If you’re drawn to wide-open skies, rugged landscapes, and the kind of stillness that makes your heart slow down, a desert road trip through El Paso is exactly what you need. This West Texas gem is more than a border city—it’s a gateway to some of the most breathtaking desert drives in the Southwest. With its golden mountains, winding highways, and soulful borderland beauty, El Paso offers the kind of scenic escapes road trip lovers dream about.
Whether you’re cruising at sunset, pulling over for panoramic photos, or weaving through mountain passes, this guide reveals the top scenic drives around El Paso that deliver unforgettable views and soul-filling solitude. Get ready to hit the road and embrace the desert wind.
Why El Paso Is a Dream for Scenic Road Trips
El Paso sits at the crossroads of three states—Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico—making it a visual and cultural mosaic. Its geography is equally compelling: the Franklin Mountains cut through the city, creating dramatic elevation changes and mountain vistas you can reach within minutes of downtown.
Unlike other parts of Texas, where flat plains stretch for miles, El Paso’s terrain rises, falls, twists, and turns through canyons, desert valleys, and mountain roads. It’s this diverse topography, paired with clear skies and colorful sunsets, that creates some of the most rewarding road trips in the state.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a solo adventurer, or a couple looking for a romantic drive, El Paso delivers scenic routes that feel like they’re carved from poetry and dust.
7 Best Scenic Drives Around El Paso
1. Transmountain Road (Loop 375)
This iconic road winds through the Franklin Mountains State Park, connecting east and west El Paso. With towering cliffs, desert vegetation, and frequent overlooks, it’s one of the most visually stunning drives in the region.
Address: Begins near I-10 Exit 6, El Paso, TX
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Panoramic views, desert landscapes, and sunrise/sunset drives.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at the Smugglers Pass Scenic Overlook for photos and reflection—ideal for “sunset drives in El Paso.”
2. Scenic Drive Overlook
Though it’s short, this winding route along the southern slope of the Franklin Mountains offers breathtaking views of El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and the surrounding valley. It’s perfect for sunset drives and romantic moments.
Address: Scenic Dr, El Paso, TX 79902
Hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: City-wide views, romantic vibes, and photo-perfect lookout points.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring coffee or dessert and enjoy the view from your car—especially magical after dark.
3. NM-28 to Old Mesilla
Just 30 minutes from El Paso, NM-28 winds through pecan orchards, vineyards, and the Rio Grande valley, leading you to the charming town of Old Mesilla, New Mexico. It’s a laid-back, tree-lined drive with plenty of Southwestern charm.
Address: NM-28 from Canutillo, TX to Mesilla, NM
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Pecan farms, wine country, and scenic rural roads.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at La Viña Winery or enjoy lunch at a patio café in Mesilla for a scenic reward at the end.
4. Hueco Tanks Road
The drive out to Hueco Tanks State Historic Site takes you along flat desert terrain framed by distant mountains. The approach is breathtaking—especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon.
Address: Hueco Tanks Rd No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–6 PM
Approx Cost: $7 per person (park entry)
Famous For: Open desert views, rock formations, and spiritual desert ambiance.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book your park entry ahead of time and plan to hike or picnic after your drive—great for “peaceful desert drives near El Paso.”
5. McKelligon Canyon Road
This short drive through a narrow canyon offers steep cliffs, red rocks, and opportunities to spot desert wildlife. It leads to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre and several hiking trails, making it a favorite for morning drives and active outings.
Address: McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–8 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Dramatic canyon walls, curving roads, and hiking access.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go early to avoid traffic and enjoy cool canyon air—ideal for “desert canyon drives.”
6. Highway 9 (El Paso to Columbus, NM)
Highway 9 follows the U.S.–Mexico border through open desert, ghost towns, and vast emptiness that inspires awe. It’s one of the most remote and underrated drives near El Paso—perfect for introspection and photography.
