EL Paso's Quality of Life
Recreation ( Southern New Mexico )
Southern New Mexico offers El Pasoans resort areas, quiet cabins, luxury condominiums, and numerous
outdoor activities, all within a two-hour drive. Hunting and fishing areas are available in many
parts of New Mexico as well.
Surrounded by the densely wooded Lincoln National Forest in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, Ruidoso is
known mainly for its excellent skiing. Horse racing enthusiasts can visit Ruidoso Downs, which
features the $1 Million All-American Futurity each September. The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort
tops the list of guest accommodations in the Ruidoso area. Excellent fishing, golf, hiking, tennis
and camping in the summer months are also available in and around Ruidoso.
Cloudcroft, a small resort community just a short drive from Ruidoso, offers a smaller ski area with
snow-tubing facilities. A quaint mountain town, Cloudcroft offers restaurants, antique shops as well
as The Lodge, a locally famous hotel and nine-hole golf course. Area festivals are held throughout
the year. As in Ruidoso, Cloudcroft offers many fine camping, fishing and hunting opportunities.
Other notable sites in southern New Mexico:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- White Sands National Monument
Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss came to El Paso as a cavalry post in 1848 to protect settlers from Indians and
marauding bandits. One of the oldest posts in the United States Army, Fort Bliss has become
the largest Air Defense Training Center in the world. As the center for air defense, Fort
Bliss is home to the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School and four combat ADA brigades.
Its partner organizations include William Beaumont Army Medical Center, the United States Army
Sergeants Major Academy, Joint Task Force Six, the German Air Force Command (United States/Canada),
and the German Air Defense School. With 1.1 million acres, the post is larger than the state of
Rhode Island and can accommodate every weapon system in the Army.
Fort Bliss shares a long history with El Paso, playing a vital role in the city’s economy as well
as its growth with more than 10,000 active military personnel stationed in the area and a total
population of 114,978 in 1999. The approximate spouse population totals 20,000 to 30,000.
Source: Army Career and Alumni Program, 2/2000
The Fort Bliss Museum is located at a reconstructed site of the original location. Adobe walls provided
warmth in the winter and cool respite from the summer heat. Inside displays, photographs, maps
and personal items form the exhibit. Outside, the grounds are landscaped with plants indigenous to
the Chihuahuan desert.
One block south of the Fort Bliss museum is the latest addition to the historic preservation of
Fort Bliss. The Air Defense / Artillery Museum, the only one of its kind, is dedicated to the
history of air defense, housing equipment and displays detailing its evolution. Both museums are
open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. For information call (915) 568-4518 or 568-2804.
Fort Bliss hosts many annual events such as the Amigo Air Show, Oktoberfest, Showtime, USA and Armed Forces Day.
For information on any of these activities, call Fort Bliss information at (915) 568-2121.
Horizon City
Situated approximately five miles east of the El Paso city limits, Horizon City is a fast-growing
community located near the United States-Mexico border. The community offers an 18-hole, semi-private
country club known as Emerald Springs Golf and Country Club.
Spiritual Facilities
El Paso has over 348 churches and synagogues representing more than 60 denominations.
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