There are many great things about living in El Paso, but one of the top reasons is the fact that we have so many amazing hiking trails just a few hours away from us!

These hiking spots are great for families to entertain their little ones, or for adventure seekers to head on out for an adventure close to home.

Last year I went on a little family adventure with my boyfriend to Carlsbad Caverns and I forgot how exciting the caverns were! They were exciting for me as a kid and even as an adult too!

National Park Week is April 19th through April 27th and more than half of Americans say they love wildlife-watching while vibing in the great outdoors. So it only makes sense to head to the ultimate wildlife-watching arenas: our stunning national parks. 

Researchers dug into eight major animal categories—mammals, birds, fish, and even the spooky-cute stuff like spiders and slugs—to figure out where you’re most likely to spot something worth gasping over!

Here’s who made the wildest Top 5 list for the best U.S. National Parks for wildlife spotting:

Grand Canyon National Park – A total wildlife overachiever. With 447 bird species (California condors, what’s up 👋), 91 mammals, and GLOW-IN-THE-DARK SCORPIONS?? Grand Canyon said, "You want a wildlife show? Bet."

Great Smoky Mountains – Amphibian kingdom! Home to 52 salamander species (and the elusive hellbender 👀). Also a hotspot for spiders (969 species... eek!) and black bears.

Big Bend National Park – Reptile royalty. 59 scaly species slither here. Plus, over 400 bird species and bobcats just doing bobcat things.

Carlsbad Caverns – Come for the bats, stay for the birds (362 species!) and secret cave geckos. Bonus: nightly bat flight = nature’s light show.

Redwood National Park – Not just trees! Mammal paradise with 85 species, including river otters and the Roosevelt elk. Oh, and some chill fish and birds too.