Tom Lea Upper Park

If you're looking for a place to capture the true spirit of the desert Southwest, look no further than Tom Lea Upper Park. Located on a high point in El Paso's Rim-University neighborhood, this scenic green space is one of the region's most popular viewpoints. The park is named after the famous local artist, author, and muralist Tom Lea, whose work is inextricably linked to the culture of the United States and the borderlands.

The park's main draw is its breathtaking panoramic views. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy a stunning outlook of the majestic Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. It is an ideal spot for those who appreciate natural aesthetics within an urban setting and want to see where city neighborhoods meet the wild Texas landscape.

The park serves as the upper level of an extensive recreational area and is highly regarded by travelers: its rating, based on hundreds of reviews, confirms its status as a must-visit location. It features convenient walking paths and resting areas, making the park accessible and comfortable for tourists of all ages.

For details about your visit or information regarding events at Tom Lea Upper Park, you can contact the official El Paso city services. The city's Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance and support of the area.

First and foremost, people come to Tom Lea Upper Park for the visual experience. The primary activity here is walking along the well-maintained paths, which offer postcard-worthy views of the mountain ranges and the city skyline. It is a favorite spot for local photographers and travelers looking to capture incredible sunsets, when the sky over El Paso is painted in deep shades of orange and purple.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the park offers excellent conditions for outdoor picnics. You can settle onto the benches or right on the grass with a book, practice sunrise yoga, or simply meditate while gazing across the Rio Grande Valley. Information plaques allow you to learn more about the local flora and fauna, turning a simple walk into a small educational adventure.

Families will appreciate the open spaces, which are perfect for active play with children. Despite the absence of noisy attractions, the park’s atmosphere inspires creativity and reflection on the region’s cultural heritage. While there isn't a direct gallery of Tom Lea’s work on-site, the surrounding landscapes themselves serve as the best illustration of his famous works dedicated to the rugged beauty of these lands.

The attraction is located at 900 Rim Rd, El Paso, TX 79902, in the picturesque Rim-University neighborhood. The most convenient way to get here is by car: from downtown, the drive via I-10 and Rim Rd takes about 10–15 minutes. Free parking is available for visitors directly at the park entrance.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use the El Paso Sun Metro buses heading toward the University Heights area. The stops are within walking distance, though it is recommended to check the current schedule on the city’s transit portal beforehand. A taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft from El Paso International Airport (ELP) will take approximately 20–25 minutes.

For those who enjoy active travel, there are bike paths leading to the park, and it is also reachable on foot from nearby residential areas. When planning a walk, keep in mind that the terrain is quite hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself. The best time to arrive is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the panoramic views.

The park is named after Tom Lea (1907–2001), a prominent local native who gained fame as a talented muralist, illustrator, and author. Lea was educated at the Art Institute of Chicago but always maintained a deep connection to his native Texas, creating monumental works for public buildings, including the Federal Courthouse in El Paso.

His life was remarkably full: during the 1940s, he served as a correspondent for LIFE magazine, documenting events across various fronts. Upon returning to civilian life, Tom Lea proved to be a brilliant writer, penning bestsellers such as "The Brave Bulls" and "The Wonderful Country." His work was always infused with a love for the rugged beauty of the United States Southwest and neighboring Mexico.

Tom Lea Upper Park is part of the city's green space system, designed to preserve the natural landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert. While the park is not a museum in the traditional sense, its atmosphere and the views from its lookout points echo the landscapes that Lea so masterfully depicted in his paintings and books. This site serves as a living monument to the cultural heritage and natural aesthetics of the borderlands.

For a standard visit to Tom Lea Upper Park, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to take a leisurely stroll along the main paths, snap some panoramic photos of the city and mountains, and relax on one of the benches while enjoying the peace and fresh air.

If you plan to have a full picnic or want to wait for the sunset (which is highly recommended), it’s worth setting aside about 3 hours. Your visit can also be extended if you decide to explore the connected walking trails leading to other parts of the Rim Rd park area. Regardless, even a short 30-minute stop here will provide some of the best visual memories of your trip.

Tom Lea Upper Park is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. The area is open from early morning until late evening according to the following schedule:

• Monday — Sunday: 06:00 – 23:00

These generous operating hours provide the opportunity to see the park in the first light of sunrise as well as under the glowing night lights of El Paso.

Exploring the area around Tom Lea Upper Park allows you to dive even deeper into the unique atmosphere of this region on the border of two countries. Nearby, you'll find various entertainment centers and natural sites to help make your day in El Paso as fulfilling as possible.