Best Places to Experience Fall Weather Near El Paso

It's October, which means it's officially time for cozy sweaters, boots, pumpkin spice lattes, and watching Gilmore Girls while admiring the beautiful fall colors outside.

Well, unless you live in El Paso!

Don't get me wrong, I love the Sun City, but being a fall lover in the desert is HARD! While other parts of the country are enjoying crisp autumn mornings and colorful leaves, we're still trying to figure out if it's socially acceptable to wear shorts in October.

One day we get a little taste of fall weather, and the next day we're back to sweating in our favorite flannels!

Thankfully, El Pasoans don't have to travel too far to experience an actual autumn. Two of our favorite New Mexico mountain towns, Ruidoso and Cloudcroft, offer the fall weather we've been dreaming about.

Ruidoso New Mexico Offers Fall Colors Near El Paso

If there's one place El Pasoans love escaping to when they need a break from the desert heat, it's Ruidoso!

Located about two and a half hours from El Paso, Ruidoso is already a favorite weekend getaway for many Borderland residents, but there's something extra special about visiting during the fall.

The mountain town transforms into a beautiful autumn destination, with trees turning shades of yellow, orange, and gold as temperatures begin to drop.

Whether you're taking a scenic drive through the mountains, enjoying the scenery around Grindstone Lake, or strolling through Midtown Ruidoso with a warm coffee in hand, it's the perfect place to embrace those fall vibes.

And the best part? You might actually get to wear that sweater you've been saving since September!

Cloudcroft New Mexico Is Another Fall Escape From El Paso

If you're looking for another cozy mountain getaway, Cloudcroft is calling your name!

Just about two hours from El Paso, this charming New Mexico village sits high in the Sacramento Mountains, where cooler temperatures and beautiful forest scenery make it feel like fall has officially arrived.

During autumn, the surrounding forests come alive with golden aspens and changing leaves, creating the kind of scenery we don't get to enjoy very often in the desert.

You can take a scenic drive, explore the nearby trails, or spend an afternoon wandering through the little shops along Burro Avenue.

Cloudcroft has that small mountain-town charm that makes you want to grab a hot drink, throw on your favorite flannel, and enjoy the crisp air.

And sometimes, that's all a fall lover really needs!

Fall Weather Near El Paso Is Worth the Road Trip

As much as I wish El Paso would give us a few more weeks of actual fall weather, I guess we can't complain too much when we have two beautiful mountain towns just a short road trip away.

So, until the Sun City decides it's ready for sweater weather, I'll keep my favorite flannel on standby, my pumpkin spice latte iced, and my sweaters ready for a little fall getaway to New Mexico!