Get ready to mix business with pleasure at the annual OWAA conference in sunny El Paso, Texas, happening Sept. 20-22! While you’re not busy conferencing, spice up your downtime by diving into some exciting story leads. Explore the vibrant outdoor scene of El Paso and turn your adventures into cash by highlighting the best of what this city has to offer.
Write about Rio Bosque Park
A hidden treasure of El Paso, the Rio Bosque Park spans 372 acres of land with the western boundary of the park running parallel to the Rio Grande, forming the international border between the U.S. and Mexico. After learning about its rich history, write a story about the park’s past, describing the funding obstacles it faced to become a wetland project managed by the City of El Paso.
Explore rock climbing and bouldering at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Fearless adventurers are always up for a challenge and will love to learn more about the 10-plus rock-climbing routes and bouldering sites at Hueco Tanks. Review the classic, most popular and highest-rated climbing routes in the park, a site also well known for having some of the best bouldering in the world.
Climb to the aztec caves at the Franklin Mountains
Hiking to the Aztec Caves offers adventurers a captivating blend of natural beauty and geological wonder. As you embark on the moderate trail, expect to traverse rocky terrain amid panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The caves provide a unique glimpse into the rugged landscape’s geological history, offering a sense of awe for the forces of nature. Write a hiker’s best tips guide for climbing the caves including attire, tools and best practices.
Make a day trip to White Sands National Park
The glistening gypsum sand dunes at White Sands are considered one of the world’s great natural wonders. Less than an hour away from El Paso, White Sands is a haven for bicycling, sand sledding, horseback riding, dune driving and more. Create an itinerary for doing a day trip from El Paso to Alamogordo and visiting the park to enjoy the different activities available.
Cover the El Paso Star & Scenic Drive
Known as the best view of the city accessible by car, Scenic Drive wows visitors every time. The winding road skirts around the east side of the Franklin Mountains, offering up some of the most stunning views of the city. Just above Scenic Drive lies the Star on the Mountain, El Paso’s most recognizable symbol and landmark. Research the history of El Paso’s star and write an article about its past and its most recent modernization.
Birdwatch at Keystone Heritage & Desert Botanical Park
When birdwatching at Keystone Heritage Park, there’s a diverse array of avian species to observe and appreciate. The park offers opportunities to spot native birds such as the verdin, cactus wren, and mourning dove. Keep an eye out for migratory birds like the western tanager and various species of hummingbirds during the appropriate seasons. After some research and a visit to the park, write an article listing the rarest birds to spot at Keystone Heritage and accompany it with a photo essay.
Fish and picnic at Ascarate Park
As the largest public-use recreational park in El Paso, Ascarate Park is the perfect attraction for outdoor lovers. Within its 400 acres of land, make the most out of the park’s 48-acre lake, lakeside boardwalk, aquatic center, playgrounds and picnic areas. Write about the park’s versatile facilities, detailing the different activities to enjoy year-round.
Trek to El Paso’s tin mines
Tucked away in the Franklin Mountains is the challenging and popular 6.6-mile Tin Mines Trail. The trail takes visitors to the site of abandoned tin mines, open for visitors to explore. The trek offers views of the sprawling mountains and city. Write an article listing the many trails found within Franklin Mountains State Park.
Rent a UTV at Red Sands
Just west of Hueco Tanks, seek a thrilling off-road experience by renting a UTV at Red Sands. Visitors can traverse the sandy landscape, enjoying adrenaline-fueled adventures against the backdrop of expansive desert vistas. Write an article describing the must-visit attraction and give details on how to rent a UTV from Off-Road Adventures.
Mountain Bike at Lost Dog Trail
Amid the beauty of this nature preserve, Lost Dog Trail is a 7.7-mile loop in west El Paso. The moderately challenging trail is most popular for mountain biking, but visitors are welcome to hike, run or walk the trail and the surrounding area. Pair a short article describing the trail with photos of the area, highlighting the serene, beautiful desert landscape. Bring along your furry friends too — on a leash, please.