When the sun sets over the desert and city lights fade into the distance, the real show begins. El Paso is one of the most underrated stargazing destinations in Texas, offering quick access to dark skies, elevated vistas, and remote desert parks that light up under the stars. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or simply someone who loves the quiet magic of the night sky, a nighttime road trip from El Paso will leave you in awe.
This guide highlights the best stargazing spots near El Paso, each just a short drive from the city yet far enough to escape the light pollution. Pack a blanket, download a star map, and get ready for cosmic beauty just beyond the skyline.
Why El Paso Is Ideal for Stargazing Road Trips
El Paso’s geography and low humidity create ideal conditions for night photography and stargazing. With vast stretches of desert, high elevation areas, and minimal light interference, the region offers crystal-clear views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and seasonal constellations.
Most top stargazing spots are within a one-to-two-hour drive of the city, making them perfect for spontaneous nighttime adventures. Thanks to mild temperatures in spring and fall, you can enjoy extended evening outings with family, friends, or solo under the vast West Texas sky.
7 Best Stargazing Spots Near El Paso
1. Franklin Mountains State Park – Tom Mays Unit
Just minutes from the city, this rugged park offers surprisingly dark skies with clear views of constellations, planets, and the Milky Way. The Tom Mays area is elevated and free of most city light interference.
Address: Tom Mays Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Hours: Open for stargazing during special night programs or camping reservations
Approx Cost: $5 per person or included with camping fee
Famous For: Easy city access, elevated views, and night hikes.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Reserve a campsite to stay past sunset—bring a red flashlight and telescope for an immersive experience.
2. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Known for its sacred rock formations and cultural history, Hueco Tanks also offers night sky brilliance with deep desert silence. The site occasionally hosts guided stargazing events with local astronomers.
Address: 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–6 PM (overnight access only with camping or program reservation)
Approx Cost: $7 per person
Famous For: Remote desert darkness and rock-framed nightscapes.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Call ahead for special nighttime programs—spots fill fast and offer incredible views.
3. Red Sands Desert
Located just east of El Paso, Red Sands is a local favorite for off-roading by day and stargazing by night. With its wide, flat terrain and minimal light pollution, it’s ideal for laying out under the stars.
Address: Off Montana Ave (US-62), El Paso, TX 79938
Hours: Open access
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Vast open skies, off-grid camping, and meteor shower viewing.
For More Info:
Tip: Bring a truck or SUV and scout your spot before dark. Watch for sandy areas that may require 4WD.
4. McKelligon Canyon Scenic Drive
Though close to town, this winding road offers great vantage points with elevation and partial darkness—ideal for quick stargazing sessions or night photography of the skyline and stars.
Address: 1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930
Hours: Road closes at 10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Skyline views and Milky Way shots over the canyon ridge.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go on a clear weeknight to avoid light pollution from weekend traffic.
5. Leasburg Dam State Park (New Mexico)
Just under an hour away, this New Mexico state park near Las Cruces is an official Dark Sky Park. It’s a favorite for telescope users and those seeking silence and solitude under starry skies.
Address: 12712 State Park Rd, Radium Springs, NM 88054
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–9 PM (camping available)
Approx Cost: $10–$18 per site
Famous For: Dark Sky certification, camping, and Milky Way visibility.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a campsite on a new moon weekend and plan for astrophotography—it’s truly out of this world.
6. Aguirre Springs Recreation Area
Nestled on the east side of the Organ Mountains, Aguirre Springs is just over an hour from El Paso and offers some of the darkest skies in the region. The campground provides great views of both sky and mountain silhouettes.
Address: Aguirre Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset (camping available)
Approx Cost: $5 per vehicle, $7 per campsite
Famous For: Clear views of constellations and night sky photography.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a blanket, tripod, and warm drinks—nights here are cool and quiet.
7. Dell City / Salt Flat Loop
For stargazers willing to drive 90 minutes, the rural loop around Dell City and Salt Flat offers wide-open, uninterrupted sky views and a quiet that feels otherworldly. It’s perfect for meteor showers or casual constellation spotting.
Address: TX-62/180 toward Guadalupe Mountains
Hours: Open 24/7
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Zero light pollution and epic stargazing panoramas.
For More Info:
Tip: Avoid this trip on cloudy nights—skies this remote deserve a clear canvas.
Late-Night Bites & Cozy Fuel Stops
1. Joe Vinny & Bronsons Bohemian Café
A quirky café that stays open late and offers coffee, wine, and sandwiches. It’s the perfect stop before or after your stargazing excursion.
Address: 824 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10 PM
Approx Cost: $8–$15 per person
Famous For: Chill ambiance and late-night snacks.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab a pastry and espresso before heading out into the dark desert.
2. Ripe Eatery
If you’re heading out before sunset, Ripe offers hearty, creative meals and take-out options that make perfect fuel for the road.
Address: 910 E Redd Rd, El Paso, TX 79912
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30 per person
Famous For: Comfort food with flair and great takeout options.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the chicken and waffles or grilled cheese before heading into the wild.
3. L & J Café
Close to downtown and open until 9 PM, this El Paso staple is a great pre-trip meal stop if you’re heading east to Hueco Tanks or Red Sands.
Address: 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20 per person
Famous For: Classic El Paso Mexican food and legendary local vibes.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Get it to-go if you’re racing the sunset—green chile enchiladas under the stars? Yes, please.
Packing Tips for a Stargazing Road Trip
Bring a red flashlight (to preserve night vision)
Use a tripod for astrophotography or time-lapse shots
Download a stargazing app or print a star map
Pack layers—the desert cools off quickly at night
Bring extra water and snacks for remote stops
Use a blanket or reclining chair for comfort
Local Tips and Seasonal Advice
New moon nights are best—less light for better visibility
Summer nights are warm, but spring/fall offer cooler, clearer skies
Check weather before driving—cloud cover kills visibility
Avoid weekends if you want solitude—go midweek for peace and quiet
Consider visiting during meteor showers (like Perseids in August or Geminids in December)
Conclusion
Just beyond El Paso’s city lights lies a universe of wonder—literally. With dramatic mountain silhouettes, untouched desert darkness, and year-round clear skies, this region is one of Texas’s best-kept secrets for stargazing and night photography.
Whether you’re chasing constellations from Franklin Mountains, watching meteors fall over Red Sands, or capturing the Milky Way in the quiet canyons of New Mexico, these road trips promise unforgettable views and peaceful moments under the stars. So grab your gear, cue up your playlist, and drive toward the dark. The cosmos is waiting.
