Scenic Drive Overlook
A winding mountain road offering unparalleled panoramic views of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, especially stunning at sunset and night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stunning light, fewer crowds
Scenic Drive Overlook
Best Time
Stunning light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A winding mountain road offering unparalleled panoramic views of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, especially stunning at sunset and night.
"Millions of lights over El Paso and Juarez MX has left a great impression and memory."
🚗 Drive Safely
Watch for runners & cyclists, especially during peak hours. Drive cautiously on this winding road. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic cityscapes and border views are incredible, especially at sunset/night. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Cityscape
Various pull-offs along the drive
Witness breathtaking views of El Paso and Juárez, especially magical at night with city lights.
Border Views
Overlooks facing south
See two countries, the USA and Mexico, from a single vantage point. A truly unique perspective.
Sunset Spectacle
Highest points of the drive
El Paso's sunsets are legendary. Catch vibrant colors painting the sky over the Franklin Mountains.
Nighttime City Lights
Any overlook after dark
Millions of lights twinkle below, creating a dazzling urban tapestry stretching across two nations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Navigating Scenic Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Safely
Watch for runners & cyclists, especially during peak hours. Drive cautiously on this winding road. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic cityscapes and border views are incredible, especially at sunset/night. :camerawithflash:
🅿️ Parking Patience
Parking at pull-offs can be limited. Be patient and consider visiting during off-peak hours. :parking:
🌃 Nighttime Magic
The city lights of El Paso and Juárez create a breathtaking spectacle after dark. :city_sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Safely
Watch for runners & cyclists, especially during peak hours. Drive cautiously on this winding road. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic cityscapes and border views are incredible, especially at sunset/night. :camerawithflash:
🅿️ Parking Patience
Parking at pull-offs can be limited. Be patient and consider visiting during off-peak hours. :parking:
🌃 Nighttime Magic
The city lights of El Paso and Juárez create a breathtaking spectacle after dark. :city_sunrise:
☀️ Sunrise Serenity
Catching the sunrise offers a peaceful experience with stunning light over the mountains and city. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of El Paso and Juárez, especially during sunset and at night when the city lights create a magical spectacle. The unique perspective of seeing two countries from one spot is a major highlight. Some find parking limited and crowds can be significant during peak times.
"Scenic drive above El Paso. It’s a great place to watch sunset / sunrise and see over the city. You can even see into the Mexican side on Juarez. It’s a two way drive but there’s few places to turn around and limited parking at the pullouts."
Kevin Wang
"Perfect place"
Francisco junco
"I’m from out of town. I took a trip through this beautiful breathtaking scenery at night. It was pretty busy for a Saturday night around 11pm. Then again I don’t know if that’s just a normal night. Lots of couples & families just enjoying the beautiful view. Very peaceful. There wasn’t lots of parking but we got lucky. Looking down at the millions of lights over seeing El Paso and Juarez MX has left a great impression and memory. If you are driving through town or visiting make this one of your stops for sure!"
Eva Gnz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scenic Drive is located in the Franklin Mountains foothills. Access is typically from Rim Road or via connecting streets in the surrounding neighborhoods. Many visitors use GPS to navigate to the main overlook points. :world_map:
Scenic Drive is a two-way road, winding through the mountains. Be aware of oncoming traffic and use designated pull-offs for stopping. :car:
Public transportation options to Scenic Drive are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for the best experience and flexibility. :bus:
Yes, there are designated pull-offs and a parking area at the end of the drive. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak sunset hours and weekends. :parking:
Many visitors enjoy driving the route slowly, stopping at various overlooks to take in the views. It's also popular for a leisurely evening drive to see the city lights. :driving_hand:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Scenic Drive is a public road and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to access and enjoy the views. :ticket:
Scenic Drive is open 24/7 as it's a public road. However, the best times to visit for views are during daylight hours, sunset, and nighttime. :clock3:
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's a public road with traffic laws. Be mindful of posted speed limits and parking regulations. :noentrysign:
The road is winding and can be narrow in places. While larger vehicles may be able to navigate it, it's advisable to proceed with caution. :truck:
Yes, you can walk or bike on Scenic Drive. However, it's recommended to do so during Sunday mornings when the road is closed to motor vehicle traffic for safety. :bike:
📸 📸 Photography
Any of the designated pull-offs offer fantastic photo opportunities. The main overlook at the end of the drive provides the most expansive panorama. :camerawithflash:
Sunrise and sunset are ideal for photography, offering dramatic lighting. Nighttime provides stunning city light shots. :sunriseovermountains:
Absolutely! Many viewpoints allow you to capture both cities in a single frame, highlighting the border landscape. :flagus::flagmx:
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vast panoramas. Consider a tripod for low-light photography at night. :tripod:
A smartphone camera is sufficient for great shots, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens will offer more creative control, especially for night photography. :iphone::dslr:
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the panoramic views of El Paso and Juárez. It's a great spot for watching sunsets, stargazing, and taking photos. :star2:
While popular at night for city lights, it's advisable to visit with others and be aware of your surroundings. The road can be busy with other visitors. :flashlight:
There are no dedicated restrooms or food vendors directly on Scenic Drive. It's recommended to use facilities before you ascend and bring any snacks or drinks you might need. :water_wave:
Take your time at the pull-offs, get out of your car, and soak in the expansive vistas. It's a place to relax and appreciate the unique geography. :relax:
While there aren't designated picnic areas, many visitors find a quiet pull-off to enjoy a small picnic. Remember to pack out everything you pack in. :picnic_table:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks as there are no amenities along the drive. While parking can be limited, the experience of seeing the city lights at night can be a memorable treat for kids, though it might be busier. For a more relaxed family outing, aim for a weekday evening or a morning visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your best gear, including a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a tripod for low-light shots. The dual-nation perspective is also a unique subject, allowing for shots that highlight the border landscape.
🚗 Road Trip Adventurers
Plan to stop at multiple overlooks to fully appreciate the changing perspectives. It's an ideal spot for a quick but impactful scenic detour, offering a taste of El Paso's distinctive borderland charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Nation Vista
This dual-nation view is particularly captivating during the day, offering a clear delineation of the border, and at night, when the city lights of both El Paso and Juárez create a dazzling, sprawling tapestry. It’s a reminder of the dynamic cultural and economic exchange that defines this region. The sheer scale of the urban areas visible from the drive is impressive, showcasing the vastness of the Sun City and its Mexican counterpart.
For travelers seeking a unique geographical and cultural experience, Scenic Drive offers an unparalleled opportunity to contemplate the border landscape. It’s more than just a scenic route; it’s a place that sparks reflection on international relations, cultural fusion, and the shared human experience across borders.
Capturing the Magic: Photography on Scenic Drive
The sunsets over the Franklin Mountains are another highlight for photographers. The vibrant colors that paint the sky create dramatic and memorable shots. To capture the best of these moments, it's advised to arrive early and secure a good spot at one of the many pull-offs.
When planning your photography session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast panoramas. For those interested in capturing the city lights, a tripod is highly recommended to ensure sharp, clear images in low-light conditions. While smartphones can capture stunning visuals, more advanced camera equipment will offer greater flexibility and quality, especially for capturing the subtle nuances of the changing light.
Safety and Accessibility on Scenic Drive
Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times like sunset. The pull-offs are limited, and it's advisable to be patient and perhaps visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Always be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians when stopping or maneuvering your car.
For those looking for a more active experience, walking or biking the drive is possible. However, the most recommended time for these activities is during the Sunday morning closure to motor traffic, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit