Attractions and Places To See in El Paso County - Top 20

El Paso County offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. In Colorado, you can visit Pikes Peak - America's Mountain for stunning vistas, or explore the unique red sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods Park. The Texas side features Franklin Mountains State Park with extensive trails and desert scenery, and Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, known for its distinctive rock formations and natural basins. You can also find caves like Aztec Cave and Ascarate Park Lake for water-based recreation.

Yes, El Paso County is rich in history. In Colorado, the Manitou Cliff Dwellings offer a glimpse into ancient Native American architecture. In El Paso, Texas, explore the Historic Mission Trail with its centuries-old adobe churches, visit the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, or learn about tribal history at the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. Other notable sites include Concordia Cemetery and Fort Bliss.

Families can enjoy a variety of attractions. The Lazy Cow Trail is a dog-friendly, easy multi-use trail perfect for observing native plants and wildlife. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and El Paso Zoo offer engaging experiences with animals. Ascarate Park features a lake, playgrounds, and sports facilities. For indoor fun, consider places like Monkey Rock, Bob O's, and Bowl El Paso.

El Paso County offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Thousand Steps Trail in Franklin Mountains State Park is a popular, rocky, and steep option. For easier walks, consider the Lazy Cow Trail. You can find more hiking options in the guide to Easy hikes in El Paso County, which includes routes like Lower Sunset Loop and Chamizal National Memorial.

Yes, for experienced hikers, the Thousand Steps Trail is known for its steep, rocky terrain. The Manitou Incline Trailhead in Colorado offers a challenging hike with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain over 2,768 steps, requiring a reservation. Additionally, reaching the South Franklin Mountain summit involves a challenging climb.

Many outdoor areas in El Paso County are dog-friendly. For example, the Lazy Cow Trail is explicitly dog-friendly. Always check specific park or attraction rules regarding pets, especially for indoor facilities or protected natural areas.

For breathtaking views, head to Pikes Peak in Colorado, which offers panoramic vistas from its 14,115-foot summit. In El Paso, Texas, Scenic Drive provides sweeping views of the city, especially from the winding road around the Franklin Mountains. The Aztec Cave trail also offers spectacular panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley, and the South Franklin Mountain summit provides excellent vantage points.

Absolutely. El Paso County has several cycling routes. The McKelligon Canyon Road and Hueco Tanks Road are popular cycle ways. You can find more options in the guides for Road Cycling Routes in El Paso County and MTB Trails in El Paso County, which include routes like the Smugglers Pass & Mission Valley loop and the Lazy Cow and Mad Cow Trails Loop.

El Paso County is home to remarkable geological formations. Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado is famous for its towering red sandstone formations like the 'Three Graces' and 'Kissing Camels.' In Texas, Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site features unique rock formations that collect rainwater. Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Colorado also showcases hoodoos, colored clay, and spires.

For outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, the optimal time to visit El Paso County is generally from September to May. The summer months can be hot and dry, especially in the Texas portion of the county, making cooler seasons more comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration.

Yes, El Paso County offers unique cultural experiences. In El Paso, Texas, the Tigua Indian Cultural Center celebrates tribal history with a museum, performances, and authentic bread baking. The El Paso Museum of Archaeology preserves indigenous and pueblo heritage spanning 14,000 years, and the El Paso Museum of Art houses diverse collections. The Chamizal National Memorial commemorates a peaceful resolution of a border dispute between the U.S. and Mexico.

Transportation options vary by location. To reach the summit of Pikes Peak, you can use a paved highway or the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. In downtown El Paso, the El Paso Streetcar provides a vintage mode of transportation through the city. Many attractions, like McKelligon Canyon Road, also offer parking facilities.

Visitors appreciate the variety and accessibility of the trails. For instance, the Lazy Cow Trail is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and bird watchers for its ease and opportunities to see native plants and wildlife. The Thousand Steps Trail is popular for its challenging nature and connection to other routes, offering a good workout and scenic views.