This is cowboy country
by caffeine_induced78
In Western Texas and Southern New Mexico huge cattle ranches dotted the desert landscape. Cowboys were often seasonal workers who didn't have a home, travelled to where the work was. In Northern Mexico the cattle fiefdoms were merged into very large holdings under the Diaz regime. One landowner in the State of Chihuahua once owned a piece of land larger than the nation of Belgium.
You can see signs everywhere that this Western Culture still lives large here. Cowboy hats and boots being worn everywhere in both El Paso and Juarez.
Rock climbing and rock art
by counsel14
Hueco Tanks state natural area is east of El Paso about 40 miles. Out in the middle of nowhere (desert area) you'll suddenly see large rock outcroppings on the left. There are two major rock formations, very large, that rock climbers have discovered over the past ten years. The Huecos (or depressions) in the rocks collect water and you can sometimes find little wiggly creatures swimming around in a hueco on the top of a giant hill in the middle of the desert.
There are also all sorts of rock art paintings done hundreds of years ago by the Native Americans that lived in the area. You'll be climbing around on top of a huge rock, turn a corner and suddenly see antelope or bison, warriors or snakes. it's something else! You can camp overnight here, I can't remember how much it was, but it had to have been less than 10 bucks a car or we couldn't have afforded it when we lived in El Paso.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (150 miles) WOW!
by matcrazy1
This was a blast! If you like caverns it's a must for you. The park contains 113 caves, formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone, creating some of the largest caves in North America. Carlsbad Caverns are impressive and include the world's largest single cave called the Big Room; 6.2 football fields would fit into the Big Room.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of the southeastern corner of New Mexico, 150 miles (240 km) northeast of El Paso. The best way to get there is to hire a car in El Paso and visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park on the way. The option are Greyhound and TNM&O bus lines.
More details in my Carlsbad Caverns National Park VT-page.
University of Texas at El Paso
by lashr1999
The University was founded in 1914 and is the only major research university with a large Hispanic American population. This is due the proximity of the state to the Mexican border. My friend who I was visiting had a class there the day I was visiting. We went to the student union and had a beer. When the class startted I headed to the library and caught up with my email in the library. I was happy the class let out early;) Pretty nice campus and people.
Crossing into Mexico is a must...
by globughm
Crossing into Mexico is a must but there are many things to do in the area. The trolley from the civic center crosses into Mexico and drops off passengers at several stops. The price allows reboarding and allows the visitor so see several part of Juarez with out having to walk too far or risk driving in a very different world.
Bargaining is something many Amereicans have never done but it is a fun experience with a little practice. Don't but the first time you see something you like. Look at several places and then start by asking for the best price. It may be close but it usually won't be the best one. Don't worry you cheat the vendor. They've had lots of experience. You'll have fun if you think of it as a game.
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flag postcard
Amazing views in El Paso, Texas
Hueco
El Paso Steam Locomotive
