Most Scenic Road Trips in El Paso, United States
1. Scenic Drive on Mesa Street
A classic El Paso drive offering panoramic views of the Franklin Mountains and downtown skyline.
- Urban Scenery: Combines cityscape with mountain views
- Historic Architecture: Features vintage buildings along the route
- Accessibility: Easy to navigate with well-maintained roads
2. Transmountain Road (Highway 54)
An expansive drive along the mountain range providing stunning vistas of El Paso and Juarez.
- Cross-border View: Offers a unique perspective of both cities
- Sunset Drive: Ideal for evening drives to witness sunsets
- Roadside Stops: Multiple scenic viewpoints and parks along the route
3. Hueco Tanks State Park Loop
A picturesque drive through a desert landscape dotted with iconic rock formations.
- Geological Wonders: Showcases unique geological features
- Archaeological Sites: Features ancient rock art and historical significance
- Desert Flora: Offers opportunities for plant identification and photography
4. Mexican Canyon Drive
A winding road through a lush canyon offering breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert.
- Lush Vegetation: Features a variety of desert plants and wildlife
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for short hikes and exploration
- Waterfall Views: Provides glimpses of cascading waterfalls during the rainy season
5. Road to Hueco Tanks Trail
A challenging hike leading to ancient rock art and stunning desert landscapes.
- Archeological Art: Features a concentration of ancient petroglyphs
- Difficulty Level: Requires moderate to advanced hiking skills
- Solitude: Offers a peaceful, secluded escape from city life
6. Mount Cristo Rey Scenic Drive
A steep climb up the mountainside to see the iconic Christ of the Holy Mount statue.
- Iconic Landmark: Features a towering statue overlooking El Paso
- Mountain Views: Offers panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding landscape
- Picnic Spots: Provides picnic areas for rest and relaxation
7. Afton Canyon Road
A rugged drive through a canyon offering views of towering cliffs and unique rock formations.
- Rugged Terrain: Requires a high-clearance vehicle
- Geological Wonders: Showcases unique geological formations
- Isolated Beauty: Offers a quiet, isolated drive away from the city
8. North Loop Drive (Loop 375)
A scenic drive along the border providing views of Fort Bliss and the Franklin Mountains.
- Military Presence: Showcases military installations and history
- Desert Landscapes: Offers views of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape
- Border Perspective: Provides a unique perspective on U.S.-Mexico border
9. Vista del Sol Scenic Drive
A leisurely drive through rolling hills and farmland, offering stunning sunset views.
- Sunset Views: Ideal for evening drives to witness sunsets
- Farmland Scenery: Showcases rural farmlands and ranches
- Quiet Beauty: Offers a peaceful, quiet escape from the city
10. Trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park
A drive through rugged terrain leading to stunning mountain vistas and ancient fossils.
- Mountainous Terrain: Features towering mountains and challenging hikes
- Geological Wonders: Showcases ancient fossils and unique rock formations
- Solitude: Offers a peaceful, secluded escape from city life
11. Road to the Hueco Tanks Overlook
A scenic drive leading to a stunning overlook of the Hueco Tanks State Park.
- Scenic Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of the state park
- Accessibility: Easy to access with a paved road
- Geological Wonders: Showcases unique geological formations
12. Road to McKelligon Canyon
A drive through a picturesque canyon offering views of cascading waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Waterfall Views: Provides glimpses of cascading waterfalls during the rainy season
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for short hikes and exploration
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of McKelligon Canyon
13. Road to Scenic Drive at Ascarate Lake
A leisurely drive around a scenic lake offering views of wildlife and recreational activities.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot local birds, fish, and other wildlife
- Recreational Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and picnicking options
- Urban Scenery: Showcases the cityscape of El Paso in the distance
14. Road to the Franklin Mountains State Park
A challenging drive leading to hiking trails and stunning mountain vistas.
- Mountainous Terrain: Features towering mountains and challenging hikes
- Hiking Trails: Offers opportunities for various trail difficulty levels
- Urban Scenery: Showcases the cityscape of El Paso from a higher elevation
15. Road to Mount Franklin
A steep drive up Mount Franklin offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Panoramic Views: Offers panoramic vistas from the summit
- Challenging Terrain: Requires a high-clearance vehicle and off-road driving skills
- Solitude: Offers a peaceful, secluded escape from city life