subject: Things To Do In El Paso That Can't Be Found Anywhere Else [print this page] News reports love to focus on crime along the United States and Mexico border these days, scaring many away from enjoying vacations and business conventions in El Paso. It may surprise you to learn that the independent CQ Press named El Paso, with a population of over 500,000 residents, as having the lowest crime rate in the United States in 2010. In fact, El Paso has ranked no lower than third among U.S. Safest Cities since 1997. You cannot visit a city that is safer or one that has more fun things to do than in El Paso.
El Paso, the sixth-largest city in Texas, rests at the Texas-Mexico border, separated by the Rio Grande River. This historically and culturally rich city in the westernmost Chihuahuan Desert has plenty to offer residents and tourists alike. One of the most popular El Paso events is Viva El Paso held every summer in the stunning McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. The featured musical drama celebrates 400 years of the history of the region and evolution of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and Cowboy cultural influences.
Visitors to the city can enjoy many El Paso activities including the Wyler Aerial Tramway, one of the most popular tourist attractions. Beginning from the east side of the Franklin Mountains at a 4,692 foot elevation observation deck, the tram gondolas carry visitors to the top of Rangers Peak, observing the rock formations and different cacti as well as abundant wildlife along the way. Rangers Peak offers magnificent views of 7,000 square miles that are enhanced by the available high power telescopes.
In addition to the hiking, climbing, and camping opportunities at Franklin Mountains State Park, visitors can enjoy rock climbing and wonderful rock art at Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. Included on the list of "musts" for visitors in the area is to visit some of the oldest missions in the U.S. along the Mission Trail. Corpus Christi de la Ysleta is the oldest mission founded in 1681 that is still used for worship. Nearby, the Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion del Socorro, established in 1682, features presentations where you can learn about the mission and its history.
These are only a very few things to do in El Paso. Other activities include museums such as the Border Patrol Museum, the El Paso Museum of Art, and Wilderness Park Museum. There are many El Paso events held year 'round including wine tastings at the La Vina Winery, the oldest in the region. A visit to El Paso is a journey into the exciting past with all of the pleasures and amenities that the 21st century has to offer.
