Best time to travel to El Paso, TX

Keystone Heritage Park in El Paso, TX

A fantastic place with the Franklin Mountains serve as a backdrop

Best time: all year round

Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park
Keystone Heritage Park | El Paso Desert Botanical Garden

Located in El Paso’s Upper Valley, Keystone Heritage Park represents a city-owned non-profit 52 ac (21 ha) nature preserve. It contains an ancient archaeological site, a natural wetland, the Chihuahuan Desert Experience's future site, and the El Paso Botanical Garden.

This beautiful park is open throughout the year with public and special tours available. Mind summer to be the hottest season of all!

The archaeological site was discovered during the construction of flood control dams in the late 70s. Runoff from a thunderstorm swept away the mound of a shallow arroyo and revealed a cutout of an ancient pitch house. Initial research showed that the house was part of the village, which was over 4000 years old. Rumor has it that it may be one of the oldest and largest settlements of its kind in the USA.

Keystone Wetlands is a shelter for many birds: over 200 bird species have been spotted there, and around 22 species are considered rare. These archaic marshes are protected by Federal Law and depict the ones that once lined the Rio Grande.

The Botanical Garden at Keystone is an outcome of generous donations and diligent volunteer work. This place encompasses a Xeric demonstration garden, an ethnobotanical garden, a moonlight garden, a children’s garden, an amphitheater, and more. This site is also available for reunions, corporate gatherings, and weddings.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Keystone Heritage Park?

Visitors can explore Keystone Heritage Park throughout the year, but it's ideal to visit during spring or fall, when the weather is mild. During the summer, the temperature is high, while in winter it's quite chilly. The park offers guided tours or self-guide tour maps that signal the location of historic and unique vegetation within the park. Show more

Where is the ancient archaeological site located in the Park?

The archaeological site in Keystone Heritage Park is in the northwest corner of the park. It was part of the Jornada Mogollon culture, a prehistoric group that lived in southwestern America for about eight thousand years. The site was uncovered during the construction of flood control dams in the late '70s after a thunderstorm swept away the remains of the shallow arroy. Show more

What is the history behind the pitched house found at the site?

The pitched house in the Keystone Heritage Park's archaeological site is one of the largest and ancient villages of its kind in the country. The archeological research reveals that it was part of a village that existed over 4000 years ago. Pitched houses were built from the available materials by the Native Americans' ancestors for different seasonal migrations, and the Keystone's pitched house was roofed with grass thatch and constructed from rushes and beams. Show more

What kind of birds can be spotted at Keystone Wetlands?

Keystone Wetlands is home to over 200 bird species, offering bird enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore a combination of birds mostly seen on the West and East coasts. This refuge boasts 22 rare or accidental species, including Roseate spoonbills, Vermilion flycatchers, and Great Egrets. The Vermilion Flycatcher with its distinctive red coloring is especially popular and identifiable among visitors. A detailed self-guide map is available for people, while a guided tour is available on request. Show more

Can the Botanical Garden be rented for private events other than weddings?

Yes, El Paso's Botanical Garden is available for booking for various events, including corporate meetings, birthday parties, and reunions, not exclusive to weddings. The impressive facility includes a Xeric demonstration garden, a children's garden, an ethnobotanical garden, and an amphitheater. The venue has many rental options, including the pavilion, formal garden hall, and gazebo, which can be rented and combined per the occasion. The price varies by time of day and the rental area chosen. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva