Hidden gems
If searching for hidden gems is your thing, you’ve just found the mother lode. Our region is absolutely overflowing with uniquely captivating attractions that, in our opinion, deserve the attention of the outside world. Learn about some of them here and, once you visit them in person, you’ll undoubtedly be singing their praises just like us.
RED SANDS
A popular off-road desert riding area in East El Paso, Red Sands has been an awesome place to hang for over 40 years. Approximately 21 square miles in size and located just west of Hueco Tanks State Park, Red Sands is comprised of both private and public lands, featuring rolling sand dunes, hills, compact dirt trails and everything else you'd want in an off-roading adventure. Look long enough and you’ll find plenty of ancient fossils, as well as artifacts like arrowheads, pottery and more.
LHAKHANG CULTURAL EXHIBIT
The breath-takingly ornate Lhakhang sits proudly on UTEP’s Centennial Plaza, and is the only structure of its kind found outside the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It is a cultural artifact that reflects thousands of years of traditional craftsmanship, such as hand-carved wooden elements and hand-painted fabric wall murals. The Lhakhang is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month, except on holidays.
BILLY THE KID JAIL
Visit the town of San Elizario in El Paso County and you can step inside a piece of Wild West history: the only jail Billy The Kid ever broke into. In the early hours of an unknown day in 1876, The Kid stirred up trouble by busting his friend out of the jail and immediately crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico. This is a must-see for history buffs of all ages.
HUECO TANKS
Ancient pictographs. World-class bouldering. Panoramic desert views. People have been making the trip to Hueco Tanks for thousands of years. It's time you do the same.
BRONCO SWAP
One of El Paso’s largest flea markets, the Bronco Swap Meet has everything from street food to vintage clothing and much, much more. With 300 vendors packed into nine acres, if you can’t find it here, you’re not looking hard enough.
SONIC RANCH
If you ever find yourself in need of a studio to record your next hit, look no further than Sonic Ranch. This 2300-acre gem located just 30 miles East of El Paso International Airport has inspired many a legendary musician. Could you be next?