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Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso, TX, is massive with almost 27,000 acres, and offers the ultimate experience for an active nature lover! We’ve put together a few outdoor tips to make your visit to the park safe and pleasurable. more Hiking and Mountain Biking If you want to go hiking or mountain biking, there are over 100 miles of trails that run through almost 27,000 acres of the park. The trails range in levels of difficulty and can be completed in a day: it depends on your level of fitness, the weather, and your pace. Make sure you have everything you need to be safe on the trail! Plan your trip Get a good map of the park and the trail so you can study it carefully. Take a compass with you, as you cannot always rely on a GPS. Wear the Right Clothing Pack loose clothing made of natural fibers. It’s best to wear layered clothing and long-sleeved shirts and trousers to slow down dehydration. Make sure your footwear is comfortable, and take a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Drink Plenty of Water Drink lots of water before you venture out, and do not forget to take at least one gallon of water with you. When your water bottle is half empty, head back. Essential Items to Take on a Hike Map and compass Plenty of water Emergency contact information A small first aid kit Sun protection Warm sweater Lighter or matches Small knife Nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars Rock Climbing You can rock climb at McKelligon Canyon or Sneed's Cory for a shorter, quick climb. You must bring your own climbing equipment. To enjoy your climb, make sure you bring the right equipment for the conditions in the park. Climbing Equipment Strong climbing ropes Harnesses Carabiners Helmets Chalk Chalk bag Quickdraws or extenders Belay devices Lots of climbing tape Spring-loaded camming devices Good rock-climbing shoes Camping There are great, primitive campsites at Tom Mays Unit. The sites do not have water or electricity, so make sure you bring enough water for drinking and cooking. Here are a few tips to help you make the best of camping in the park: Make Sure You Sleep Well Except for taking the right tent for the conditions, also bring a pillow and a sleeping pad along. After a day of outdoor activities, you want to sleep as comfortably as possible. Outdoor Cooking Pack plenty of matches and a lighter, and do not forget cooking utensils. Bring along firelighters, charcoal, and firewood. The Right Food If you are going to be very active, add fruit, peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and some energy bars to your supplies for sufficient nutrition. Handy Gadgets The campsites do not have electricity, so bring along a flashlight, a headlamp, and lanterns, and plenty of batteries. Stay Safe and Protected Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, chapstick, a compass, and  a map of the park and the trails By following these tips, you can enjoy all the great outdoor adventures in the park! Preparation is key for a fun-filled day making new memories!

Mexican food is a staple when you're living in or visiting Texas! With so many choices of mouthwatering Mexican restaurants in El Paso, you may not know where to start! If your taste buds are craving some south-of-the-border flavor, here are five of the most flavorful local restaurants to add to your bucket list! 1. Mocambo Mocambo is located on Cypress Avenue and has served hungry customers for over 60 years! This restaurant features a simple menu of tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more, all with your choice of chicken or steak and plenty of rice and beans! more Come here to try a delightful Mexican-style breakfast, like two eggs with brisket smothered in jalapenos, tomatoes, and onion; and served with potatoes and beans. If you've got picky eaters in tow, there are also a few American-style choices, such as hamburgers and chicken nuggets. 2. Julio's Mexican Food Operating since 1944, Julio's sits right on Gateway Boulevard East and offers some of the best Mexican food in town! Every menu item is cooked fresh from scratch and made with great pride. From appetizers like homemade guacamole and crispy loaded nachos; to dinner plates like chicken mole and fiesta fish – you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes here! Enchiladas, chimichangas, tacos, tostadas, and flautas are among some of your other choices. Don't forget to leave room for some handmade desserts! 3. L & J Café L & J Café has been serving delicious Mexican-style food since 1927 and has no plans to stop! Not only is this eatery situated in a historic location on East Missouri Avenue, but it also features a delectable menu of delicious food and drinks for your indulgence! Some of their most noteworthy menu items include their creamy bean and cheese dip, spicy chicken tortilla soup, cheesy enchilada plates, and combination plates if you can't decide! If you love their salsa, you can even purchase a jar of it to enjoy at home! 4. El Taquito Located right on Airway Boulevard, El Taquito serves up great home-style food at a fair price. Upon entry, you'll see the staff chopping up fresh avocados and other ingredients that go directly into your dishes. Some of the must-try menu items include the flautas rancheras, horchata, and gorditas. If you're ever catching a flight from ELP, grab a bite to eat here! 5. Tacos Chinampa Consider paying a visit to Tacos Chinampa on Gateway Boulevard East for even more tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine! Where else will you find the Chiamapa's Survival Kit, allowing you to bulk order tacos, enchiladas, cheese dip, rice and beans, guacamole, and more to enjoy at home? Some of their other unique, must-try offerings include Mexican fries, broiled cheese, and chicken fajita salad. When you're in the mood for yummy Mexican cuisine, you'll never fall short of options to try. Give all of these restaurants a shot to find a possible new favorite!

Located in downtown El Paso, the El Paso Museum of History contains 44,000 square feet of fascinating historical exhibitions. It covers the past 400 years of American history, focusing on the United States/Mexico border region, also known as The Pass of the North. For the past 46 years, the museum and its curators have been committed to the historical and cultural education of its many visitors – and though currently closed, are looking forward to reopening as soon as it is safe to do so. History of the El Paso Museum of History The museum was established in 1974 as a cavalry museum. It contained detailed exhibits about America's history with horses and was certainly a must-see for horse lovers. However, it soon became apparent that the museum's scope extended far beyond equestrian matters. The museum was rich in historical information, and so in 1980, its name was officially changed to the El Paso Museum of History. more In the year 2000, the museum got the approval for $6.5 million in funding for a new building - one that would be worthy of the museum's content. The new building was credited with "helping rejuvenate downtown El Paso." Exhibits The museum contains two permanent exhibits: El Paso A-to-Z and Changing Pass. There’s also a great deal of space set aside for temporary exhibits. A recent exhibition was Power of the Southwest: 120 Years of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, which highlighted the Chamber's role in local and national history. Another was Tracks Across the Desert: More Than 100 Years of Railroad in El Paso, which explored the role the railroad played in shaping modern-day El Paso. El Paso A-to-Z Though spatially quite small, there is a wealth of information to be found in this permanent exhibit. It contains a large number of artifacts as well as an impressive, real-life model of one of the original steam cars. Changing Pass: People, Land & Memory This is the first exhibition that visitors are greeted with when they walk through the door. It provides comprehensive information about the El Paso del Norte region, beginning with the early indigenous settlers and concluding with the 20th century ASARCO. Through artifacts, interactive displays, and text panels, visitors learn how the many social, cultural, political, religious, and environmental factors of years gone by have come to define El Paso. Digital Wall When it was implemented in February of 2015, this state-of-the-art digital wall, known as 'Digie', was the first of its kind in the United States. The wall is made up of five 95 inch touch screens, offering a three-dimensional, interactive view of El Paso as it was at various points of history, going back to the late 1600s. Users can interact with the wall by touching the images to extract information, or just by searching for points of interest. When it comes to the United States/Mexico border region, this museum is a historical gold mine. Lots to read, lots to look at, and plenty of interaction to make things all the more exciting – learn something new today!

The city of El Paso, TX, has more than 220 parks and almost 3,000 acres of open spaces with paved pathways and trails for hiking, biking, running, and rollerblading. The striking desert scenery provides the ultimate outdoor experience for nature lovers. Explore the desert on the many scenic trails that crisscross past massive boulders and up rocky hills and marvel at the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. Franklin Mountains State Park Just twenty minutes from El Paso, there are more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails that run over 27,000 acres in the Franklin Mountains State Park. The tracks range from easy to difficult and can be completed in a day. The trails mostly start at the Tom Mays Unit and have more than 17 different climbing routes with spectacular views of the desert below. There are many nature trails that snake through the park. Encounters with wildlife that live between the unique desert vegetation are not uncommon. more Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site The 860-acre historic site lies in the desert basin, between the Franklin Mountains and the Hueco Mountains, and is just 32 miles from central El Paso. The spectacular views, historical artifacts, fauna, and flora make it worthwhile to explore the unique fauna and flora that survive in the harsh beauty. Many rugged trails crisscross through the park, dotted with cacti and creosote bushes, ocotillos, and sotols, affording hikers dramatic views of the stark landscape. Be on the lookout for black-tailed jackrabbits, horned lizards, and more than 200 species of birds that live in the rugged surroundings and the rocky hills. Rio Grande Riverpark and Trail System The tree-lined 21-mile paved multi-use trail runs along the Rio Grande and offers beautiful views of the river and the Franklin Mountains in the distance. The track is fit for all skill levels and is very popular amongst hikers, joggers, and bikers. On the path, you’ll meander past willows, salt cedars, and cottonwoods. Waterbirds are plentiful; herons and ducks can often be seen between the reeds and grasses on the banks of the river. The Thousand Steps Trail The steep 3,7-mile doubletrack loop trail is used mostly for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and nature trips and starts on a dirt road off Stanton Street and ends at the tram building at the Ranger Peak loop in El Paso. The trail is for more experienced hikers and connects to many other trails along the way. The path gets steeper, in places slippery, and becomes quite a tough climb up to Ranger Peak. The views on the trail are magnificent, and during spring and summer, wildflowers are everywhere. There is a small rock shelter, built by the power company in the 1930s, where hikers catch a breath before continuing. The trail is easier on the descent but still be cautious as it is easy to slip or stumble. Explore the wonders of this breathtaking desert on the miles of hiking and biking trails and enjoy the uniqueness of the surroundings of El Paso, TX!

The El Paso Museum of Art is one of the best places in Texas (and perhaps the country) to experience a multicultural collection of paintings, sculptures, pottery, and more. Founded more than 60 years ago, the museum features unique works of art from Mexico, Europe, and the United States. 1. It's Always Free The EPMA offers free admission, always. They're open every day except Monday and are closed for all major holidays. On Thursdays, they have extended hours and do not close until 9 pm. The flexible hours and free admission make the EPMA a hit for potential visitors with all kinds of schedules and budgets! more 2. It Includes The El Paso Museum of Art School The EPMA Art School offers a wide variety of classes including ceramics, drawing and painting, and printmaking. Recently, they've also started offering classes in 3D printing and design as well as photography and other mediums. There are a wide variety of opportunities to learn and a variety of skilled instructors to teach you. Having a whole museum of inspiration right upstairs doesn't hurt, either! Students have the opportunity to connect with their peers because the classes are separated by age groups. The EPMA offers classes for children, teens, and adults. The classrooms are large and fully equipped, but the classes are small enough for everyone to have individual attention. Like Museum admission, most classes are free, too. 3. It's Nationally Accredited In fact, the EPMA is the only museum within a 200-mile radius that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It's one of the only accredited museums in West Texas, too. Why does accreditation matter? An accredited museum has proved its value and trustworthiness to their community. Accredited museums have better opportunities for funding, which allows the EMPA to continue to be able to showcase high quality, unique exhibits. It also helps them continue to be able to offer free admission, free art classes, and more. 4. It Has Permanent and Seasonal Exhibits The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, so you never get bored on your visit! Rotating exhibits help keep the museum fresh and inviting for members and new visitors alike. 5. It's Multicultural The EPMA is proud of the multicultural heritage surrounding El Paso, Texas. In fact, the Museum's mission statement even makes sure to state that the museum “celebrates the region's diverse cultures through exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs.” As a commitment to this, you'll find Hispanic and bilingual employees in every department of the museum. Additionally, about 33% of volunteers and half of the EMPA Art School teachers are bilingual. El Paso, Texas is a multicultural area, and the EPMA reflects that. It is a welcoming and educational place to visit for El Paso's many residents, Spanish and English speaking alike. But don't just take our word for it - stop by for a visit!

