12 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From El Paso

El Paso is a vibrant city in extreme western Texas. It is painted with beautiful fall colors and stunning views, making it the perfect place to plan a trip to explore the outdoors, which really comes alive in the fall. Attractions to explore in the city are Keystone Heritage Park and the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden, El Paso Zoo, and Chamizal National Monument. In addition, there are several more places to check out, all of which are within a three-hour drive from the city and make for remarkable fall getaways. Each of these attractions presents a range of activities and sets a picturesque backdrop for photographs. If you are drawn to scenic parks and lakes, small towns, or majestic mountains, these unforgettable fall getaways may make you plan a second visit.

Chamizal National Memorial (12 mins)

Chamizal National Memorial is more than a park. It is a place rich in history and cultural significance at the heart of El Paso, which was created to celebrate the peaceful resolution of a long-standing border dispute between the United States and Mexico. Visiting Chamizal provides the perfect opportunity to experience its outdoor atmosphere and walk across its hiking trails, which bring you closer to the splendor of the Chihuahuan desert climate.

Get closer to nature as you take strolls that loop through 55 acres of the memorial’s peaceful paths, which are lined with trees known to change color in the fall, creating a backdrop that reflects the area’s rich ecosystem.

Hueco Tanks State Park (45 mins)

For those seeking a special experience, Hueco Tanks State Park exceeds your expectations as it creates an intriguing combination of history, natural beauty, and adventure. This historic site is famous for its ancient pictographs, which tell stories of Native American cultures that once thrived here. In fall, the desert areas become cool, making it an ideal time for rock climbing, hiking, and exploring scenic trails such as the Hueco Tanks Chain Trail, which runs through the park.

The vegetation is sparse but beautiful, with shades of burnt orange and soft yellows bringing a touch of fall to the desert terrain. You can also enjoy a quiet picnic in the outdoors, surrounded by rocky formations and desert vistas. Hueco Tanks has the facilities to create a one-of-a-kind getaway for those seeking both adventure and reflection.

Franklin Mountains State Park (20 mins)

For a feel of El Paso’s rugged natural beauty, Franklin Mountains State Park is a must-visit destination. Famous for its challenging trails and sweeping mountain vistas, this park is particularly stunning in autumn, when the cooler weather makes hiking, biking, and rock climbing at the McKelligon Canyon even more enjoyable. Trails such as the El Paso Tin Mines trail and the Franklin Mountain Loop bring tourists closer to breathtaking views of the desert, and the deep hues create a warm contrast between the rocky peaks and desert flora.

If you are lucky, you might even spot wildlife, as the park is home to mule deer, mountain lions, and various bird species. The Ron Coleman Trail is especially popular for those seeking panoramic views, while the park’s picnic areas make for a scenic spot to relax with friends or family.

El Paso Zoo (7 mins)

The El Paso Zoo is a family-friendly spot that becomes very crowded in the fall as events like “Boo at the Zoo,” which brings a fun Halloween-themed experience for kids and adults alike, attracts a lot of visitors. The crisp air makes exploring the zoo’s extensive habitats less stressful, allowing you to visit animals from around the world, ranging from giraffes and zebras to tigers and playful otters.

The zoo also highlights its North American animals during the autumn season, such as the Sumatran Orangutan and the endangered painted dog, and visitors can learn more about conservation efforts for the desert animals that call this region home. Fall at the zoo is also a great time to enjoy seasonal treats at the cafe and take in the festive decorations that make it a lively outing for all ages.

Keystone Heritage Park and Botanical Gardens (15 mins)

The peaceful oasis of Keystone Heritage Park and Botanical Gardens is a wonderful spot to bask in the beauty of El Paso’s surrounding foliage and get a break from the bustle of the city. Keystone Heritage Park and Botanical Gardens spans 52 acres and features a stunning collection of native desert plants that come alive with soft autumn colors each year. It is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as the park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a prime destination for bird lovers.

The gardens’ wetlands area creates a tranquil backdrop, with the water reflecting the leaves' colors and offering a habitat for migratory birds. Nature photographers will cherish a trip to this part of El Paso’s surroundings. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and natural ecosystem make it an ideal location for a relaxing fall day or a picturesque family picnic.

Carlsbad, New Mexico (2 hr 45 mins)

Carlsbad, located in New Mexico, is well known for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which has incredible underground landscapes that visitors can explore. Although there are guided tours that are very informative, the park is designed so that you can wander on your own if you wish. Visiting the caverns in fall means cooler weather for hiking the surface trails, such as the Guadalupe Trail and Juniper Ridge, and exploring the park’s fascinating cave formations.

