springs. It’s also the gateway to Spaceport America, where Virgin Galactic offers commercial spaceflights.
Tip: Truth or Consequences has become a hotspot for hot springs glamping, offering unique lodging options like yurts and trailers.
Silver City, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: 154 miles (2.5 hours)
Silver City has a rich mining history and a charming downtown area. Nearby, you can explore the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument or partake in outdoor activities at City of Rocks State Park.
Eat: Diane’s Restaurant is a great pick for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
Skiing in the Lincoln National Forest
Distance from El Paso: Cloudcroft (111 miles, 2 hours) and Apache (153 miles, 3 hours)
For winter sports enthusiasts, both Cloudcroft and Ski Apache offer great skiing options within a reasonable distance from El Paso. Ski Apache, owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, provides challenging runs, while Cloudcroft is perfect for more moderate skiing.
Fun Fact: Ski Apache has been managed by the Mescalero Apache Tribe since 1963!
Whether you’re looking for art, history, outdoor adventures, or just a quick getaway, these day trips from El Paso have something to offer everyone. Enjoy your adventures!