Experience Art and Culture at These 5 El Paso Destinations

El Paso may not be the first place you might think of for its fishing potential, as its high temperatures and desert setting make it better known for sand than water! However, if you're willing to explore a little, there are many excellent fishing spots all within a short drive of the city. 1. Ascarate Lake One of the more popular places to fish, Ascarate Lake, is an excellent place to start. Located close to the center of town, the lake is in Ascarate Park (which charges a small fee for parking) and is well stocked with crappie, trout, carp, catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. more The park is open all year round, but it’s worth mentioning that you’ll need a license to fish if you’re 17 or older, and only two rods per person are allowed. There’s also a catch limit of five fish per day. 2. Hideaway Lakes HideAway Lakes is a privately owned collection of lakes, home to lots of catfish. The lakes are just 45 minutes away from the city, in the small town of Tornillo. The site includes lakeside campsites, perfect for night fishing! There are no licenses required as the lakes are private property. Permit prices vary from $15 for a day permit, $20 for an overnight permit, and up to $60 for a four-day stay. Only one rod or hook is allowed per permit, and there’s a daily catch limit of three catfish per day per permit. The lakes are open 24hrs a day but are closed from 9 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on Thursday, every week. 3. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Right within the city limits is this peaceful oasis of calm, a world away from some of the busier places to fish. The park is teeming with wildlife of all kinds and is especially well known for its birdlife, including ospreys and flocks of migratory waterbirds that throng the irrigation canals over winter. Catfish, white bass, carp, largemouth bass, crappie, and rainbow trout can all be found here, and throughout the many other man-made waterways, such as the reservoirs and canals which surround the city. As this is a public site, you will need a license to fish here as well. 4. Elephant Butte State Park This local favorite requires traveling some distance to New Mexico. Elephant Butte State Park is well known for its bass fishing with plenty of striped, white large, and smallmouth bass to find. The lake is an excellent fishing spot for both shore and boat fishing, with beautiful vistas to enjoy. Other New Mexico State parks such as Bottomless Lakes and Clayton Lake parks are also definitely worth checking out too if you're in the area. The area has a lot of very unexpected places to fish, including some real gems for anglers of all stripes. There are plenty of waterways to explore, and with a little perseverance, you will be sure to find your new favorite place to fish!

Located right across the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez, the western tip of Texas is a mixture of cultures and a great base to explore the region. If you have a free day and want to get away from city life, there are several destinations you can reach in less than a couple of hours by car. Whether it’s with friends, family, or solo, check out these destinations for amazing day trips! 1. Lincoln National Forest, NM In the south of the state of New Mexico, the Lincoln National Forest is a popular destination for visitors from Albuquerque and other nearby cities both in the United States and across the border in Mexico. The forest was established in 1902, spanning more than one million acres and covering several mountain ranges, forests, grasslands, and deserts. From the San Jacinto Plaza, the entrance to the Lincoln National Forest is a little over two hours away by car. more This destination is perfect for those who want to see the typical landscapes of the Southeast, complete with impressive canyons, lookout towers, and hiking trails that are visited by thousands of travelers every year. Some of the most popular activities include horse riding, mountain biking, wild camping and even skiing in the winter months. There are several designated picnic areas with public toilets, water, and grills to cook your own meals. 2. White Sands National Park If you want to see one of the most impressive landscapes in the region, the White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico is a perfect day trip destination for inhabitants of the surrounding cities. It covers more than 140,000 acres of territory and several dunes of gypsum sand that reach heights of more than 60 feet and provide a landscape that seems to belong to a different planet. Apart from the impressive landscapes, the White Sands National Park is also home to hundreds of unique species of animals. Most of these species are invertebrates, including several spiders, insects, and the Maricopa harvester ant, which is believed to have the most toxic venom on the planet. Although most visitors come during the summer, this is a perfect destination year-round, with beautiful sunsets and incredible views. 3. Franklin Mountains State Park Located less than half an hour's drive away from the central San Jacinto Plaza, the Franklin Mountains State Park is the closest natural escape from the city and a perfect destination for recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic driving. For a short day trip with family or friends, this is perhaps the best option. In the park, there are several designated picnic areas and hiking trails that are particularly popular during the weekends. Now that you’ve got some suggestions, it should be a piece of cake to plan a day of outdoors adventuring after a short car ride to any of these awesome places. Maybe take turns visiting all – and then choose your favorite!

If you live in El Paso and you're looking to get away for the day, there are some great day trip destinations in the area! Here’s a look at some of these destinations and what they have to offer. Aguirre Springs Though Aguirre Springs is located in New Mexico, it's just a 45-minute drive from El Paso. This stunning park features year-round springs, hiking trails with plenty of shade trees, and beautiful spots for picnics. Aguirre Springs is surrounded by the dramatic Organ Mountains which, unlike other mountains in the area, are still jagged and steep. The park overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Monument, providing opportunities to take some great photographs. It's also a great spot for horseback riding. more Carlsbad Caverns National Park Another stunning New Mexico destination within driving distance of El Paso is Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park is home to more than 119 caves, many of which are available to tour. The Big Room Trail takes you through what comedian Will Rogers called "The Grand Canyon with a roof over it." The 1.25 mile-trail contains stunning rock formations of all shapes and sizes and a rope ladder dating back to 1924. More experienced explorers might want to attempt a hike along the Natural Entrance Trail. This trail is also 1.25 miles but it is much steeper than the Big Room Trail. In fact, a hike along this trail is equal to walking up or down a 75-story building. It's well worth the effort as you'll get to see some incredible and unique rock formations like Devil's Spring, the Whale's Mouth, and Iceberg Rock. While there's plenty to explore underground, you don't want to miss out on Carlsbad's aboveground natural wonders, either. The park serves as a habitat for many species of wildlife, including cougars, ring-necked ducks, and Montezuma quail. Chihenne Ranch At Chihenne Ranch, located two-and-a-half hours from El Paso, you can spend the day learning what it's like to live and work on a real New Mexico cattle ranch. You can also enjoy horseback riding, Indian site visits, and visits to gold and silver mines. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can participate in a cattle roundup or embark on a four-wheel off-road trip. There are so many things to do that you might end up coming back for a longer stay! Hueco Tanks State Park While Hueco Tanks State Park is right outside El Paso, it feels like a world away. It's a popular destination for rock climbing and hiking. The area was once home to at least three ancient cultures who left behind pictographs and petroglyphs that are still visible today. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted in Hueco Tanks so be sure to bring your binoculars to get the best view. Several rock outcroppings provide shady areas that are perfect for picnicking. These are just some of the great destinations within driving distance of El Paso. Consider a visit so you can create special moments and memories! Image via jared | Licensed under CC BY 2.0