El Paso, Texas: 10 Short Day Trips Worth Taking
10 Easy Road Trips from El Paso, Texas for a Fun Day Out
|
| Trade city streets for white dunes, mountain air, space history, old forts, and a scenic winery stop on these easy day trips from El Paso, Texas. |
If you’re in El Paso, Texas and itching for a quick escape, you’re in a great spot for a scenic road trip. In just a short drive, you can swap city streets for mountain views, desert trails, space history, old forts, and even a winery stop or two. The best part? These ideas stay outside El Paso County, so they’re perfect if you want fresh sights and a real change of pace.
Whether you’re planning one of the best day trips from El Paso, a relaxed nearby getaway, or a simple weekend trip, these spots offer plenty to see without spending all day in the car. Let’s hit the road.
1. Hike and Explore at White Sands National Park, New Mexico
About 100 miles from El Paso, White Sands National Park in Otero County feels almost unreal. The bright white dunes roll on for miles, and the whole place looks like snow dropped into the desert.
This is one of the most iconic day trips near El Paso, Texas for a reason. You can walk the dunes, bring a sled, and catch sunset when the light turns everything soft pink and gold. The first time I went, I remember thinking it looked like another planet, but somehow still felt peaceful and easy to enjoy.
- Best for: families, couples, photographers
- Drive time: around 1 hour 45 minutes
- Don’t miss: the Dunes Drive and a sunset stroll
2. Ride the Scenic Drive at Cloudcroft, New Mexico
If you want cool mountain air, head to Cloudcroft in Otero County. This little mountain village sits high above the desert, and getting there is half the fun. The road climbs through the hills with wide views that make you want to pull over every few miles.
Cloudcroft is a great weekend trip from El Paso if summer heat has you worn out. It’s like opening the freezer after standing outside in the sun. You can walk the village, grab lunch, browse local shops, or head out on nearby trails.
- Best for: summer escapes and relaxing drives
- Drive time: about 2 hours
- Don’t miss: scenic overlooks and the cool pine forest air
3. Visit the Old West at Fort Stanton Historic Site
For a quieter day trip with real history, check out Fort Stanton Historic Site in Otero County. This former military fort dates back to the 1800s and gives you a good look at frontier life in the Southwest.
If you like places that tell a story without feeling crowded, this one works well. Walking the grounds feels a bit like flipping through an old family photo album, only the photos are buildings, open land, and mountain views.
- Best for: history fans and slower-paced travelers
- Drive time: about 2 hours 45 minutes
- Don’t miss: the preserved buildings and wide-open setting
4. See Space History at the New Mexico Museum of Space History
In Alamogordo, Otero County, the New Mexico Museum of Space History is one of the coolest nearby getaways from El Paso if you want something fun and educational. You’ll find rockets, exhibits, and the kind of stories that make you look up at the sky a little differently.
Traveling with kids? This is an easy winner. Even adults who don’t think of themselves as “museum people” often end up enjoying it. Space exploration has that effect. It makes a regular day feel bigger.
- Best for: families and curious travelers
- Drive time: around 1 hour 45 minutes
- Don’t miss: the rocket displays and panoramic views
5. Enjoy Pistachios and Wine at McGinn’s in Alamogordo
Not every road trip from El Paso has to be about hiking. Sometimes you just want a fun stop with good snacks and a relaxed vibe. McGinn’s PistachioLand in Otero County is a popular choice for pistachios, wine tasting, and a quick roadside break.
It’s casual, easy, and perfect if you like local flavor. Pick up gifts, sample treats, and snap a photo with the giant pistachio. Yes, really. It’s goofy in the best way.
- Best for: foodies and lighthearted stops
- Drive time: around 1 hour 30 minutes
- Don’t miss: flavored pistachios and local wine
6. Walk Through History at Mesilla Plaza
Over in Doña Ana County, Mesilla Plaza is one of the most charming day trips near El Paso. The historic square has adobe-style buildings, local shops, restaurants, and deep roots in New Mexico history.
This is the kind of place where you can slow down and wander. Grab a meal, sit for a while, and enjoy the atmosphere. If your ideal day trip includes culture, food, and a little browsing, Mesilla makes a very easy pick.
- Best for: couples, food lovers, and casual explorers
- Drive time: about 50 minutes
- Don’t miss: the plaza itself and nearby local dining
7. Hike the Dripping Springs Natural Area
Also in Doña Ana County, Dripping Springs Natural Area offers one of the best outdoor road trips from El Paso, Texas. This desert hiking spot has trails, mountain views, and the remains of an old resort and sanatorium.
It’s a nice mix of nature and history, which keeps the walk interesting. You’re not just covering miles. You’re seeing ruins, reading signs, and imagining what life looked like here long ago.
- Best for: hikers and history lovers
- Drive time: about 1 hour
- Don’t miss: the trail to the historic ruins
8. Explore Prehistoric Tracks at Prehistoric Trackways National Monument
If you want something different, head to Prehistoric Trackways National Monument in Doña Ana County. This area is known for ancient fossilized footprints and unique desert landscapes.
It’s one of those places that makes you stop and think. Imagine creatures walking here hundreds of millions of years ago. That’s a lot more exciting than a normal afternoon, right?
This trip is best for folks who enjoy rugged outdoor spots and don’t mind a little planning before they go.
- Best for: adventurous travelers and geology fans
- Drive time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Don’t miss: the dramatic terrain and ancient track sites
9. Tour Historic Fort Selden State Monument
Fort Selden State Monument in Doña Ana County is another easy nearby getaway if you enjoy Southwestern history. The ruins of this 1800s fort sit against a beautiful desert backdrop, and the small museum helps bring the site to life.
It’s not flashy, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. This is a peaceful stop where you can take your time, learn a little, and enjoy the open space.
- Best for: history buffs and quiet day trips
- Drive time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
- Don’t miss: the visitor center exhibits and fort ruins
10. See the Salt Flats at Guadalupe Mountains National Park Side Trip
For a longer but unforgettable weekend trip or full-day road trip, drive into Hudspeth County toward the striking desert landscapes near Guadalupe Mountains National Park access areas and the nearby salt basin views. While the main park is in a different county, the drive through Hudspeth County itself offers huge West Texas scenery that feels wild and wide open.
This is a great pick if you love scenic driving and don’t mind a few hours on the road. Sometimes the journey really is the point, especially in West Texas where the land stretches out like an ocean made of rock and sand.
- Best for: scenic drivers and West Texas lovers
- Drive time: about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your route
- Don’t miss: desert views, mountain backdrops, and photo stops
Tips for Planning Your El Paso Day Trips
Before you head out, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Bring lots of water, especially in warm months.
- Check hours before you go for museums and historic sites.
- Fill up your gas tank before driving into remote areas.
- Pack sunscreen, snacks, and a light jacket for mountain spots.
- Start early if you want to fit more into your day.
One nice thing about taking short road trips from El Paso, Texas is that you can keep them flexible. Want a full hiking day? You’ve got options. Prefer a scenic drive with lunch and a few photos? That works too.
Final Thoughts on the Best Nearby Getaways from El Paso
El Paso, Texas makes a great home base for quick adventures. From the white dunes of southern New Mexico to mountain towns, historic forts, and desert trails, there’s no shortage of fun things to do near El Paso when you’re ready for a change of scenery.
Have you taken any of these day trips or found a favorite road trip stop nearby? Share this post with a travel buddy, and drop a comment with your top pick. I’d love to hear which nearby getaway you’d choose first.
Comments
Post a Comment