Explore Pawsome El Paso, Texas
- Luie Boone
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
This travel spot is featured in our sixth blog series, Mutts Mingle.
Luie Boone believes some places don’t feel like just one place—and El Paso, Texas is one of them. Stand in the right spot, and you can look straight across into Ciudad Juárez, Mexico—another country woven into the fabric of everyday life. Though separated by the Rio Grande and an international boundary, the two cities remain closely connected. People cross for work, family, and daily routines, creating a shared rhythm that softens the divide. English and Spanish blend naturally, and culture flows freely between both sides. To Luie Boone, El Paso doesn’t feel like a hard line between nations—it feels like two worlds moving together, sharing the same rhythm.
Up on a mountain in El Paso, there’s a star that watches over it all. Luie Boone sees it as the heart of the city, glowing above El Paso every night and showing up in moments that matter. After the August 3, 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart, where 23 lives were lost, the star flashed 23 times in remembrance. It continues to light each year in honor of those lives, standing as a symbol of strength and unity. Luie Boone thinks it’s more than just a light, it’s something the whole city holds onto together.
Traveling with your dog can turn a regular trip into something way more memorable, and Luie Boone thinks El Paso, Texas is a very solid pick. Set along the Texas–Mexico border with desert landscapes and mountain views, the city has warm weather and open space that make it easy to explore with your pup. Many parks, hotels, and restaurants welcome dogs, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged companion behind while you take it all in.
One of the best ways to experience El Paso with your dog is by getting outside, which Luie Boone strongly encourages. The area around Franklin Mountains State Park offers wide open space and scenic views that make leashed walks feel like a full adventure. Desert trails and mountain overlooks create the kind of backdrop that makes early morning or evening walks especially worth it.
Within the city, spots like Eastwood Park, also known as Album Park, give you a more relaxed place to spend time with your dog. Leashed pups are welcome to explore the park, and there’s space to walk, unwind, or let them enjoy some time in the off-leash dog area.
Dining out with your dog is part of the experience in El Paso, and Luie Boone is very into that idea. The city has a strong food scene with plenty of restaurants offering outdoor patios where dogs are welcome to hang out alongside their hoomans.
At The Hoppy Monk, visitors can enjoy craft beer and creative pub food while their dog relaxes on the patio. Luie Boone hears “Hoppy Monk” and is now picturing an Easter bunny monk situation, which makes the whole place even better. Across the city, more spots offer similar patio setups, making it easy to grab tacos, burgers, or a cold drink without leaving your dog behind.
Traveling with a dog in El Paso does take a little planning, something Luie Boone has strong opinions about. The desert climate means summers can get very hot, so walks are best saved for early mornings or later in the evening when things cool down.
Bringing extra water is a must, since the dry air can sneak up on you and your dog pretty quickly. Luie Boone would like to emphasize hydration at all times. It’s also important to keep your dog on a leash in most public spaces and to double check patio rules before heading out to eat.
El Paso is the kind of place where you and your pup can just get out and enjoy it together. Luie Boone is already ready to go!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in El Paso, Texas. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Karina’s Home
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 baths.
Photos by Airbnb.com
It features the following amenities:
Located in a Quiet North El Paso neighborhood
Has amazing views of the Franklin mountains
Kitchen stocked with all needed amenities and utensils
Arcade Machine (The Simpsons 4-player)
Air Hockey Table
A medium pet bed is provided for pets staying indoors
Large covered back patio
Lounge rocking chairs
Gas grill
Heated pool with water slide and pool toys
Backyard is fully enclosed
Transmountain hiking trails only 5 minutes away
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My hoomans have officially planned our vacation to El Paso, Texas, and they paw-selected Karina’s House. I don’t know who Karina is, but she seems to have made some very strong decisions, so I respect that. I’ve been getting ready for the trip and trying to trust that Karina knows what she’s doing.
I am also bringing my very important travel companion: my stuffed wolf, Wolfie. He is brave, fluffy, and an excellent listener. I feel better knowing he’ll be there in case things get… wild.
