The Classic American Road Trip Guide
Discover the American Southwest
For Southeast Texas families, road trips give us a chance to get out of the piney woods and to explore the diversity of our great nation.
In this edition, we are going to Go West.
Guide for Families Visiting El Paso
Activities and Entertainment in El Paso
Hueco Tanks
One of the beautiful things about the American Southwest is the opportunity to get a feel for what the nation was like before Europeans arrived.
People need water. Our nomadic Native Americans knew where to find it. At Hueco Tanks, rainwater pools in rock basins. For hundreds of years, the area has been important to Native Americans and more recent arrivals.
It is an accessible place to see 1000 year old Native American cliff drawings (pictographs / rock art).
The area is also popular with climbers, hikers, stargazers, and bird watchers.
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
6900 Hueco Tanks Rd, El Paso,
Hueco Tank Guided tour: You must book tours a minimum of one week in advance by calling (915) 849-6684.
TPWD.Texas
Hueco Tank Self-guided visit: We issue permits for 70 people to access the North Mountain area each day. To make sure you get in, reserve permits up to 90 days before your visit by calling (512) 389-8911
Only a limited number of entries to Hueco Tanks are available each day. Call ahead before you drive out.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Enjoy beautiful scenery and over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Don’t miss the Apache Cave Trail.
This is the desert – bring plenty of water.
Would you like to stay overnight? The stargazing is amazing. There are fourteen tent sites and five RV sites with hookups. Reservations recommended.
Southeast Texas Family Magazine Tip: Great views abound throughout the park, don’t miss the Wyler Aerial Tramway. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/wyler-aerial-tramway. You’ll enjoy views of the mountains and desert from your cable car.
Franklin Mountains State Park
TPWD.com
2900 Tom Mays Access Road
(915) 444-9100
El Paso Scenic Drive and Overlook
This drive is special. On one side of the road you’ll see historic homes built by El Paso’s original elite decades ago. On the other side, you have a tremendous view through El Paso all the way into Juarez, Mexico.
Follow Rim Road until it becomes Scenic Drive. The road runs along the edge of the David Mountains. Gorgeous.
ElPasoSouthwest.com/scenic-drive
A great scenic overlook really enhances a visit. El Paso has a number of them that look amazing day or night.
El Paso Restaurant Recommendations
Best Breakfast in El Paso? Village Inn – Diner Style Favorites with Friendly Service
Village Inn Breakfast so good, it is served all day
Highlights include:
- Half pound chicken fried steak and eggs
- Biscuits and Gravy with Eggs
- Three Egg Omelettes
- Buttermilk Pancake Combo
Village Inn Restaurant El Paso
- 4757 Hondo Pass Dr, El Paso
- 915-751-3455
- VillageInn.com
They do have other locations available – visit their website for details.
Lunch or Weekend Brunch in El Paso. L and J Cafe. Mexican Restaurant
Recommended:
- Mole Enchiladas
- Chile Relleno Plate
- Entomatadas
L and J Cafe – Border Style Mexican Favorites in El Paso
- 3622 East Missouri Avenue
- El Paso TX
- (915) 566-8418
- LandJCafe.com
Evening Dining in El Paso: State Line Restaurant. Barbecue
Recommended:
- Brisket and Beef Rib Plate
- Sides – better than most BBQ restaurants.
- Sausage
County Line Restaurant
1222 Sunland Park in El Paso
915-581-3371
CountyLine.com
Unique El Paso Lodging: Gleatherland
Often on road trips, we end up staying in a not terribly exciting hotel until we can wake up and drive to the area we came to see.
Whenever possible, we look for immersive experiences where the lodging is tucked into the attraction.
We hope Hueco Tanks will be part of your El Paso experience. If it is, consider staying at Gleatherland. In a way, it brings together and celebrates different nomadic cultures.
The original Nomads at Hueco Tanks were the Native Americans, including the Tigua and the Apaches. Today’s nomads travel with pop up tents and RVs.
Gleatherland does offer tent camping and RV hook ups, but what I like best is their unique rentals. My favorite are the yurts, contemporary takes on the lodging used by nomads in Mongolia. These are based on primitive shelters, but they have a lot of conveniences demanded by today’s vacationers including WiFi, electricity, heat, kitchen facilities, refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, coffee maker, and a sink with running water. Sheets, pillows, and towels are provided. Additional bedding can be provided for a small fee.
Okay, the “bad” news is that you’ll be using porta potties and a coin operated showers. I know, not cool.
The flip side is that you’ll be right in the nature of the West Texas deserts and mountains. You’ll be able to see Hueco Tanks from your yurt, travel trailer, or tent.
If you are ready to trade a couple of modern conveniences for natural beauty, Gleatherland is a great way to experience the natural beauty around Hueco Tanks and El Paso.
Gleatherland – Yurts and Vintage Travel Trailers. Nomadic Lodging in El Paso
- Gleatherland.com
- Gleather.and.tx@gmail.com
- (970) 232-5067
- 17201 Michael Avenue in El Paso Texas
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of the Texas Road Trip Guide.
We are always looking for cool opportunities for East Texas and Golden Triangle families to hit the open road.
Stay tuned for more road trip inspiration. In the upcoming months, we’ll have information on visiting New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
You can get more out of your road trips across the USA. We’re here to help.
Southeast Texas Family Magazine
- Daryl Fant, Publisher
- (512) 567-8068
- SETXAdvertising@gmail.com