Address: Begins west of El Paso, ends in Columbus, NM
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Borderland scenery, ghost towns, and unspoiled desert silence.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring snacks, fuel up, and download maps beforehand—cell service is limited, but the views are limitless.
7. El Camino Real Historic Trail (via TX-20)
Follow part of the historic El Camino Real along TX-20 between El Paso and Socorro. This route weaves through small towns, mission churches, and farmland with a historical aura that feels like time travel.
Address: TX-20, starting in downtown El Paso heading southeast
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Historic missions, scenic farmland, and borderland heritage.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Pair this with visits to Ysleta and Socorro Missions—an ideal “historic scenic drive” near El Paso.
Where to Refuel and Recharge: Scenic Eateries
1. Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
This restaurant near the New Mexico border is known for its scenic views, weekend brunch, and locally sourced food. It’s the perfect stop after a drive through NM-28 or Highway 9.
Address: 1 Ardovino Dr, Sunland Park, NM 88063
Hours: Thurs–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30 per person
Famous For: Weekend brunch, desert views, and rustic charm.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit on the patio and catch the sunset—especially scenic during spring bloom.
2. L & J Café
A longtime El Paso favorite, L & J Café is great for casual, delicious dining before or after a scenic drive. It’s close to downtown and the Franklin Mountains routes.
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, green chile, and El Paso-style Mexican comfort food.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Get there early to avoid the rush—it’s popular with locals and travelers alike.
3. Rulis’ International Kitchen
Located near Scenic Drive, Rulis’ offers creative international dishes and great outdoor seating. It’s ideal for travelers who want something different after a long scenic cruise.
Address: 4176 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25 per person
Famous For: Global fusion dishes, empanadas, and cozy atmosphere.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the tapas and a local beer—great for casual date nights post-drive.
Where to Stay: Desert-Inspired Lodging
1. The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
Located downtown and perfect for sunset drives from Scenic Drive or Transmountain Road. This boutique hotel blends luxury with desert elegance.
Address: 106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $190–$270 per night
Famous For: Rooftop views, vintage glamour, and walkable downtown location.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Enjoy rooftop drinks at La Perla after your drive—it’s unforgettable at dusk.
2. Hotel Indigo El Paso
Trendy, modern, and desert-themed, this hotel is a favorite among younger travelers and creatives. Great for those who love style and substance.
Address: 325 N Kansas St, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $150–$200 per night
Famous For: Rooftop pool, desert-chic décor, and friendly service.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a drink by the rooftop pool—ideal after a sun-filled desert road trip.
3. Stanton House
Art lovers will appreciate this downtown boutique stay that combines contemporary luxury with curated interiors. Perfect for couples and solo travelers alike.
Address: 209 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $170–$220 per night
Famous For: Art-forward rooms, in-house spa, and culinary flair.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a couple’s spa treatment post-drive—it’s the perfect ending to a desert day.
Packing Tips for Desert Road Trips Near El Paso
Sunglasses and wide-brim hats are a must in the desert sun.
Bring a cooler with water and snacks—some drives are remote with few stops.
Offline maps and GPS devices help in low-signal areas like Highway 9.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery for scenic photography.
Light layers to adjust from hot afternoons to cool evenings.
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
Best travel months are October–April for mild weather and clear skies.
Sunsets are best viewed from Scenic Drive or Transmountain Rd—plan your timing.
Spring brings blooming desert flora—perfect for photographers.
Check for weekend markets or cultural events at stops like Old Mesilla or downtown El Paso.
Fill your tank before remote drives—gas stations can be sparse.
Conclusion
El Paso is made for road trip lovers who crave both scenery and serenity. With its winding mountain routes, desert plains, and hidden canyon roads, it offers the kind of open-road beauty that lingers long after the trip ends. Whether you’re chasing golden hour across Transmountain Road or wandering historic trails along TX-20, every mile around El Paso is a memory in motion.
So pack up, roll the windows down, and let El Paso’s desert roads lead you into unforgettable landscapes and moments. This is your invitation to explore the soul of the Southwest—one scenic drive at a time.
