If you’re seeking adventure during these crisp and cool autumn days, a fall wonderland lies just a short drive away.
From pumpkin patches and vineyards to music festivals and stargazing, several small communitys near El Paso offer ways to experience the season — and most can be done during daytrip or weekend getaway.
Here are five nearby hidden gems to explore during autumn.
La Union, New Mexico
The small community situated between El Paso and Las Cruces boasts trees that turn golden, expansive pumpkin patches, and winding corn mazes. You can also enjoy various vineyards en route to the town in Dona Ana County.
At nearby La Union Maze, families enjoy a tractor-pulled wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, as well as farm animals, hill slides, tube slides, and other outdoor activities.
Travel time: 24 minutes (from Downtown El Paso)
La Union Maze offers slides and other activities during the fall.
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Fall colors are abundant in the trees of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and the surrounding region. Whether you wander through winding trails of the Lincoln National Forest, like the two-and-a-half-mile Osha Trail, or drive a scenic route, fall foliage is sure to surround you.
If you’re looking to spend the night for a weekend getaway, The Lodge, a historic country inn that opened in 1899, is nestled in towering pine trees.
Travel time: 1 hour, 52 minutes (from Downtown El Paso)
Silver City, New Mexico
The Southwestern New Mexico town encompasses a vibrant historic downtown, various art galleries, and lots of outdoor recreational opportunities, including exploring the nearby ancient Gila Cliff Dwellings that date back to 800 B.C.
Travel time: 2 hours, 29 minutes (from Downtown El Paso)
Marfa, Texas
The artsy community in West Texas is best explored in the fall due to its cooler weather, with daily temperature highs in the 70s.
The desert city has lots of events happening in the fall, including musical festivals and a tattoo and jewelry convention, featuring tattoo artists from across the country, plus vintage clothes, tintype photography and raffles.
Travel time: 2 hours, 48 minutes (from Downtown El Paso)
Marfa, Texas was divided by railroad tracks. Many of the wealthier residents lived on the north side of the tracks. Blackwell Elementary was on the south side of the tracks.
Fort Davis, Texas
The historic town of Fort Davis offers mountain scenery perfect for exploration during the cooler months and is home to several well-known attractions, including the McDonald Observatory.
Stargazers can enjoy a “Star Party” at the observatory, which includes night sky constellation tours and views of celestial objects through a number of telescopes.
Travel time: 2 hours, 58 minutes
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
More: Fall-like weather arrives in El Paso bringing breezy conditions, cooler temperatures
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Hidden gems near El Paso: 5 nearby towns worth a visit during fall