Michael Totten, Contributing writer

El Paso, Texas, is a city in a desert on the banks of the Rio Grande by the borders of New Mexico and Mexico. The Rio Grande flows around it and the Franklin Mountains slice through the city, creating a rich and varied landscape of plains, desert, mountains and canyons between them. Mexico is just a bridge away. This is one of those places where there is so much to see, do and explore that it is hard to choose where to start.

So let's start at the center of the city.

The Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the nation. It is a taste of wilderness in the city, and features rock climbing and outdoor adventures, hiking, some camping (no ground fires and there is no water or electricity), mountain biking (in certain areas), and ranger tours for those who want to learn more about what they are seeing.

It is also where you can ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway from the cactus gardens at its base all the way to the top of Ranger Peak for a magnificent view of the city, three states and two nations. As you ascend over the canyon you can learn about the cacti and rock formations below, and watch wildlife. Riding the Tramway costs for $7 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under.

McKelligon Canyon is also part of the Franklin Mountains State Park. It is a popular place for locals to rock climb, bike and hike, and the site of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre where Viva El Paso, a lively musical drama depicting the history of the El Paso area, plays. The performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays from the end of June through to the first weekend in August. Tickets for the production range from $15 to $24 for adults and $13 to $22 for children.

Mexico lies just across the river, and it is not surprising that there has been a history of border disputes here. The Chamizal National Memorial was created to commemorate the Chamizal Convention of 1963, which settled the last border dispute in this area. The memorial includes a park, a theatre on the grounds which hosts free events, and an art gallery, also free.

The park contains a walking trail with views, benches and a few picnic areas for those who want to enjoy time in the outdoors. If you want to learn more about the memorial you can schedule a ranger-guided program that highlights the history of the dispute and its settlement as well as the culture of the region. Music Under the Stars takes place every Sunday in the summer.

Following the El Paso Mission Trail takes you out of the city to the adobe-walled mission churches of the Ysleta Mission, the Socorro Mission and the San Elizario Chapel. The Ysleta Mission is the center of reservation life for the Tigua; the Socorro Mission was built for the Piro Puebloans and recently restored in a grand community effort; the San Elizario Mission was built as part of a presidio to protect travelers and residents from Indian attack. Each mission has its own unique history and beauty and is well worth visiting.

You can see a different side of the city if you take time to wander along the meandering sidewalks past the unique homes and pocket parks of Kern Place neighborhood. Madeline Park has been rejuvenated by an active residents association; nearby you will see the Castle on Cincinnati Ave, built from local stone. The Billy Rogers Arroyo Park Nature Preserve, popular with nature lovers and mountain bikers, runs along its border.

These are just a few of the many places you can visit -- this is a city with many museums and beautiful buildings, and a rich history. Visitors will find they have more to explore than time explore in. All you need to do is start.