Located at the corner of two countries and three states, El Paso is a popular destination for outdoor adventures. Within its city limits alone, El Paso is home to the majestic Franklin Mountains State Park, 27,000 acres of rugged desert land and vegetation, miles of hiking trails, and curious species. A short car ride away from El Paso allows visitors to make an easy day trip to enjoy the white gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park or to climb to the top of Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. During your next visit to El Paso, plan a weekend itinerary with the stops below and cover the exciting opportunities you can explore in and around the Sun City.
Camp in the Franklin Mountains State Park
Pack your overnight bag, tent, and supplies to camp under the stars in the Franklin Mountains. The Franklin Mountains State Park offers residents and visitors convenient access to great hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping. Either visit for a few hours to hike to the Aztec Caves, rock climb at McKelligon Canyon and Sneed’s Cory, or reserve a campsite in the Tom Mays Unit. Spring, summer, and fall are the busiest times of year, so reservations for both camping and day use are highly recommended. Write an article informing readers of best practices for camping in the Franklin Mountains, including tips, equipment, and things to explore throughout the park’s acres during an overnight stay.
Explore White Sands National Park
The glistening white sand dunes at this New Mexican national park are a special sight to behold. Located only an hour and a half away from El Paso, White Sands is the perfect destination for dune sledding, horseback riding, and much more. Start your day off early by packing your car with snacks, sunscreen, and other amenities to enjoy the day at White Sands. Upon arrival, purchase sleds and wax at the park’s gift shop and drive through the park to find your perfect site to set up for the day. Write an article detailing the generational history of White Sands and the surrounding region. Describe how visitors can experience some of the most iconic historic places associated with the basin’s rich history including how to visit the White Sands Missile Range Museum and Trinity Site, the place where the first atomic bomb was tested in 1945.
Hike at Guadalupe Mountains National Park
There is more than meets the eye in the Guadalupe Mountains. If you prefer a one-hour hike, a half-day tour, or a full-day outing, your time at Guadalupe will be well worth the distance as you experience the grand national park. Less than two hours away from El Paso, the Guadalupe mountains, canyons, and spectacular vistas are beautiful sights to explore during your next visit. For the most adventurous traveler, write a listicle and create a photo essay describing the trails and highest peaks and points available to discover at the park. With over ten trails to choose from, including the rigorous El Capitan Trail or the short Smith Spring Trail, there are plenty of options for outdoor lovers to experience during their visit to the Guadalupe Mountains.
2024 OWAA Annual Conference: Sept. 20-22, 2024 – El Paso, Texas
We’re so glad you’re interested in joining us for our 2024 Conference in El Paso, Texas, Sept. 20-22, 2024! Please plan to join us in order to further your professional skills and/or business opportunities.
Outdoor media and other professionals will attend OWAA’s annual conference to connect, mingle and learn from more than 250 outdoor storytellers – and the brands that support their work. They will network with other professionals, hone communications skills, find a mentor/mentee and discover more and better ways to sell their work or promote their brand.
Conference attendees will meet with some of the best outdoor communicators in the country and absorb presentations on writing and editing, photography and videography, broadcast and digital media, the latest tech and newest tactics, and more. They’ll develop field craft and test the latest innovations during an off-site breakout day. Delegates will also join pre- and post-tours (in New Mexico, west Texas and the state of Chihuahua) to get the latest story on (and shots of) outdoor adventures in the region, be it hiking, climbing, hunting or other outdoor pursuits.
Registration will give you access to:
- All keynote and breakout sessions, including the always popular ‘Meet the Editors’ panel
- Three meals/day (nine total), including the honorary awards banquet and even more compelling speakers
- Two 3-hour ‘deep dive’ workshops to further your skillset
- All breakout day activities (gear demos and more)
- Hospitality events (which generally include adult beverages and light snacks/appetizers)
- Unique events like the fun run, photo scavenger hunt, membership meeting, and storytelling night
- Optional pre- and post-tour options in west Texas, New Mexico and the state of Chihuahua
Our hotel will be the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel El Paso Downtown. Sessions and events will take place in the El Paso Convention Center.