With this extra time off, most people will be planning to relax with family or friends. There are plenty of events going on in and around El Paso that locals can enjoy, but if you’re like me and you want to spend the extra days off out of El Paso then let’s talk mini-road trips!

Why take a road trip when I can enjoy tons of events here in El Paso? Well, back when my son was a cute little toddler we would take mom and son trips alone and it was the best binding experience EVER!

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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We had to put a pause on those trips due to car problems, money issues and my son growing up. *Cries in dramatic Mom*

Well, this momma got a new car and I decided to plan a mini-road trip with my favorite little human so we could get back to our mom and son bonding experiences!

Since it’s been a while that I have taken a mini-road I decided to ask the people of El Paso for the best suggestions on where to head out for a mini-road trip this Labor Day weekend and they did not disappoint with their suggestions.

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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Ruidoso, NM: 2 hour 30 min trip

On top of the list was taking a trip to Ruidoso, NM.

 

Ray Horvath Productions via YouTube
Ray Horvath Productions via YouTube
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The 2 ½ hour trip is really a very scenic one, and if you love camping, hiking, or anything having to do with the outdoors then I agree the Ruidoso is a great place to get away for the weekend.

"Ruidoso!! It’s a short drive, with good food, and beautiful views."

 

"Mine likes the Casino in Ruidoso . . Short drive, with beautiful views, with the smell of pine trees, a variety of food, hiking trails, boats, etc."

Cloudcroft, NM: 1 hour 49 min trip

Cloudcroft is just a short drive away from Ruidoso and although it’s a much smaller town it’s great when you just plan on relaxing for a few short days.

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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"Cloud croft camping at silver lake."

-Alex Garcia

 

"Go up to Cloudcroft for some fresh air and beautiful scenery!"

-Elsa Rey Contreras

Carlsbad, NM: 2 hr 45 min trip

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
UIG via Getty Images
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Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I went to Carlsbad. I was so young that I wouldn’t mind heading over there again to try and trigger my childhood memories.

"We took our kids (4 and almost 2) to Carlsbad to the lake! The boat rides are fun and if you don't want to swim in the lake there’s a public pool in the same park! The kids loved it! And you can also go to Carlsbad caverns!!"

Albuquerque/Santa Fe NM: 3 hours 45 min trip

A very popular suggestion was to head to Albuquerque, NM to enjoy their Zoo and aquarium and all the museums they have. All of which are things I am VERY familiar with.

My son always loved escaping El Paso for a few days to enjoy all the fun Albuquerque has to offer.

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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The best part was that Santa Fe, NM was only one hour away if we wanted to head to Meow Wolf one day.

"Meow wolf….or in Albuquerque they have ready one, and an amusement park."

-Casandra Gomez

Fact: The amusement park, CLIFF’s Amusement Park, really makes you feel like a kid again. Especially when you win the big prizes!

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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"Take him to Meow Wolf. It’s so much fun!"

-Ana Olivas

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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Honorable Mentions:

“Silver City has a gem & rock show."

-Elyn Clarke

 

"Hiking at Mckittrick Canyon. The weather will be beautiful."

-Shauna Parraz

 

"Alameda park Zoo in Alamogordo."

-Monica Realyvasquez

 

"Space museum, The big pistachio, White sands, The apple barn in Cloudcroft, The museum next to Cloudcroft high school, The trails."

 

"Go to Marfa for the light festival. Also, get some BBQ from Convenience West."

-Annalyn Zubia

 

"I love going to Scottsdale for a weekend & Airbnb is extra cheap there right now. I can give you lots of suggestions. Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, or Carlsbad Caverns are all fun too."

-Tanya von Mittenwald

I love living in El Paso because there are so many hidden gems all around us that make for a great mini-road trip.

Regardless of where I decide to go this Labor Day Weekend, I’m just excited to be spending some quality time with my son and hopefully you are able to spend some quality time with your loved ones, too.

Iris Lopez
Iris Lopez
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Iris’ Bahama Vacation

 

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