Dog walking in Sunland Park

Emory Road

The Keystone Heritage Park in nearby El Paso is a must-see for visiting pooches in this area. Set over 52 spectacular acres of botanic garden, wetlands and desert, this park has so much to offer. Take a walk with your pup along the three mile trail around the lake, and then up to the dam ridge where you can take in lovely views of Mt Franklin. The gardens themselves are equally impressive, with incredible selections of native dry-climate species. Keystone Heritage Park is also a Texas State Archaeological Landmark, being the site of an ancient village and home to human-made structures as old as 4,500 years. You will need to keep your pup leashed as you explore this park together.

De Leon Dr/ Fiesta Dr

Just north of Sunland Park in El Paso, Texas, is a great selection of pup-friendly places to eat that allow pets in their outdoor seating areas. Famous Dave's Barbeque is a casual restaurant that serves up a hearty selection of soups, ribs, meat dishes and salads. Blake's Lotaburger specialises in juicy burgers and seasoned fries, as well as breakfast burritos, sandwiches, chili and sweet treats including brownies and milkshakes. If you are looking for a place for a quiet, refreshing drink, Black Orchid has a wide range of tempting drinks, and a choice of bar snacks to go with them. D’Lox is a casual eatery with salads, sandwiches and burgers, and loves having dogs come to visit. While you are in this area, take a walk around the path at Harvey Park, or have a game of catch on the open grassed area.

Valley Creek South

The Rio Grande Riverwalk Trail System in El Paso is a great out-and-back walk to take with your buddy. The total trail distance is 21 miles, so keep track of how far you have walked as you will need to return the same way! The walk offers lovely views of the Rio Grande, and there is often wildflowers and wildlife to spot along the way. Dogs are welcome here, but keep your pal leashed and make sure you pick up any mess he leaves. There aren’t any amenities out here, so being everything you need for your trip, including water for you both, snacks and treats, as well as bug spray (depending on the season).

Desierto Plaza

Let Fido loose at the Westside Community Park Dog Run in El Paso, just nine miles north over the Texas border. The off-leash dog park is a popular place for pups to run free, socialise and really burn off some steam in one of the two fenced areas. There are benches for you to sit at while your dog plays, waste bags and some drinking bowls provided, as well as a few pieces of agility equipment. You will need to bring water here. Outside the dog park, the Westside Community Park has a lot more to offer. Set over 85 acres, there are numerous walking trails, picnic areas, two playgrounds, a sports field, skate park and seasonal splash pad. The whole family will love a day out at Westside!

North El Paso

Looking for a good trail walk with your pup to really get those legs moving? Head up to Franklin Mountain State Park, just 15 minutes from nearby El Paso, Texas. This area has over 100 miles of trails spanning over 27,000 acres of high-desert mountain land. Dogs are permitted in the State Park, but must be kept leashed at all times. There are 32 marked trails here, so it may be wise to seek out a map before you head off. You will need to carry everything you need, including plenty of water and waste disposal bags for your pup, and dress appropriately as the terrain can be rugged in some areas.