Go Here: 5 Outdoorsy El Paso Events to Hit Up in 2018
El Paso is an oasis in the vast West Texas landscape. Situated on the foothills of the Franklin Mountains and peppered with cacti, coyotes and golden eagles, El Paso calls to outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, bike, run, and climb.
Outdoor activities are organized and enjoyed year-round in El Paso. Weekly hikes, outdoor gear demonstrations and women-only adventures take place a few times each month. An eclectic community of adventurers – both local and international – comes together for several major events throughout the year to celebrate and engage in the unique environment they love to explore. Here are five outdoorsy events to plan some 2018 travel around.
El Paso Puzzler
January
Date: January 14, 2018
Location: Franklin Mountains State Park
Looking for an endurance mountain bike race with epic terrain for multiple levels? The El Paso Puzzler offers a 50-, 35- and 13-mile race for keen mountain bikers. Sleep in style at the host hotel, the Hyatt Place El Paso Airport, or bring your tent or RV to camp onsite. Register now, sign up to volunteer or simply come by to witness the action and cheer on competitors.
Lone Star 100
February
Dates: February 10–11, 2018
Location: Franklin Mountains State Park
Self-proclaimed as the “hardest, gnarliest and baddest race in the South,” the Lone Star 100 offers trail runners two options: the 100 Miler and the 100K.
The 100 Miler track has three loops of approximately 33 miles each, with 20,000 feet of elevation to gain and descend. Relay teams are made up of three people.
The 100K is significantly shorter, with two loops of around 31.5 miles to conquer. Two people run this as a relay.
Each race covers low desert and runnable terrain through the Franklin Mountains. Texas-style food, first aid stations and cupless water stations are scattered along the track. Don’t let the desert fool you—running here can get chilly, so dress appropriately.
Hueco Rock Rodeo
February
Dates: February 15–18, 2018
Location: 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1
Hosted by the American Alpine Club, this massive bouldering competition draws national and international competitors. Hueco Rock Rodeo participants can watch as climbers fuse themselves to the sides of boulders, hanging without support above gym mats and surrounded by photographers. This four-day event also includes barn parties, food trucks and camping to make it an unforgettable weekend.
Michelob Ultra Springfoot Marathon
February
Date: February 18, 2018
Location: 3280 Joe Battle Blvd
Also known simply as “Springfoot,” the Michelob Ultra Springfoot Marathon consists of a mostly urban marathon, half-marathon and 5K walk/run. There is also a team challenge, which offers incentives for large groups to band together and participate in every race. The marathon donates proceeds to several local and national nonprofit organizations, so you can feel extra accomplished for running it.
Franklin Mountains Trail Run
November
Dates: November 10–12, 2018
Location: Franklin Mountains State Park
For three days, runners overtake the Franklin Mountains. There are a variety of trail options for all abilities, including a 50K, 27K, 13.1 Half, King/Queen of the Mountain, 10K and 5K. Steep switchbacks, rocky terrain and multiple loops make up the racecourse. The unique design of the Elevation Culture customer medals is reason enough to run hard (and win).
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Go Here: El Paso is a Desert Playground for the Outdoorsy
