I partnered with Hotels.com to bring you this dog-friendly guide to El Paso
El Paso, Texas sits in the westernmost corner of the state, squeezed in between the border with New Mexico and Mexico. With a population of nearly 700,000, it is one of the largest cities in the Southwest and its proximity to Mexico gives it one of the largest Hispanic populations in the United States (read: awesome Mexican food abound).
The city is also close to the Franklin Mountains, a small range that starts in El Paso and goes into New Mexico. The range contains one of the highest peaks in Texas, Franklin Mountain, as well as Precambrian rocks that date back 1.25 billions years.
In addition to hiking in the Franklin Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of dog-friendly activities in El Paso, including walking along the Rio Grande, paddle boarding, and mountain biking. Keep reading this dog friendly guide to El Paso to learn about all the best spots to visit with your pup.
Dog-Friendly Hikes in El Paso
El Paso sits right in between the border with New Mexico and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in the mountainous Chihuahuan Desert. In fact, you can hike to the top of one of Texas’s highest peaks, Mount Franklin, which tops out at 7,192 feet. With over 100 miles of trails and plenty of sunshine, outdoor enthusiasts will have no problem getting their nature fix.
The majority of the trail lie within the Franklin Mountains State Park, which requires a $5 per person fee. Groups can contact Texas Parks & Wildlife in advance for a reduced rate.
Pets must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times within Texas state parks and are not allowed in the water or land around a designated swim area. Keep in mind that temperatures can soar in the summer and there is limited shade and water along the trails. Bring enough water for your dog and go very early if the weather looks hot. Be sure to know the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs and an understanding of
North Mount Franklin
Might as well shoot for the sky while visiting El Paso. At 7,192 feet, Mount Franklin stands out in the skyline. The hike to Mount Franklin is a 7.2-mile out and back with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. It’s a popular hike, so plan to go on a weekday to avoid crowds. There is also no water along the route, so bring plenty for you and your dog.
Maze-Cardiac Hill Loop Trail
Don’t let the name fool you, this gentle grade is a 5-mile loop that features beautiful wildflowers and great lunch spot where you can overlook the entire valley and surrounding Franklin Mountains.
Mundy’s Gap
This popular trail has a nice, steady incline along a wide path that lead to 360º views from the overlook.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in El Paso
El Paso has a great mix of independent boutique hotels mixed with classic chains to give you plenty of options to choose from during your visit.
Since travel today looks a bit different from normal, I encourage you to keep your safety and the safety of others in mind. Please travel responsibly.
If you do decide to travel during the pandemic, here is how I recommend doing so safely:
- Wear a face mask.
- Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands regularly
- Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures, and status of local businesses.
- Fill up with gas before you leave
- Bring your own food and limit trips to local shops
- Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans
Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown
This dog-friendly hotel mixes El Paso history with the modern city of today, and features locally grown and roasted coffee, an outdoor pool, and close access to the Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert.
Stanton House
This 100-year-old building has been updated into a stylish boutique hotel. Each of the 42 suites features a one-of-a-kind art piece from the hotel’s collection and the on-site restaurant, Taft Díaz, featuring Mexican-inspired international cuisine.
Aloft El Paso Downtown
Another hotel in a renovated old building, preservationists took care to see that the Aloft El Paso Downtown maintained the historical features of the building, including the iconic brass fixtures, which were retouched by hand. The hotel is located near local businesses, cultural sites, all with a comfortable modern update.
Dog-Friendly Camping in El Paso
If you prefer to camp, there are plenty of options in Franklin Mountains State Park, some of which are walk-in, while others require reservations.
Dog-Friendly Breweries in El Paso
Since no outdoor adventure or exploration of a new city is complete without a stop at a local brewery, here are a few to visit during your stay in El Paso.
Blazing Tree Brewery – This laid back brewery brews unique styles that fans love, including the Peanut Butter Brown Ale and the Pecan Porter. The onsite food truck sells typical bar food like burgers and wings.
Old Sheepdog Brewery – Hidden in an industrial area, this unassuming brewery has set up shop in a renovated building and employs local artists to create fun graffiti art, including one of the namesake Sheepdog. Beers include the De la Palma New England IPA and the Blonde Redhead.
DeadBeach Brewery – Inspired by the Franklin Mountains, DeadBeach Brewery creates big, bold beers like the Chi-Hua-Hefe Hefeweizen and then Abuela Stout.
Looking for more pet-friendly travel guides?
A Dog-Friendly Guide to Bend, Oregon
A Dog-Friendly Guide to the Olympic Peninsula
Traveling to Canada with a Dog from the US
A Dog-friendly Guide to Jackson Hole
A Dog-friendly Guide to Lake Tahoe
Have you visited El Paso with your dog?
What were some of your favorite places to visit?
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