El Paso, Texas is well known for its breathtaking mountains, diverse zoo, and inspirational art. However, it also has many excellent restaurants that provide delicious food for delivery or take-out! Here are five great restaurants for delivery or take-out in El Paso, TX. 1. Fun Noodle Bar If you're looking for a scrumptious meal with an Asian flair, the Fun Noodle Bar on Viscount Boulevard fits the bill. The restaurant is small, so delivery and take-out orders are recommended so you won't have to wait to be seated. more Popular dishes at Fun Noodle Bar include orange chicken, Tonkotsu ramen, youpo noodles, and kung pao chicken, but no matter what you order, it’ll be freshly made right in front of you. This will definitely become one of your favorite spots in El Paso for take-out and delivery! 2. The Crab Station Given Texas's proximity to the ocean, fresh seafood is always an excellent choice for take-out and delivery in El Paso. The Crab Station on North Desert Boulevard offers seafood boils; a variety of oyster dishes; and fresh lobster, Dungeness crab, blue crab, shrimp, snow crab, king crab, clams, mussels, and octopus. Portions at The Crab Station are large, so when you order delivery or take-out, you can be sure you will get enough for leftovers - if you can restrain yourself from eating everything as soon as it arrives! No matter what you order, you’ll feel like you're eating fresh seafood on the beach or in a coastal town. 3. West Texas Chophouse Sometimes, especially in Texas, you just crave all-American food. For those times, consider ordering delivery or take-out from West Texas Chophouse on Airway Boulevard. Burgers, wings, steaks, macaroni and cheese, chicken sandwiches, and more await you at this modern Western steakhouse. Be sure to get your order in early, though, because this place is extremely popular, and even though its food is worth the wait, you may end up very hungry before your order arrives! 4. Southern Comfort Cafe The name of this restaurant says it all: Southern Comfort. That's exactly the kind of food you get when you order take-out or delivery from the Southern Comfort Cafe on Montwood Drive. It's a tiny restaurant, so ordering take-out or delivery of its fall-off-the-bone ribs, smothered pork chop, fried catfish, or Southern fried cabbage is highly recommended. Don't forget to order some comforting sides to go along with your main meal. You can choose from homemade macaroni and cheese, fried okra, collard greens, coleslaw, and more. 5. The Queen's Table This restaurant makes the list because it is the only completely vegan restaurant in El Paso - so vegetarians and vegans can rejoice at having a full menu of food options for delivery and take-out! Even those who do eat meat find this restaurant's offerings fantastic and gush over the BBQ cauliflower, stuffed tomatoes, mango cauliflower tacos - even vegan chicken and waffles! There’s no shortage of options for tasty meals in El Paso, Texas. This list will definitely get you started, so now all you have to do is choose the genre, then prepare for a scrumptious meal!

Thanks to its rocky terrain and incredible views, El Paso, Texas, is a popular destination for mountain biking. Whether you're thinking of starting the sport for the first time or you've been doing it for years, you'll find a trail to suit your skill level at any of these places for mountain biking — the best around El Paso! Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park Located in the North Hills West neighborhood of El Paso, Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park is a fantastic park for mountain bikers of all levels. The park has a long network of easy to moderate trails that are ideal for beginner and advanced riders alike. Since the park is situated near Franklin Mountains State Park, it's also a good place to take some of the smaller trails into the state park. One option to consider is the Mundy's Gap E Trail. more Lazy Cow Trail If you're new to mountain biking, the Lazy Cow Trail is the perfect starting point. Just don't be fooled by the name. This 6.8-mile out-and-back trail still offers challenging sections and plenty of scenic views. The singletrack trail is smooth and flat as it stretches from Old Tin Mine Road to Bowen Ranch. If you're looking to add a little more challenge to your ride, you can tackle the Lazy Cow and Mad Cow Trails, which is an 8.4-mile loop trail that offers some more moderately technical sections. Billy Rogers Arroyo Park Billy Rogers Arroyo Park is a small park located near The University of Texas at El Paso. The park has several easygoing trails that are great for cycling enthusiasts. Most of the trails are fast, singletrack options. A good one to tackle is the 1.6-mile Arroyo Park trail, which has an easy to intermediate rating if you're interested in something more challenging. When you're ready to advance, exit the park onto Tower Access Road, and then take on the more strenuous Monk's Trail. Franklin Mountain State Park Franklin Mountain State Park is located just north of downtown El Paso and offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the area. The 24,000-acre park has over 100 miles of trails that are suited for every skill level. If you're looking for something easy, the 2.1-mile Scenic Road trail was once an old dirt road that now offers stunning views of the park. For a real challenge, consider the 26.1-mile Franklin Mountain Loop, which offers steep elevation changes and difficult switchbacks. Lost Dog Trail Another good mountain biking trail for beginners is Lost Dog Trail. A portion of this trail sits within Franklin Mountains State Park, and the rest is located to the west of the park. The trail offers a short and easy climb that rewards you with some nice views of the surrounding desert. It's also one of the best trails for a chance to see wildlife. No matter what type of mountain biking adventure you're interested in taking, you'll have a great time on these trails, which are the best for mountain biking in El Paso. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The heat of summer in El Paso, Texas, is no joke. Fortunately, the city has an excellent variety of ice cream shops where you can cool down with a sweet treat! The next time you're interested in enjoying your favorite flavor of ice cream, check out one of these top parlors around the city! Fahrenheit 32 Fahrenheit 32 specializes in rolled ice cream. To make this unique dessert, servers pour a liquid ice cream mixture onto a pan that's chilled to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You then get to choose what type of ingredients to mix in. Once the mixture freezes, it's rolled up and put in a cup. Even better, you get to choose unlimited toppings to make your ice cream unique! If the choices feel a little overwhelming, you can also select from suggested combinations like Gotcha Matcha, The Breakfast Club, and Chunky Monkey. more Ice & Pan Ice & Pan is a friendly ice cream shop where you can customize any of the ice cream flavors just the way you like them. The menu has an incredible variety of rolled ice cream creations. Popular options include the Strawberry Cheesecake, which has vanilla ice cream mixed with strawberry and cheesecake bites, as well as the Monkey Duty, which includes vanilla ice cream mixed with banana and Nutella. Kids also love ordering the Cookie Monster, which has blue vanilla ice cream mixed with cookie and Oreo crumbles. Social Ice Social Ice serves up shaved ice, natural ice, and ice cream cones in a cool environment. Some of the popular shaved ice flavors include cherry cola, pina colada, and blue coconut. If you're in the mood for ice cream, pick one of the specialty cones. One fun option is the Ninja Turtle, which has lime shaved ice served with either coconut, grape, cherry, or orange and vanilla ice cream. Another good one is I Want S'more, which has chocolate shaved ice and vanilla ice cream topped with marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. The Baked Bear If you enjoy ice cream sandwiches, you'll love what you find when you stop by The Baked Bear. This ice cream shop serves custom ice cream sandwiches that you get to design. You'll begin by selecting the cookies you'd like for your top and bottom. Next, you get to choose your ice cream flavor. After that, you select what type of toppings you want. Finally, you have to decide whether you want to enjoy your creation cold or warmed up! Menchie's Frozen Yogurt If you're in the mood for ice cream but are also trying to stick to a diet, head to Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. Here, you can enjoy some of the best frozen yogurts without all those calories. Some of the popular flavors you can savor include fresh shredded coconut, Peppa Pig's cotton candy, pure chocolate, red velvet, and toasty marshmallow. Whether you order a classic flavor or something unique, you'll be able to cool off this summer when you head to some of these delicious ice cream shops in El Paso! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you’re looking for something fun, you can find plenty of places to go in and around El Paso, Texas. Whether your idea of fun is dancing the night away at a club, trying a new outdoor adventure, or enjoying dinner and drinks, El Paso has something for you! Gringo Theory Patio Bar Gringo Theory is the place to go when you want to spend a relaxed afternoon enjoying good food, drinks, and games. Gringo Theory is also dog-friendly, with two areas for pooches to play, complete with doggie pools. Head here with a few friends to play yard games, sit on a swing at the bar while you order a drink (Gringo Theory's signature drink is the Drunken Snow-Cone), and enjoy delicious tacos and other eats from the rotating food trucks that stop by. more Inside, you'll find plenty of seating, including comfortable couches as well as pool tables in the back. This patio bar even has a designated place for Uber to pick up and drop off when you should avoid getting behind the wheel. Though temporarily closed, they are looking forward to opening back up once the current situation is better under control. Ascarate Municipal Golf Course Spend your day hanging out with friends at the golf course. Ascarate Municipal Golf Course stays open all year and offers a challenging 18-hole course. If you don't have time for a full 18 holes, the course also has a short nine-hole course and the Delta Nine, a practice course. You can spend time at the driving range or the putting and chipping greens if you want to practice your swing or accuracy. After a round of golf, head