A driving tour of west Texas
The "Big Bend" area is historic, wild, and, in some cases, strange. A potential itinerary: Drive El Paso to Marfa (~3 hours) - Take a selfie at the iconic Prada storefront near Valentine - The Big Bend Sentinel newspaper and coffee shop - Tour amazing art at the Chianti Foundation - See the mysterious Marfa Lights... if you're brave enough - Stargaze in one of the darkest counties in North America Drive Marfa to Terlingua/Big Bend National Park (~2 hours) - The Big Bend Museum at Sul Ross University - Hike in the "sky island" of the Chisos basin - Raft the Santa Elena Canyon - Eat at Rusted Iron BBQ in Terlingua - Visit the Terlingua ghost town and dine at the Starlight Theater Return back to El Paso via the "River Road" - Farm Road 170. One of the most scenic drives in the US.
Get lost in the Land of Enchantment
El Paso is a great jumping off point for a New Mexico road trip. Las Cruces neighbors El Paso, and has a quaint historic town center called Old Mesilla. Make sure to try the enchiladas at La Posta Restaurant. Albuquerque is just under 4 hours from El Paso. The views from Sandia Peak are simply breathtaking. A further hour away is historic Santa Fe, which is a magnet for celebrities and artists. Finally, Taos is an additional 70 miles from Santa Fe, with incredible outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, fishing, biking, and skiing.
An alien landscape, and an easy day trip
Wander through towering, otherworldly sand dunes of pure white gypsum. The dunes can be up to 60 feet high, and make for a great playground for kids and adults alike. White Sands National Park is only 90 minutes from El Paso, and can be visited as part of a day trip through Las Cruces' historic Old Mesilla, or in combination with a larger trip to the nearby mountains of Ruidoso.
Explore the dark and mysterious depths
Travel hundreds of feet underground to explore incredible caves. Just over two hours from El Paso, and minutes away from nearby Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
From the desert to the mountains
Just over 2 hours from El Paso (and just an hour from White Sands National Park!) is the resort town of Ruidoso. Built around the stunning Sierra Blanca mountain, and surrounded by Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso is beautiful and wild. Activities include: - all kinds of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping opportunities - wildlife viewing, including deer, elk, turkeys, bears, and wild horses - dinner (especially at Rio Grande restaurant) and drinks (especially at Lost Hiker Brewing, and Win Place and Show bar) - gambling and golf at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino On the drive back, be sure to check out nearby Cloudcroft with its picturesque old western Main Street. Stop by Cloudcroft brewing for pizza, beer, and live music.