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From parks to zoos and more, outdoor adventure awaits in El Paso

It's the last of Texas' wildest cities.

Photo courtesy of Visit El Paso

Dubbed the last of Texas' wildest cities, El Paso is a nature lover's paradise. From mountain biking and trail running through its three state parks to visiting the 35-acre El Paso Zoo, or even cooling off this summer at one of four water parks, there is no shortage of al fresco activities in this West Texas town.

State parks
Hundreds of trails twist through Franklin Mountains State Park, starting from central El Paso to New Mexico. When trekking through these mountains, set aside at least a half day — this is the largest urban park in the U.S. The limestone and granite range of the Franklins houses such wildlife as mule deer, sheep, mountain lions, and an array of species of birds and reptiles ranging from rattle snakes to golden eagles. A painting of the Franklins by native El Pasoan Tom Lea even hung in the Oval Office with President George Bush.

Seen as a paradise for world-class climbing and archeological research, Hueco Tanks encompasses three low mountains that rise 6,787 feet above sea level. Its structure once sheltered tribes such as the Jornada Mogollan People, Mescalero Apaches, and Tigua Indians, giving them a stronghold. Here, thousands of rock and cave paintings of masks and stories can be observed. The famous structure of this arroyo provides unique hollows, or huecos, that capture rainwater. Known as the best spot in the world for bouldering, the ideal time to visit is November through March when it is not as hot.

Just west of Hueco Tanks sits Red Sands, which consists of 21 miles of off-roading opportunities. Thirty four million years ago, the entire area used to be under an ancient sea — today, you'll come across plenty of fossils. The park is open year-round and you can rent an ATV or arrive in your own 4x4 vehicle for a day of grilling and hanging out with friends and family.

El Paso Zoo
Locally recognized as the best place to take the kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. This expansive green space is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature, and the Foster Tree House Playground.

Water parks
Get ready for May: That's when El Paso's four water parks open their pools for the summer. Each site is a one-of-a-kind aquatics destination featuring unique themes mixed with spiraling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, spectacular kiddie playgrounds, refreshing leisure pools, climbing walls, lounge chairs, private cabanas, and much more.

Opened in summer 2021 and located at the foothills of the majestic Franklin Mountains in Northeast El Paso, Camp Cohen is your base camp for an adrenaline-packed sporty adventure. Thrill seekers can lap swim in Endurance River, climb the Warrior Wall, or ride high-octane Thunder Run, Lighting Bolt, or Monsoon Plunge slides. Little ones will enjoy their own aquatic adventure at the Poppy Island water playground within the Wild Lagoon.

Life is party at Chapoteo, a fiesta-themed water park. Zooming slides at the Calavera Plunge sends guests twisting and turning while the calm Rio Sereno offers a soothing lazy river experience. Looking to chill out? Las Casitas cabanas and the Marigold Plaza are great places to unwind while you savor a snack from La Olla cafe.

Immerse yourself in the ancient ruins of Lost Kingdom, where adventure chasers will enjoy zipping and twisting water-slide thrills at the Temple Drop, home to the Sun Temple and Moon Temple water slides. Challenge yourself on The Ruins climbing wall and the Mayan Lanes or splash around in the Macaw Lagoon surrounding the Jaguar Jungle, outfitted with interactive water features for endless hours of playtime.

Oasis, El Paso's newest and largest park, is located at Eastside Regional Park and is your summer retreat for family fun. Featuring El Paso's only surfing machine, Oasis also lets you kick back and cool off in the Driftwood Channel or spiral down the signature Tumbleweed slides. Take a break at the cabanas in the Hueco Dwellings after enjoying the Sunset Lagoon leisure pool and the Adventure Pointe water play area at the Rain Puddle kiddie pool.

Bonus: Cyclo de Mayo
Not quite ready to put your bike away? Head to downtown El Paso on May 7 for this family-friendly day of races that includes cash prizes for some categories. You can register online here through May 4 at 5 pm.

It's the last of Texas' wildest cities.

El Paso mission

Photo courtesy of Visit El Paso

It's the last of Texas' wildest cities.

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lets go camping

Llama ranch near Dallas roams onto America's 50 favorite camping spots

Llama Land Ranch in Tool, Texas

Courtesy of Hipcamp

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A family-owned, llama roaming ranch just an hour outside Dallas was just declared one of America's 50 favorite camping spots in 2026.

The field guide was compiled by online marketplace Hipcamp following a review of campsite ratings from users, regional trends, cultural relevance, and a "spirited debate" of Hipcamp experts. Campgrounds were chosen from 35 different states and organized into seven regions: the Pacific Northwest; California and Hawaii; the Southwest; the Mountain West; the Great Plains and Midwest; the Northeast; and the Southeast.

Llama Land Ranch in Tool, Texas was one of nine total campgrounds featured in the Southwest region. The ranch is the perfect place for families to go on core memory-making excursions like meeting the free roaming llamas or watching out for other wildlife like wild boars. The ranch spans 101 acres, and a 50-foot deep creek also flows along the property lines for fishing and swimming.

"The llamas will come to greet you and so will many more things in this wonderful place," the ranch's listing says. "We are conveniently located in a secluded area, but just a short drive from many local conveniences."

The listing also specifies that the pastures are only mowed three times a year and some of the property is on rough terrain, so campers are welcome to bring their own machetes if they want to explore the area thoroughly.

There are 14 sites available for guests to set up camp, with a mix of tent-only, RV/tent, and RV-only sites. The ranch is also very affordable; sites can be booked for as little as $15 per night.

Many reviewers enjoy getting out into the country to reconnect with nature, and many also praise the ranch's owner, Judy, who says the ranch has been in her family since 1987.

"I went with a group of women for an overnight camp at the pond," one reviewer wrote. "It was so beautiful and a much needed break from city life. The host was wonderful and kind. She was also very accommodating to our group."

A second Dallas-Fort Worth-area campground tucked away in Texas' newest state park was also highlighted in the report. Warbler Ridge Campground, located in Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, was the only other Texas representative on the list.

The pet-friendly campground's listing doesn't offer many details, but it says there are 22 RV and tent campsites for visitors, as well as showers, toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. There are activities galore for visitors, including a 68-acre lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, and over 16 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says campsites at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park start at $13 per night (plus a daily entrance fee) for hike-in primitive sites. Walk-in campsites with water are $15 per night and campsites with electricity are $30 per night.

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