to Primo's Cafe, a family-owned restaurant that serves homemade Mexican dishes, burgers, and the coldest beer in the area! Speaking Rock Entertainment Center Speaking Rock Entertainment Center is the place for music lovers to go. It's open every day for live entertainment, good food, drinks, and more. It's a great place to sit back and relax while listening to music and enjoying a cold drink. All guests must be 21 or over to enter. District Coffee Co. Gather your friends and head to District Coffee. This cafe has a nice ambiance, with plenty of places to sit and board games to play. The menu offers a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes, teas, blended coffees, cold brews, and ice blends. The baristas are all friendly and well-trained to craft the perfect drink. Guests are welcome to stay and hang out as long as they want! The menu also has delicious food items, such as pico de gallo toast, smoked salmon toast, yogurt parfait, and several lunch items, including the cucumber avocado sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich. Whether you want drinks, dancing, outdoor fun, or a cup of coffee, you can enjoy El Paso at these fun establishments. Check websites for recommendations and availability, then plan on a day of fun in El Paso, TX! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

You wouldn't expect there to be a ton of restaurants that serve authentic Asian cuisine in El Paso, but we've got impressive and surprising options! Whether you're looking for Vietnamese, Japanese, or Chinese delicacies, there is something in this town to satisfy your every craving! Keep reading to learn more about some of El Paso's tastiest Asian offerings. Pho Tre Bien Since its opening in 2000, Pho Tre Bien has been providing authentic Vietnamese cuisine to the greater El Paso community. Though they were the first Vietnamese restaurant in El Paso, their popularity has expanded so much that there are now three locations in different areas of the city: more Pho Tre Bien Pho Tre Bien Cafe Pho Tre Bien Express Aside from the obvious offerings of pho, they have a wide number of appetizers, delicious spring rolls, soups, rice bowls, vermicelli platters, and even some house specials. The Vietnamese sandwich, or banh mi, gives you a delicious look into the Asian and French flavors that coexist in this country's cuisine. Sushi Freak The concept for Sushi Freak was originally conceived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2010 but it has since opened four other locations: another spot in Albuquerque, one in San Diego, one in Las Cruces, and a location in El Paso. While still maintaining a sense of tradition, Sushi Freak allows the customer to create their own custom sushi dishes. This contemporary concept marries fast-casual dining with authentic techniques and quality ingredients. When making your own dish at Sushi Freak, you have the option to create rolls, poke bowls, or sushi burritos. Yes, you read that right. First, you choose your preferred delivery method, then you pick some proteins, fillings, and the toppings and sauces that you want to finish it all up with. Even though creating your own concoction is their main draw, if you're not feeling creative you always have the option to choose from their selection of sushi rolls, sushi burritos, sides, and some of their house favorites. The menu consists of new and old-school favorites, including poke nachos. Sun Garden Chinese Bistro If you're looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, you can't go wrong with Sun Garden Chinese Bistro. You won't find Americanized dishes or fusion concepts here, just authentic Cantonese delicacies crafted by a chef that completed their culinary training right in the heart of China. It's located on the West Side and gives you an incredible bang for your buck. During your visit, expect family-sized portions for an affordable price. Aside from the normal and expansive dinner menu, Sun Garden also provides great lunch specials! Even if you aren't able to travel all the way to Asia, you can still enjoy an authentic Asian dining experience right here in El Paso! You don't have to go far to find delicious Vietnamese, Japanese, or Chinese dishes. Stop by one of these popular Asian restaurants for lunch or dinner today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're in the El Paso area and you're a nature lover, outdoor enthusiast, or avid cyclist, there are several gorgeous, scenic trails to take your bike. From relaxed cycling trails to challenging mountain bike courses, there's something for every experience level when you check out these best biking spots in El Paso, Texas. Best of all, most of the trailheads and parks are just a 20-minute drive outside of El Paso, and many trails are interconnected with Texas' state park system, making them easily accessible! Chamizal National Memorial The Chamizal National Memorial is one of the toughest trails in El Paso and is the race and marathon training spot for many of the city's high school cross country track teams. With multiple challenging biking and hiking trails, the Chamizal National Memorial can offer a great ride for avid cyclists. more Trans-Mountain State Park The Trans-Mountain State Park sits just outside of El Paso and features 10.3 miles of biking and