Mountains

One of the most spectacular and remote national parks in America where the Chisos Mountains rise dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande carves deep canyons along the Mexican border. The Window Trail is the signature family hike leading to a pour-off with desert basin views that kids never forget. The Santa Elena Canyon Trail walks right into a 1,500-foot limestone canyon with the river echoing off the walls. The night sky here is among the darkest in North America and the stargazing alone is worth the drive.

A mountain park at 5,000 feet elevation in the Davis Mountains where summer temperatures are 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the rest of Texas. The Skyline Drive Trail climbs to panoramic views and connects to the Fort Davis National Historic Site which adds a history dimension that older kids appreciate. The Indian Lodge on-site is a pueblo-style hotel built by the CCC that offers a unique overnight option. Stargazing here is world-class thanks to the dark skies.

The largest urban park in the nation at over 37,000 acres encompassing an entire Chihuahuan Desert mountain range within El Paso city limits. The Wyler Aerial Tramway carries families to the top of Ranger Peak for panoramic views of two countries. Over 100 miles of trails offer everything from easy desert walks to challenging mountain summit routes. The Aztec Caves Trail leads to two small caves that kids find thrilling to explore.

Home to Guadalupe Peak at 8,751 feet which is the highest point in Texas and a bucket-list summit for adventurous families with older kids. The trail to the top is 8.4 miles round trip and strenuous but the views from the summit are extraordinary. For younger families the McKittrick Canyon trail in fall is one of the most beautiful hikes in the state when the bigtooth maples turn brilliant orange and red. The park is remote and uncrowded which adds to the sense of real adventure.