For those looking to spend more time outdoors, the Pecos River flows nearby, creating a peaceful setting for kayaking or a riverside picnic. Meeting with park rangers can help you with information on what times the bats go in and out of the caves, as their flight is quite the spectacle.

Ruidoso, New Mexico (2 hr 20 mins)

Set in the Sacramento Mountains, Ruidoso is a small village on the Sierra Blanca Mountain Range that is famous for its horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. This mountain town comes to life in autumn as its forests, which are numbered with aspens, change color and light up its hillsides. A road trip to New Mexico brings visitors to this charming town, where they can enjoy an exhilarating fall experience.

Drive up to the Ski Apache gondola for panoramic views of the landscape, or take a scenic walk along the Rio Ruidoso, which reflects the fall colors and makes for a picturesque backdrop for pictures. The town’s Aspenfest Parade and Festival, held every October, is a major highlight, as it brings arts, crafts, and live music to celebrate the beauty of autumn in Ruidoso.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park (1 hr 45 mins)

Located just under two hours from El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is renowned for its striking colors. McKittrick Canyon is a particularly stunning spot in the park, where the trees transform into a brilliant array of reds, yellows, and oranges. Hiking trails such as the McKittrick Canyon Trail provide a close-up experience of the foliage, along with scenic views of the canyon walls and desert landscapes.

This park is also home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which poses a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views. Autumn is the best time to visit due to the cooler temperatures, which make it easier to explore the park’s diverse trails and take in the incredible natural beauty of this Texas destination.

White Sands National Park (1 hr 25 mins)

White Sands National Park, with its sprawling dunes of pure white sand, is a sight to behold at any time of year, but there is something truly magical about visiting in the fall. Set in the borders of New Mexico, the cool temperatures in the area make it ideal for hiking along the Alkali Flat Trail and Playa Trail or even sledding down the soft dunes, which is a favorite activity for both kids and adults as it unlocks a new level of fun.

At sunset, the sky turns pink and purple, casting a beautiful glow over the dunes and creating a serene, almost dreamlike setting that will leave you in wonder. White Sands National Park holds the largest white gypsum field in the world (covering 275 square miles), and its vastness means visitors can explore its length and breadth to their satisfaction.

Davis Mountains State Park (3 hrs)

The rugged beauty and landscape of Davis Mountains State Park make it a stunning fall getaway, especially for those who love mountain vistas and outdoor activities. The park’s Skyline Drive offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, which become even more vibrant with the subtle changes in vegetation. The Limpia Creek Trail and Skyline Drive Trail wind through the scenic terrain, making it perfect for spending or enjoying a cool autumn day.

Lincoln National Forest (1 hr 30 mins)

Just a short drive from El Paso into New Mexico, Lincoln National Forest is one of the best places in the region to experience the beauty that envelopes the town during the fall season. In autumn, the forest’s aspen and maple trees turn a beautiful mix of gold and crimson, creating an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers and also making for incredible photographs. The Osha Trail is a particularly popular choice for those looking to take in the scenery as it is not so difficult to hike, and it takes you through groves of shimmering aspens, which are covered by expansive mountain views.

Besides hiking, Lincoln National Forest is a great place for camping, mountain biking, and even scenic drives that showcase the season’s colors. This forest’s high elevation brings cooler weather, making it an ideal retreat from the warmer desert climate of El Paso.

Cloudcroft, New Mexico (1 hr 50 mins)

El Paso’s proximity to New Mexico makes it a gateway to many natural attractions and charming towns. Located within Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft is a picturesque mountain town that uses its charm and proximity to nature to deliver an exceptional experience. The forested landscapes close to Cloudcroft turn red, gold, and amber each autumn, leaving visitors in awe at its spectacular views and endless opportunities for scenic drives and hikes. Local trails, like the popular Switchback Trail, provide gentle hikes that lead you through dense pine forests. The town brings its authenticity to life with the annual Oktoberfest, which creates a festive mood with music, local brews, and seasonal delicacies that give color to fall celebrations in this community.

Fall is a season made for exploring, and these 12 destinations offer the perfect backdrop for an autumn adventure without straying far from El Paso. Whether you are in the mood for hiking, scenic drives, festivals, or simply looking to relax and enjoy the calm that comes with the holidays, each of these locations has fall charm to make you feel at ease. All you have to do is open yourself up to the possibilities that exist in El Paso, and you will continue to tell tales of your trip.