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Attractions -- overview
From hayrides to historic homes, from Mona the elephant to White Sands National Monument, this Southwest border area offers lots to see and do.
Historical sites
Hueco Tanks State
Historical Park
About 32 miles east of El Paso. A unique rock formation with caves and cliffs covering 860 acres. It has been used by Native Americans through the centuries and contains more than 2,000 pictographs. It's open for picnicking and rock climbing. $4 per person. (915) 857-1135.
Indian Cliffs Ranch
30 minutes on I-10 east from El Paso (take Fabens off-ramp and turn left). The ranch offers hayrides, picnicking and overnight trail rides. The Cattleman's Steakhouse is located on the ranch and offers Western-style cooking. (915) 544-3200.
Old Fort Bliss
1838 W. Paisano, 1844 W. Paisano and 1932 W. Paisano. The original military base was built on the east banks of the Rio Grande and was the fifth location of the military base in El Paso. The small post dominated a strategic gateway to and from Mexico and serve as a way station for troops. Only two former officers' quarters and the former guardhouse remain.
San Elizario Presidio
Past the Socorro Mission going east on Camino Real. San Elizario was established as a presidio (fort) for the Spanish government in the 1780s. It is open for tours. (915) 851-2333.
Scenic Drive
Rim Road off Mesa. Follow the signs to Scenic Drive. The road travels around the Franklin Mountains, overlooking three states and two nations.
Sierra Del Cristo Rey
I-10 West and Sunland Park exit to Doniphan. A pilgrimage shrine to Jesus Christ is located atop this mountain. The international boundary runs a few feet from the statue.
Socorro Mission
I-10 East, exit Avenue of Americas to Socorro Road. The mission, the oldest continuously active parish in the United States, was constructed in 1681. The hand-carved roof beams were sculptured by the Piro Indians. (915) 859-7718.
Tigua Indian Reservation
108 S. Old Pueblo Road. The reservation is home to the oldest identifiable ethnic group in Texas. Tours of the adobe buildings are available. Attractions include examples of Tigua handicrafts, replicas of Tigua homes, a restaurant and art gallery. Tribal dances are performed on weekends during the summer. (915) 859-7913.
Ysleta Mission
Next to the Tigua Indian Reservation. The mission was built in 1681 by Franciscan priests and the Tigua Indians. It is one of the oldest buildings in the United States. Tours are available. (915) 858-2588.
Concordia Cemetery
North of the freeway interchange in Central El Paso. The cemetery was the original site of pioneer Hugh Stephenson's ranch, which was established during the 1840s and named after his former home in Concordia, Mo. The cemetery was started in the early 1880s and is now the resting place of several Texas Rangers and gunslingers such as Martin M'Rose, John Selman and John Wesley Hardin.
Amusements
El Paso Zoo
4001 E. Paisano. The zoo features a variety of North and South American animals, including large mammals, reptiles and birds. Mona, the Asian elephant, is a popular attraction. $2 general, $1 children 12 and under and senior citizens, free for children under 3. Open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (915) 521-1850.
Putt Putt Golf & Games and Traxx Family Fun Center
On Montwood and Zaragoza. Putt Putt offers three obstacle golf courts, $4 per person for one game. Traxx features speedcar and boat races, $3.25 for 5-minute ride. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays and until midnight weekends. (915) 855-7888.
Wet 'N' Wild Water World
I-10 at Anthony Exit 0. The park has water rides, swimming pools, volleyball courts, picnic areas, food booths, changing areas and restrooms. Tickets are $15 general admission, $13 for children and $10 for observers and discount coupons. The park is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through August 14, or later, weather permitting. Information: (915) 886-2222.
Western Playland,
6900 Delta. The amusement park features rides, food, games and entertainment. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday. Tickets cost $11.95 for a pay-one-price admission. Allowing entrance to all rides as many times as desired. This excludes the Grand Prix Raceway. Tickets otherwise cost $2.50 general admission, $1.75 for single ride tickets. All rides require a ticket for admission. Information: (915) 772-3914.
New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns
145 miles east of El Paso, features the world's largest cave system with 20 miles of underground corridors and chambers. (505) 785-2233.
Elephant Butte State Park and Reservoir
I-10 West to Las Cruces, I-25 North to Elephant Butte. The lake offers nearly 40,000 surface acres of water. Boat rentals and fishing equipment are available. (505) 744-5421.
International Space Hall of Fame
Alamogordo, N.M., about 75 miles from Northeast El Paso, features space-related exhibits and tributes to pioneers in space travel. The facility also features the Tombaugh Omnimax Theater and Planetarium. (800) 545-4021.
Old Mesilla
I-10 West to Las Cruces, is a small village featuring a colorful historical background plus many shops and restaurants. The city is built around an old church and Spanish plaza.
Ruidoso
124 miles north of El Paso, offers snow skiing for amateurs and professionals as well as hunting, fishing and horse racing at the Ruidoso Downs Track. (800) 543-9876.
White Sands National Monument
88 miles east of El Paso, off Highway 54. The park offers hills of pure, white gypsum sand dunes. Guided nature walks, picnic facilities and a museum are also available. (505) 437-1058.
Juarez
Archaeological Museum
Chamizal Park in Juarez. Open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free. (011-52-16) 11-10-48.
Guadalupe Mission Downtown Juarez. The mission was constructed of adobe between 1658 and 1668 by a Spanish missionary and local Indians in what is now Juarez. According to legend, shadows from the mission point to the Lost Padre Mine in the Franklin Mountains where Spanish gold is said to be hidden.
Historical Museum
Avenida Juarez and 16 de Septiembre in Juarez. (011-52-16) 12-4707. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Free. (011-52-16) 12-47-07.
Juarez City Market
16 de Septiembre, near Downtown Juarez. The market, in a large two story building, is open daily from sunup to sundown. It offers a wide variety of merchandise including produce.
Juarez Race Track
Off the Pan American Highway. The track provides year-round greyhound racing in an enclosed climate-controlled area. Complete wagering facilities accept currency from the United States and Mexico. At the Jockey Club, one can follow the action while being served food and beverages. (915) 778-6322.
Lincoln Statue
Lincoln Avenue. The only standing Abraham Lincoln memorial statue outside the United States.
Mexican Consul General
910 E. San Antonio in El Paso. Visas may be obtained here by tourists planning to visit the interior of Mexico. Passports for Mexican tourists wanting to visit foreign countries are also available at this office. (915) 533-3644.
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