The Best Places Near El Paso To Watch The Night Sky

The stars are putting on a show every night.

The problem is most of us can't see it! Between streetlights, porch lights, parking lots, and the glow of a city that never really goes dark, it's easy to forget just how incredible the night sky can look.

The good news? Living in El Paso means you're never too far from a front-row seat, because some of the best stargazing in the Borderland is just a short drive away.

El Pasoans Agree The Best Views Start Away From The City Lights

If there was one piece of advice that came up over and over again, it was simple: leave the city.

Not forever, of course.

Just long enough to get away from the glow that washes out the night sky. Many residents pointed east, while others recommended heading into the mountains or making a weekend trip deeper into West Texas. The farther you get from the lights, the more stars begin to appear.

And for those looking for inspiration, these are some of the places El Pasoans say are worth the drive.

Best Stargazing Spots Near El Paso

From Scenic Drive and Hueco Tanks to the Davis Mountains, these are some of the best places near El Paso to escape the city lights and enjoy the night sky.

Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba

Why El Paso Is Better Positioned For Stargazing Than Most Cities

One thing that makes El Paso unique is what surrounds it.

Unlike many large cities, we're bordered by miles and miles of open desert. That means darker skies are often much closer than people realize. In some cases, a 20- or 30-minute drive can make a dramatic difference in what you see overhead.

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That's why locals frequently recommend heading east of town, toward the mountains, or farther into West Texas when meteor showers, eclipses, or other celestial events roll around.

The Darkest Skies Require A Little More Driving

For casual stargazers, leaving the city limits is often enough.

But for those hoping to see the Milky Way in all its glory, many experienced observers recommend making a longer trip to some of the darker areas of West Texas. Places like the Davis Mountains have earned an international reputation among astronomy enthusiasts because of their incredibly low levels of light pollution.

The drive may take a little more effort, but according to many who have made the trip, the view is worth every mile.