Celebrate the Season on the Trail: 12 Days of Family Exploration

This winter, WE HIKE invites you, your family, and our entire community to get outside, explore El Paso, and make some new holiday memories.

The 12 Days of Hiking Winter Challenge is all about discovering the places that make our Borderland special. From neighborhood parks, scenic walking paths, to local landmarks and places rich in history, we're bringing you 12 destinations to explore, 12 opportunities for adventure, and plenty of reasons to enjoy the outdoors together.

Maybe you'll discover a place you've never visited, see a familiar landmark in a new way, or find a new favorite spot to bring your family. However you choose to participate, there's an adventure waiting for you!

About WE HIKE

WE HIKE is an El Paso-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting our community through outdoor adventure, safety education, health, wellness, culture, and stewardship. Through volunteer-led activities and public education, we create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.

Our belief is simple: the outdoors should be welcoming to everyone. You don't have to be an experienced hiker to be part of the adventure!

How the Adventure Unfolds

The Festive Kickoff

We're kicking off Thanksgiving weekend with an in-person community group walk on Saturday, November 28! Come meet fellow adventurers, enjoy some fresh air, and launch the 12-destination challenge together with WE HIKE.

Solve the Riddles. Discover El Paso.

Starting Tuesday, December 1, a new trail riddle will be released every couple of days right here on this page to unlock the rest of our 12 featured local destinations, including parks, public art, landmarks, and scenic walking paths.

Read the clue, figure out the location, and head out to explore. You can visit each destination whenever your schedule allows or join us in person along the way. The fun is in solving the clues and discovering what El Paso has waiting for you!

Capture Your 12 Adventures

Every destination is an opportunity to make a memory. When you arrive, take a photo of yourself, your family, or your group at the featured location. Upload your photo to your 12-Photo Digital Card, your personal online stamp card that tracks your progress through all 12 destinations.

Your digital card is provided FREE and you can download it now.

Celebrate at the Grand Finale!

Save the date for December 17! We're wrapping up the challenge with a live holiday lights grand finale celebration downtown. Bring your complete digital card, celebrate your 12 adventures, and enjoy one more opportunity to connect with the WE HIKE community.

Twelve Destinations. Twelve Adventures. One Incredible Community. 

This holiday season, make time for fresh air, family, friends, and a little discovery. Challenge yourself to explore somewhere new, revisit a favorite place, and experience our community in a different way. Whether you're bringing the whole family or heading out for a solo adventure, WE HIKE invites you to be part of it.

Let's get outside, El Paso! 

 Learn. Explore. Prepare. Return Home Safely.

DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PICTURE CARD HERE 

More Than Just a Hike

Along the way, practical outdoor safety tips and Leave No Trace principles will be shared to help participants better understand responsible recreation and desert preparedness.

Explore El Paso's outdoor spaces while learning about trail awareness, desert conditions, environmental stewardship, and the importance of being prepared before heading outside.

The Grand Finale Celebration & Prizes

December 17 | 5:30 PM Check-In, Night Walk & Raffle
Downtown Visit El Paso (Inside vistor Center) | 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901

Join us for an evening celebrating the challenge, the places explored, and the adventures along the way! Bring your completed 12-photo digital card or your checkpoint photos to the verification tables.

Participants who complete the challenge can receive official finisher gear, available while supplies last, courtesy of our host facility. We'll also hold a live raffle drawing for three grand prizes!

Evening Schedule

• 5:30 PM: Doors Open / Photo Card Verification Begins

• 6:15 PM: Landmark & Mural Holiday Night Stroll

• 7:30 PM: Live Raffle Draw & Celebration

Visiting from Out of Town? Explore El Paso with WE HIKE!

Planning to explore the 12 Days Challenge and want a more personalized outdoor experience?

WE HIKE offers private, paid outdoor experiences for visitors, families, and groups interested in discovering El Paso's trails, desert landscapes, and natural and cultural history. Our experiences incorporate outdoor education, preparedness, and responsible recreation.

• Explore the Trails: Discover El Paso's unique desert landscapes and mountain environments.

• Learn About the Land: Explore local ecology, natural history, and cultural connections.

• Outdoor Safety & Preparedness: Learn practical skills and considerations for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Interested in arranging a private experience?

Contact WE HIKE to discuss your group's interests and booking opportunities.

 wehikeadventure@gmail.com  or tours form (link) 

Our Community Partnership

This winter challenge brings together outdoor education, community exploration, and destination awareness. We are proud to collaborate with Visit El Paso to highlight the outdoor experiences, local landmarks, history and more, that make our city special.

Explore. Learn. Discover El Paso. Return Home Safely.