Things To Do
Botanical Gardens
Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (CDG) display the flora of the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent regions in the United States and Mexico. The Gardens were formally dedicated in September 1999 and contain over 625 different species of plants, comprising one of the largest captive assemblages of Chihuahuan Desert flora in the world. Guides to the Gardens in English or Spanish are available from the reception desk at the Museum. Current lists of plants found in the Gardens are also available. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are open daily, from dawn to dusk, without admission charge. Guided tours for groups may be arranged by calling 915-747-5565. Parking is available behind the Museum; enter from University Avenue.
El Paso Municipal Rose Garden
The All-American Rose Selection (AARS) public garden is one of over 100 certified gardens within the United States. Ther are over 1900 rosebushes, with 500 varieties. The wrought-iron fenced garden has wide walkways with handicap accessibility, raised beds, a waterfall, and trees and shrubs. Several new rose varieties are planted each year, and after two years the highest-rated are named and receive the AARS symbol. The annual roseshow is held every year. Please contact the association for exact dates and times.
Feather Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Feather Lake is a 43.5-acre wildlife sanctuary based on a 40-acre wetland built by the City of El Paso in 1969 as a stormwater-retention basin. Since 1976, the El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society has leased this land from the City and managed it for wildlife.
On a spring day you might see muskrats swimming across the water; spiny softshell turtles and pond sliders basking in the marsh, and Trans-Pecos striped whiptail lizards skittering ahead on the trail. Over 200 different species of birds, especially those associated with water, have been observed at the sanctuary.
Feather Lake’s water sources are irregular; the lake is sometimes dry. When there is water in the basin, Feather Lake is open to the public on weekends, September through May. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday and 2 p.m. to dusk on Sunday. Admission is free. For classroom, group or individual visits at other times, call (915) 545-5157.
To get to Feather Lake, take I-10 east to Americas Avenue (Exit 34), then go south/right for 1.2 miles on Americas to North Loop. Turn right onto North Loop and go 0.4 miles to the stoplight at Bordeaux Street; the Feather Lake entrance is on your left.
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park comprises an Archaic-period archaeological site, wetlands, and a desert botanical garden. The 4,500-year-old site is one of the oldest villages in the United States. The wetlands are home to many birds, and over 200 species have been spotted there on their seasonal migrations. The botanical garden features a variety of native plants, and includes a pavilion and a replica of an Archaic period brush hut. Admission to the Desert Botanical Garden is $2 for adults; $1 for children, seniors, and military. Open Saturday and Sunday; call for hours or check website. The newest component, The Chihuahuan Desert Experience, is a work in progress that will feature a chance for visitors to stroll the 900-mile length of desert over a 17-acre recreation of the plant indigenous life. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Rio Bosque is a 372-acre city park, managed by the Center for Environmental Resource Management of the University of Texas at El Paso, which began restoration efforts in 1998. In the fall and winter, water flows through the park along the route of the river before it was confined within levees in the 1930s. Many animals and birds have returned to the area as the restoration proceeds, and over 200 species of birds have been sighted.
The visitor center is located at one of the main access points to the trail system. Twice-monthly tours are offered; check the website or call for more information. Open daily, dawn to dusk; no admission charge.
Take I-10 east to Americas Avenue/Loop 375 (exit 34). Take Americas south to Pan American Drive; turn left on Pan American, travel 1.5 miles to the bridge crossing the Riverside Canal. Cross the bridge, turn left on the levee road, and proceed 0.75 miles to the park’s Tornillo Trailhead, where you’ll see parking areas and the visitor center, which is located at one of the main access points to the trail system. Two other trailhead parking areas farther down the levee road are not always accessible by vehicle. Check the website for information on current conditions of the roads road and access conditions.