Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EL PASO
POP 800,647
Well, you've made it. You're just about as far west in Texas as you can go. Surrounded
mostly by New Mexico to the north and Mexico to the south, El Paso is wedged between
the two like a splinter. In fact, at times the city seems to have more in common with its
non-Texas neighbors than it does with Texas itself.
Sadly, El Paso and its sister city - Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, which is right across the river
- have had a bit of a falling out. At one time, the two cities were inextricably linked, with
tourists streaming back and forth across the Good Neighbor International Bridge all day
long. But with the rise in gang- and drug-related violence, Juárez has become so dangerous
that there is now little traffic between the two sides.
Even with Mexico out of the equation, there's still plenty to do. Outdoorsy types can en-
joy cycling in the largest urban park in the US, with over 24,000 acres to explore, and the
warm weather makes nearby Hueco Tanks an ideal destination for wintertime rock climb-
ing. Or you can go the culture route and enjoy some of El Paso's excellent museums, most
of which are free. Ride the gondola to a mountain peak, buy handcrafted boots and, by all
means, eat some of the city's famous red enchiladas.
