Things To Do
Parks
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established on October 25, 1923 in order to preserve the more than 100 known caves. The Park also contains Lechuguilla Cave, which is the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and fourth longest.
El Paso Zoo
So you’ve been in El Paso for a while now and you’re looking for something new… maybe even a little wild? How about getting into a staring contest with a pride of lions? Or catching an infectious smile as a family of meerkats shoot a curious glance your way?
It’s not the typical El Paso experience, but, then again, visiting the El Paso Zoo is anything but typical. The park looks as though it was carved right out of the city, an expansive green space that is home to exotic animal species from around the world.
From your first visit you’ll know that this zoo was not created to house curiosities. It was carefully planned as an open landscape to be explored and discovered. It’s a place that encourages outbursts of oohs!, ahhs!, not to mention the occasional mad dash to the next exhibit. Imagine that… a place where your kids can run amuck and the only repercussion is your struggle to keep up with them.
One of the most interesting things about the El Paso Zoo is that it was developed with a “total immersion” mindset. Visiting this zoo is like taking a journey; an experience that could bring out the animal in anyone. So, if you’re expecting a typical walk in the park, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the uncommon encounters that await you. Get ready to transform your usual family outing into a real adventure.
Where On Earth Are We?
Keeping its animal guests happy and comfortable is extremely important at the El Paso Zoo, and it’s the reason why the zoo was designed as an open space park – part of that total immersion philosophy. One of the interesting results of this type of development is that the exhibits take on the geographic characteristics of the animal’s homeland, and exploring the exotic geography of the exhibits can be just as much fun as seeing the animals themselves. You might even catch yourself wondering just where on Earth you are.
New Entry
If you have been here before, you will notice an all-new entrance to the zoo. One of the new features is the El Paso Water Utility Education Discovery Center. Be sure the kids visit its family-friendly water conservation exhibits, where you just might learn something, too! The new entry also includes the Passport Café for your dining pleasure and, of course, the all-new Safari Outfitter’s Gift Shop.
The newest attraction is Passport to Africa. Built as the last phase of a major expansion project, this brilliant exhibit replicates the sub-Saharan savannah, an amazing place in Zimbabwe known as the Kalahari. Yes, the place where lions, zebras, and giraffes roam free. Well, this African adventure may be in El Paso, but it comes complete with one of the most captivating animals in the world - the African lion. Make no mistake, there is a pride of lions roaming this exhibit and they are magnificent!
Remember that staring contest? Here you can stand eye-to-eye with four lions at extremely close proximity. So close that you could touch them if not for the safety glass that separates man from beast. If you\'ve never experienced the exhilaration of seeing a lion rushing towards you at full clip, then you\'re in for a big treat and a real rush. You can feel the energy in their intense stare. Goose bumps are almost guaranteed as you witness the power and majesty of the king of beasts.
Passport to Africa was built with painstaking detail. The simulated stone used for the enclosure mimics rocky outcroppings common to Zimbabwe and the Kalahari. The realism carries through in the El Paso Electric Kalahari Research Station that overlooks this section of the park. The simulated stone and the research station are perfect examples of the immersive experience that can be had at the El Paso Zoo.
Adjacent to the El Paso Electric Kalahari Research Station and viewable from its windows are the oh-so-loveable meerkat family. It\'s easy to see why these cute creatures had their own reality TV show. They\'re so charming you could spend hours watching their daily social interactions. And there is something interesting about how the meerkats seem to just blend in with the El Paso scenery and the zoo\'s surroundings. It seems like they\'ve always been there.
Asia
Make your next stop on your visit the ancient lands of Asia, which feature the awesome Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans, siamangs, Malaysian tapirs, and one of the zoo\'s rarest large animals - the critically endangered Amur leopard that originated from either Russia or China. This part of the park will also soon be the new home to the extremely rare Przewalski\'s Horse, known as the last truly wild horse in the world. While in Asia, take some time to check the daily schedule for keeper talks about elephants and orangutans and grab a bite to eat at the Asian Grasslands Cafe.
The Americas
The North-and-South American section of the zoo features one of the most enjoyable animals in the world, the California sea lions. When you plan your visit, be sure to include time to experience the Sea Lion presentation. Also, be sure to visit the new reptile exhibit building, which is in the shape of...well, you\'ll see!
Responsible Zoology
There are hundreds of animal species at the zoo including mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and invertebrates, which means you will more than likely be fascinated no matter where you chose to roam. But behind all of the entertainment is some pretty serious business. The El Paso Zoo is one of the few zoos in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. That accreditation doesn\'t come easy and is only reserved for zoo\'s that operate at the highest levels of animal welfare and conservation.
When you really think about it, man and nature are inseparable. We are connected through symbiotic relationships with other animals and share a mutual love and respect for our wilderness. This could explain why the caretakers at the El Paso Zoo have gone to such great lengths to create a living space as impressive and realistic as this for its animal guests.
When you visit, you\'ll surely feel the warm bond between man and beast, but you\'ll also come away with a zest for life - an indescribable thing that just might put a little wild back into your life.
Franklin Mountains State Park
This is the road that cuts through the mountains and connects northeast El Paso with Canutillo to the northwest of town. There are several places to stop and enjoy different views of the desert and towns below.
Towering above the city of El Paso is the Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting. Here you can hike rugged terrain in 37 square miles of desert wilderness, scrub vegetation and open space, with 125 miles of multi-use trails that are especially popular with mountain bikers. Camping and picnicking are also available (please, no ground fires, but charcoal fires can be built in grills at the picnic sites). Tours are regularly available on the first and third weekends of the month; as they are limited to ten persons, reservations are recommended. Check the website calendar for special tours, for which reservations are required.
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site is known for its many American Indian rock paintings and unique geology. Pictograph tours are offered, as well as hiking, picnicking, climbing and camping opportunities. Limited access; reservations recommended. Call for hours of operation and admission fees.
White Sands National Monument
At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies the world's largest gypsum dune field. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.
Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park
The Wyler Aerial Tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park features an aerial cable car situated on nearly 200 acres on the east side of the rugged Franklin Mountains. At the parking area, almost 5000 feet up, visitors can admire the cacti gardens or watch the tramway gondolas take off before purchasing tickets.
Swiss-made gondolas travel on a 2,600 feet long, 1-3/8 inch diameter steel cable. The 4-minute ride soars above a canyon some 240 feet deep. From Ranger Peak, 5,632 feet above sea level, the visitor can enjoy a view of 7,000 square miles, encompassing three states and two nations. There are accessible ramps and paved grounds leading into an observation deck with pay-per-view high power telescopes to enhance the experience. Admission: $7 for 13 and older, $4 for 12 and under.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday and Thursday: Noon to 6:00 PM; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Noon to 9:00 PM; Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Winter Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day): Monday, Thursday, and Sunday: Noon to 6:00 PM; Friday, Saturday, and holidays: Noon to 8:00 PM. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ticket sales end one hour before closing.