El Paso isn’t just known for desert sunsets and mountain hikes—it also hides a dark, spine-tingling side. Nestled among its historic buildings, lonely highways, and aging landmarks are tales of restless spirits, ghostly apparitions, and haunted legends that have lingered for generations. If you’re drawn to the paranormal or just love a good scare, a haunted road trip near El Paso is the perfect way to combine eerie thrills with atmospheric desert beauty.
From abandoned forts and haunted theaters to cursed cemeteries and ghost-ridden hotels, this guide will take you through the creepiest, most haunted places near El Paso—each with its own chilling story. Buckle up and keep the lights on—your spooky Southwest road trip begins now.
Why El Paso Is a Hotspot for Haunted Road Trips
El Paso’s history stretches back centuries, from Spanish missions and Wild West gunfights to wars, mining, and borderland turmoil. With so much cultural and historical weight, it’s no surprise the area has become a haven for ghost stories and supernatural folklore.
The desert landscape itself adds to the haunted vibe—dry winds, lonely roads, and shadowy silhouettes create an ideal backdrop for the unexplained. Whether you’re a believer or just in it for the chills, El Paso offers the kind of ghostly road trip that leaves a lasting impression (and maybe a few goosebumps).
7 Haunted Places Near El Paso You Can Visit on a Spooky Road Trip
1. Concordia Cemetery
Often called “El Paso’s City of the Dead,” Concordia Cemetery is the most famously haunted site in the region. More than 60,000 souls are buried here, including outlaws, Buffalo Soldiers, and early settlers. Visitors report shadow figures, whispers, and cold spots among the tombstones.
Address: 3700 E Yandell Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–5 PM
Approx Cost: $5 suggested donation
Famous For: Ghost sightings, outlaw graves, and haunted night tours.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Take the guided ghost tour at night for maximum chills—perfect for “haunted cemeteries in Texas.”
2. De Soto Hotel
This historic downtown El Paso hotel has long been the subject of ghost stories and paranormal investigations. Though not currently open to overnight guests, the building has hosted everything from seances to ghost hunts. Apparitions, voices, and sudden temperature drops have been documented throughout the hotel.
Address: 309 E Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: Exterior view only (hotel closed after fire)
Approx Cost: Free (viewing only)
Famous For: Hauntings on every floor, basement rituals, and spectral sightings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Walk by at dusk and snap photos—many ghost hunters report capturing unexplained figures in the windows.
3. Magoffin Home State Historic Site
This 1875 adobe mansion is both a Texas landmark and a known haunted hotspot. Staff and visitors have reported seeing the ghost of Joseph Magoffin and other former residents. Doors open and close on their own, and footsteps echo in empty hallways.
Address: 1120 Magoffin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: Tues–Sat, 9 AM–4 PM
Approx Cost: $7 per person
Famous For: Victorian spirits, period antiques, and friendly hauntings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during a history tour and ask guides about ghostly activity—great for “haunted historic homes in Texas.”
4. Fort Bliss Old Cemetery
This military cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers from the 1800s and early 1900s. Ghost hunters have claimed to hear marching footsteps, distant cries, and the sounds of battle echoing in the air. The old headstones and open surroundings add to the eerie atmosphere.
Address: 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906
Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Military spirits, Civil War graves, and phantom drumbeats.
For More Info:
Tip: Visit at twilight and listen closely—you might hear boots on gravel when no one’s there.
5. El Paso High School
Nicknamed “The Lady on the Hill,” this historic high school has been the site of some of the city’s most terrifying ghost stories. A spectral girl in a white dress has been seen walking the hallways, and locked rooms have opened by themselves. Former students speak of unexplainable voices, flickering lights, and sudden drops in temperature.
Address: 800 E Schuster Ave, El Paso, TX 79902
Hours: No public access; exterior only
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Ghostly girl in white, haunted classrooms, and eerie yearbook photo legends.
For More Info:
Tip: Drive by after sunset for the full spooky effect—just looking at the building sends shivers down your spine.
6. Ysleta Mission
Established in 1682, Ysleta Mission is one of the oldest continuously operated churches in Texas. While it’s a place of peace and worship, many visitors have reported flickering lights, disembodied voices, and ghostly figures in photos taken during quiet visits.