I did hear there are real coyotes in the area, which feels like something Karina should have mentioned. From what I understand, coyotes and wolves are not exactly best friends. They’re more like distant cousins who don’t text back and might argue over territory. Coyotes are smart and a little sneaky, and wolves (like Wolfie, obviously) are more into loyalty and pack life. So I think it’s best if Wolfie stays safely inside while I handle all outdoor observations. Because of this new information, I’ve decided to stick close to my hoomans at all times. No solo adventures. That feels like the correct choice. The backyard at Karina’s house sounds like a dream. It is fully enclosed! There’s space for zoomies and a pool to supervise, plus a shady patio that feels made for naps. There’s also a grill, which means incredible smells and me sitting nearby being very well-behaved.
Inside, Karina clearly understood the assignment. There’s open space so I can follow my hoomans around properly, cool air, and a comfy pet bed with my name all over it. It sounds like the kind of place where you can relax after a long day and not worry about anything. Honestly, Karina’s House sounds like a solid setup. I still don’t know Karina, but I think I like her.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in El Paso, Texas!
Aztec Caves
The Aztec Caves come with a bit of local lore, which Luie Boone finds very interesting. Early El Pasoans once found bones and artifacts in the caves and assumed they belonged to the Aztecs, which is how the name stuck. The history is more complex than that, but the story has stayed with the place.
There’s a trail that leads up to the caves, and while it isn’t very long, it is steep enough to get your attention. It’s well-marked and maintained, so it feels manageable.
At the caves, it’s easy to see why people were drawn to this spot. The views and the natural shelter make it feel quiet and a little removed from everything else. There are a few primitive campsites along the way for visitors traveling with their dogs, though you’ll need to bring your own water. Luie Boone would consider this a more serious adventure, but a very good one.
Lost Dog Trail
Lost Dog Trail, set in the landscapes of west El Paso, is a 7.7-mile loop that Luie Boone finds both exciting and slightly suspicious based on the name alone. He finds it ironic that it’s called Lost Dog Trail when the goal is very much to not be a lost dog. Anyways, the trail's well-maintained and dog friendly, with a moderate challenge that works for hikers, runners, and bikers who want a longer adventure. There’s plenty of space to move at your own pace and take in the quiet of the desert.
Along the trail, you’ll spot different plants and animals depending on the season. After summer rains, the desert greens up, and you might see jackrabbits, lizards, or even a very fast roadrunner. Snakes can also be around, so it’s important to stay aware and give them plenty of space. Luie Boone believes in respectful distance at all times.
If you’re out near sunset, you might hear coyotes in the distance. Their howls can sound a little intense, but they usually keep to themselves.
Chamizal National Monument
Chamizal National Monument sits right along the border between the United States and Mexico and marks the peaceful resolution of a long-standing land dispute. Luie Boone thinks that’s a pretty big deal, especially for a place that also feels calm and open. It’s one of those spots where history and everyday life exist side by side.
Located in the heart of El Paso, the park’s wide gravel trails are popular for walking, jogging, and spending time with your dog. The paths are easy to follow and stretch across gently rolling space that feels relaxed and accessible. There are picnic areas and shaded spots to take a break, which Luie Boone appreciates after a solid walk.With access to water, restrooms, and open space, the park is a comfortable place to explore, and you might even spot hummingbirds or ground squirrels along the way.
One thing to watch for is goatheads, a type of spiky plant that can be tough on paws. They’re small but sharp, so it’s worth keeping an eye on where your dog is stepping.
Ascarate Park
Ascarate Park is the largest public-use park in El Paso County, and Luie Boone thinks bigger usually means better when it comes to exploring. The 400-acre space is built for all kinds of activity, with a large lake, a boardwalk, and a dog-friendly loop trail that follows the shoreline. It’s the kind of place where you can walk for a while and still feel like there’s more to see. The trail around the lake is about 1.4 miles. Luie Boone will do the full loop and then cannonball into the lake!
The park is also home to the Healing Garden, created to honor the victims and impact of the August 3, 2019 mass shooting in El Paso. The space is quiet and reflective, with artwork by Blanca Estrada and Tino Ortega that expresses hope and strength through community. Luie Boone would approach this space a little more gently, sitting still for a moment and hoping it brings some peace.
