10 Easy Road Trips From El Paso, Texas: Fun Things To Do Just Outside the County
If you live in
El Paso, Texas or you’re planning a visit, you don’t have to go far to find new places to explore. In fact, some of the best day trips and weekend getaways are just over the county line in
Doña Ana County, New Mexico,
Otero County, New Mexico, and
Hudspeth County, Texas.
These out-of-county road trips are close enough for a quick escape, but far enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere totally different.
1. White Sands National Park (Otero County, NM)
About
95 miles from El Paso, near Alamogordo, you’ll find one of the most surreal places in the Southwest:
White Sands National Park.
Picture this: miles and miles of soft, white gypsum sand dunes that look almost like snow. On a sunny day, it feels like you’re walking on another planet.
- Rent or bring a plastic sled and slide down the dunes.
- Walk the Dune Life Nature Trail to spot tracks from lizards, birds, and small animals.
- Stay for sunset—watching the dunes turn soft pink and gold is unforgettable.
Tip: The sand reflects the sun, so bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Even if it doesn’t feel that hot, the sun is strong out there.
2. Old Mesilla Plaza (Doña Ana County, NM)
Head about
45 miles northwest into New Mexico and step back in time in the historic village of
Mesilla, right next to Las Cruces.
This small town has an old plaza, low adobe buildings, and a slow, relaxed vibe that feels a world away from city life.
- Stroll around the Mesilla Plaza and duck into local shops and galleries.
- Grab New Mexican food with plenty of red or green chile—ask for “Christmas” if you want both.
- Check out the historic Basilica of San Albino at the edge of the plaza.
If you like history, Mesilla has plenty of stories about Billy the Kid, stagecoaches, and the Old West. It’s a great half‑day or evening road trip from El Paso.
3. Cloudcroft & the Sacramento Mountains (Otero County, NM)
Craving trees and cooler air? Drive about
130 miles to the mountain village of
Cloudcroft in the Sacramento Mountains.
One minute you’re in the desert, and a couple of hours later you’re in pine forests at nearly 9,000 feet. It’s a huge change of scenery.
- Walk the Osha Trail for big views of the valley below.
- Stroll through the tiny downtown for coffee, pie, and small shops.
- In winter, go sledding or play in the snow—yes, snow, just a short drive from El Paso.
Personal note: The first time I drove up to Cloudcroft from the desert, it felt like changing seasons in one afternoon. One hour I was sweating in short sleeves; the next I was pulling on a jacket and smelling pine trees.
4. Las Cruces, New Mexico (Doña Ana County, NM)
Just over
45–50 miles from El Paso,
Las Cruces is an easy road trip with a mix of food, art, and scenery.
- Walk through Old Town Las Cruces and nearby markets.
- Try local restaurants for green chile cheeseburgers, enchiladas, and more.
- Drive toward the Organ Mountains for dramatic views and photo stops.
Las Cruces is a great “starter” road trip if you’re new to exploring outside El Paso. You get that out-of-town feeling without a long drive.
5. Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument (Doña Ana County, NM)
Those sharp, rocky peaks you see on the horizon near Las Cruces? That’s the
Organ Mountains, about
60–70 miles from El Paso.
If you love hiking, short walks, or just dramatic views from your car, this is a must-do.
- Visit the Dripping Springs area for an easy to moderate hike to old ruins and a small spring.
- Stop at viewpoints along the road for photos of the mountains and desert below.
- Bring a picnic—there are lots of spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
On a clear day, the sky is a deep blue and the rocks glow at sunset. It’s one of the best photography spots near El Paso.
6. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site (Hudspeth County, TX)
About
35–45 miles east of El Paso, across the county line into
Hudspeth County, you’ll find
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site.
This area is famous for its rock formations, rock climbing, and ancient rock art.
- Take a guided tour to see pictographs (ancient paintings) tucked into rock shelters.
- Wander short trails among boulders and natural rock “tanks” that hold rainwater.
- If you’re into bouldering, this is one of the top spots in the world.
Important: There’s a visitor limit, and some areas require guided access, so it’s smart to call ahead or check the park’s website before you go.
7. Dell City & Salt Flat Scenic Drive (Hudspeth County, TX)
If you like wide-open spaces and lonely highways, head about
80–100 miles east toward
Dell City and the
Salt Flat area in Hudspeth County.
This road trip is less about attractions and more about the journey.
- Enjoy long, quiet stretches of highway with mountains in the distance.
- Stop at roadside pullouts to take photos of the salt flats and desert.
- Look west at sunset—the sky often lights up in shades of orange and purple.
It’s the kind of drive where you roll down the windows, turn up the music, and let your mind wander. If you’ve been feeling stuck or stressed, this open landscape can be surprisingly calming.
8. Pistachio Farms & Wineries near Alamogordo (Otero County, NM)
Around
95–110 miles from El Paso, near Alamogordo, you’ll find several
pistachio farms and local wineries.
Yes, you can actually tour pistachio orchards in the desert.
- Stop at a farm for a short tour to see how pistachios are grown and harvested.
- Taste flavored pistachios—chile, garlic, and more.
- Sample local wines if you’re of age, or pick up a bottle to take home.
This makes a nice add-on to a White Sands day trip, or a relaxed outing on its own if you don’t feel like hiking.
9. Ruidoso & Lincoln National Forest (Otero County, NM)
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive—around
150 miles—head to
Ruidoso, a small mountain town surrounded by
Lincoln National Forest.
It’s a popular weekend getaway with cooler temps, tall pines, and a totally different feel from El Paso.
- Walk through downtown Ruidoso for shops, coffee, and candy stores.
- Take a scenic drive through the forest and stop for short walks or viewpoints.
- In winter, check out skiing or snow play at nearby areas.
If you’ve ever wished for a “classic” mountain town without flying to Colorado, this is a solid pick within driving distance of El Paso.
10. Spaceport America & Nearby Scenic Stops (Doña Ana County, NM)
About
90–110 miles from El Paso, north of Las Cruces, is
Spaceport America, a commercial spaceport tucked into the desert.
You can’t just drive around on your own inside the spaceport, but you can usually book a tour from nearby towns.
- Learn about commercial space launches and the future of space travel.
- Take in the strange mix of empty desert and high-tech buildings.
- Combine the trip with time in Las Cruces or stops along the Rio Grande.
If you’re a space or science fan, this is a fun, offbeat day trip from El Paso.
Tips for Road Trips from El Paso
Before you head out on these
El Paso day trips and weekend adventures, a few quick tips:
- Fuel up early: Once you leave the city, gas stations can be far apart.
- Bring water and snacks: The desert is beautiful but dry, and services are limited in some areas.
- Check weather and hours: Some parks and sites have specific hours or seasonal closures.
- Carry a paper map or offline map: Cell service can drop in remote areas.
Ready to Explore Beyond El Paso?
You don’t have to go far to find fresh views, cooler weather, or totally new experiences. From the white dunes of
White Sands to the pine forests of
Cloudcroft and the history-packed streets of
Mesilla, these short
road trips from El Paso are perfect for day escapes or simple weekend adventures.
Have you tried any of these out-of-county trips yet?
Which one sounds best for your next drive?
Share this guide with friends or family who are always asking, “What is there to do near El Paso?”
And if you have your own favorite hidden spots in Doña Ana, Otero, or Hudspeth County, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear where you like to go when you hit the road.
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