Address: 131 S Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79907
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–4 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Spiritual energy, historical significance, and ghostly whispers.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during early morning hours when the church is quiet—many say that’s when spirits stir.
7. Smeltertown Ruins
Once a thriving mining village west of El Paso, Smeltertown is now a shadow of its past. The ruins are largely inaccessible, but locals speak of apparitions, unexplained lights, and a lingering sadness that hangs over the area. It’s best experienced from a distance—its ghost town vibe is both haunting and historic.
Address: Off Doniphan Dr, near Asarco site, El Paso, TX
Hours: View from roadside only (private property)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Abandoned structures, ghost stories, and lost community energy.
For More Info:
Tip: Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom—you might spot more than just crumbling buildings.
Where to Eat During Your Spooky El Paso Adventure
1. L & J Café
Located near Concordia Cemetery, this legendary eatery is the perfect spot to grab a meal before or after ghost hunting. It’s been around since 1927—and with its own ghostly lore, you might get more than just enchiladas.
Address: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20 per person
Famous For: Enchiladas, chile relleno, and old-school El Paso vibes.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask your server about the café’s haunted reputation—many have their own tales.
2. Rulis’ International Kitchen
This eclectic spot near El Paso High School offers global flavors with a borderland twist. It’s cozy, slightly edgy, and perfect for late-night conversations about ghost sightings and urban legends.
Address: 4176 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25 per person
Famous For: Tapas, fusion tacos, and craft beers.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a patio seat under the stars and share your creepiest road trip story.
3. Joe Vinny & Bronsons Bohemian Cafe
This quirky café is steps from several haunted downtown spots, including the De Soto Hotel. It’s a great place to fuel up with coffee or unwind with a glass of wine after a ghost tour.
Address: 824 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$15 per person
Famous For: Espresso drinks, light eats, and artistic ambiance.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit near the back windows—some regulars report “strange reflections” after sundown.
Haunted-Friendly Stays in El Paso
1. The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
Though not haunted itself, this beautifully restored downtown hotel offers ghostly glamor and historic charm. It’s the perfect spooky-chic base for exploring El Paso’s haunted spots.
Address: 106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $190–$270 per night
Famous For: Rooftop bar, art deco design, and central location.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the concierge for nearby ghost walk recommendations—they’ve heard the stories.
2. Hotel Indigo El Paso
Trendy and modern with a rich history, Hotel Indigo puts you close to all the haunted downtown landmarks. Plus, the rooftop views at night add a hauntingly beautiful touch.
Address: 325 N Kansas St, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $150–$200 per night
Famous For: Rooftop pool, desert-inspired décor, and walkability.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a room on a higher floor for views of the historic district and spooky skyline.
3. Gardner Hotel
This historic hotel, opened in 1922, is El Paso’s oldest continuously operating hotel—and yes, it’s said to be haunted. Guests report flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and voices in the hallways. Bonus: outlaw John Dillinger once stayed here.
Address: 311 E Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $70–$120 per night
Famous For: Haunted history, affordable rates, and vintage charm.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a room on the second floor—more than one guest has heard someone pacing… when no one else was there.
Packing Tips for a Haunted Road Trip
Bring a flashlight for evening cemetery walks or abandoned sites.
Pack a voice recorder if you’re into ghost hunting or EVP.
Carry extra water and snacks—some haunted spots are remote.
Bring a charged camera or phone for capturing possible paranormal activity.
Keep a notebook to jot down odd feelings or sightings—ghost hunters swear by it.
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
October is peak season for haunted tours and local ghost walks.
Visit Concordia Cemetery during the Halloween season for special events.
Many haunted places are more accessible at night—plan accordingly.
Respect posted signs and closed properties—ghosts are spooky, but trespassing is worse.
Bring an open mind—many visitors report experiences they can’t explain.
Conclusion
El Paso’s haunted history is just as deep and dramatic as its mountains and mesas. A road trip through its spookiest spots reveals more than ghost stories—it uncovers forgotten lives, mysterious legends, and the enduring presence of the past.
Whether you’re a skeptic, a thrill-seeker, or a true believer, these haunted destinations offer a chilling, captivating look into El Paso’s eerie side. So gather your bravest friends, fuel up the car, and venture into the shadows. The spirits of El Paso are waiting.