hiking trails perfect for any experience level. From cycling trails to running trails, Trans-Mountain has something for everyone. Ascarate Park Ascarate Park is the largest park in El Paso with a total of 448 acres, 48 of which hold the man-made scenic lake. The park features all sorts of trails for cycling, mountain biking, running, and hiking and you can enjoy a picnic by the lake or rent a paddleboat for a day on the water! McKelligon Canyon McKelligon Canyon is located on the southeastern side of the Franklin Mountains State Park and is part of the Franklin Mountains State Park trailhead system. There are multiple trailheads that McKelligon Canyon houses at the end of its run, including the Ron Coleman Trail. With tons of rock climbing and cycling routes, this year-round trail system can give you just what you're looking for on your bike ride! Pat O'Rourke Memorial Trail The Pat O'Rourke Memorial Trail is a 4.4-mile-long round-trip venture on the western side of El Paso. The trail features gentle inclines and declines for laid-back walking, hiking, and recreational cycling. This park is also part of the Franklin Mountains State Park system, and its trails are perfect for a relaxed stroll or bike ride through amazing scenery. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site The Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is a unique trailhead for mountain and boulder biking with its rocky and rugged terrain. The park gets its name from the "huecos," or "hollows," that collect rainwater from the rare storms that pass through this desert landscape. With cave paintings and historical beginnings, including the cultural histories of several Native American tribes of the area, this trailhead offers active biking and learning opportunities for anyone looking for adventure in El Paso. These six parks, trailheads, and nature spots all offer different levels of biking, cycling, running, climbing, and hiking routes for any experience level. Many spots are perfect for just hopping in the car and going for a visit to enjoy the landscapes. If you're up for an adventure, be sure to bring your bike! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

One of the best ways to get familiar with a city is to explore the art its inhabitants create and display. El Paso's rich cultures create an interesting nexus of art styles, cultures, and philosophies that make long to-do lists for art lovers in the city! Start exploring El Paso's art world at these exciting galleries, after checking their websites to confirm availability: El Paso Museum of Art If you're looking for a world-class art gallery, head to the El Paso Museum of Art. This institution has received much acclaim for their expertly curated works, so if you only visit one gallery in El Paso, this is the one you should visit. more You'll find a little bit of everything at this museum: modern art, local artists' pieces, antique European works, multimedia creations, and more. This museum also hosts a wide range of learning and entertainment events throughout the year, so try to plan your visit to coincide with a happening that interests you! Glass Gallery The University of Texas at El Paso houses the Glass Gallery, which is a professionally maintained collection of contemporary art created by the university's students. Throughout the school year, the artworks on display are rotated to feature several new artists each month. Each visit is a new experience, as well as a thought-provoking look into the present and future of art. Hal Marcus Gallery For a greater insight into El Paso's local artists, visit the Hal Marcus Gallery. This gallery showcases the work of some of the El Paso area's most prominent artists who capture the spirit of the city and surrounding area. The gallery itself is located in a blue house in the downtown historic district, hinting at the flashes of vibrant colors within. Stanlee & Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts The Stanlee & Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts is also housed at UTEP, and it offers visitors opportunities to see some of the most striking visual artworks of the city. This contemporary art hub gives artists a space to create and display interesting art off the canvas. The ever-rotating exhibits it holds makes each visit a new and exciting one! Creative Kids Inc. If you're trying to get your children interested in self-expression and the world of art, take them to Creative Kids Inc. This family-friendly art gallery promotes artistic expression in the youth of the area, empowering them to create and think. After visiting this interesting gallery, your children may be inspired to do the same! El Paso Art Association The El Paso Art Association has been around since 1948, establishing itself as an important art institution in the city. Their gallery on West Paisano Drive not only displays some of the greatest artists of the area, but also hosts classes, workshops, and art shows throughout the year. Locating a great art gallery or museum in El Paso isn't a difficult task — it's deciding which to visit first that's the hard part! Start your exploration of El Paso's art at these galleries and then broaden your search to find your new favorite art destination! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License