Thousand Steps Trail
The Thousand Steps Trail in El Paso, Texas is a challenging hike that Luie Boone has some thoughts about. A thousand steps sounds like something he could do in ten seconds… probably not, but he thinks you should appreciate his confidence. The trail is about 2.7 miles long and rated difficult, with steep inclines and rocky terrain that make it more of a climb than a casual walk. Cooler months are the best time to go, since the heat can make it even tougher.
The trail’s name comes from the steep staircase carved into the mountainside, which definitely earns its reputation. There are also unique rock formations along the way and a small cave that hikers can check out. Luie Boone would take a moment here, catch his breath, and pretend he’s not tired.
Further along the trail, the B-36 Crash Overlook marks the site of a 1953 crash, where wreckage can still be seen. It’s a place to pause and reflect, honoring the nine airmen who lost their lives. At the top, hikers are rewarded with wide views of El Paso and the desert stretching beyond it. It’s a tough climb, so bringing water and taking it slow matters. Luie Boone would say it’s a lot of steps, but the view might just make up for it.
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park is a 372-acre space in El Paso managed by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Luie Boone thinks it sounds like a very different kind of adventure. The park sits near the Rio Grande along the U.S.–Mexico border, surrounded by canals and open land that feels a little quieter than the rest of the city.
If you visit during the cooler months, the area fills with wildlife. Birds are a big part of the experience, with everything from owls to hawks to migrating ducks passing through. Luie Boone would try very hard to watch respectfully, so he can report back to his kitty brother, Tobi. There’s also a chance to spot small mammals like jackrabbits and squirrels. Tobi's going to be jealous!
Tom Mays Nature Walk
Tom Mays Nature Walk is a short, dog-friendly trail that winds through arroyos and hills, giving a solid introduction to desert plants and wildlife. Luie Boone is into the idea of a shorter trail, especially one that still delivers on interesting smells and new things to look at. It’s a good option for beginners and anyone who wants a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Right at the start, there’s a bird blind that gives visitors a close-up look at birds, which is great for watching or photography. Luie Boone would be very focused here, possibly too focused. Along the trail, there are markers that explain the plants you’re seeing, plus track molds that show what kinds of animals pass through the area. Luie Boone thinks that’s helpful information, especially when you want to know who might’ve been there before you.
Also, Luie Boone would like to know who Tom Mays is and why he has a whole trail.
MUTTZ El Paso - Dog Park Bar
MUTTZ El Paso is the kind of place Luie Boone didn’t know existed but now cannot stop thinking about. It’s a dog park and a bar in one, which means dogs get to run around while their hoomans hang out with food and drinks nearby. That feels like a very fair system.
Dogs can roam and play in a safe space while owners grab something to eat or sip on a drink like a frozen Barkarita or a craft beer. Luie Boone is mostly focused on the part where everyone is happy at the same time. There are also events and live music, which add to the whole experience.
The menu includes all-natural treats made just for dogs, with real ingredients and nothing extra added. There are pupcakes and snacks that sound suspiciously better than some human food. Luie Boone respects that level of effort.
They also offer doggie daycare and even a boutique for pet gear, which makes this more than just a quick stop. Luie Boone would call this a full experience and a very strong choice for a day out.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
El Paso, Texas
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My hoomans have a vacation planned to El Paso, Texas, and they’re really excited about it. I’m trying to match the energy, I really am, but something about this one feels a little… suspicious. At the park, I overheard some older dogs talking about that place, and they mentioned something called oryx. Big animals with long horns that look very sharp and very unfriendly. They said the oryx weren’t always there, that hoomans brought them from faraway deserts and now they just live there like it’s normal. One dog told me they don’t chase anything. They just stand there and look at you. That somehow made it worse. Now I keep picturing this huge open desert with nowhere to hide and those animals just watching in the distance. My hoomans are talking about sunshine and views, and I’m thinking about being perceived by something with horns. But, I’m bringing my stuffed wolf, Wolfie. He’s very brave. When I carry him, I feel a little less nervous, like maybe I could handle whatever is out there. I trust my hoomans. I just think it’s important to be emotionally prepared… and to keep Wolfie close.
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