Exploring El Paso's Overlooked Scenic Routes And Views

The 9 most scenic drives in Texas have been named and El Paso got nada. A couple are near us but despite a gorgeous mountain and beautiful desert landscape, we got left out.

The World Atlas list of Texas' 9 most scenic drives only got to within about 300 miles of El Paso. Granted, they picked some good ones but, c'mon ... the 915 has drive game too.

One of the ones near us is very cool but you're going to need some off-roading skills and a high clearance vehicle with all wheel drive for it.

That's Pinto Canyon Road, aka FM 2810. It starts near Marfa, takes you through the Chinati Mountains, past the Chinati Hot Springs and on to Presidio.

The other one near us starts kinda where that one ends. FM 170, aka "The River Road" starts in Candelaria, takes you back to Presidio, then totally earns it's name winding along the Rio Grande on the southern edge of Big Bend National Park.

Are These Really The 9 Most Scenic Drives In Texas?

Some of the most scenic drives in the USA are right here in Texas

Gallery Credit: Dubba G

What About El Paso?

There are plenty of beautiful drives in and around El Paso, these guys didn't come far enough west. They may be a little shorter but they're just as scenic and neither one requires a 4x4.

Unless that's what you want, we can absolutely do off-road. Here are 2 El Paso drives World Atlas didn't tell you about:

Trans Mountain/Loop 375.

Super easy day trip - Start in far east El Paso at Loop 375 and Montana. Head west across a beautiful stretch of desert and watch the real payoff, the Franklin Mountains, rise up out of the desert ahead of you.

Stop at the turnout and enjoy an amazing view, looking east back to where you started, then continue across the mountain. You'll find another turnout to enjoy the western view on the other side. Tom Mays Park sits to your right or you can keep going until you get to I-10.

Exit but keep going forward on what is now Talbot Ave. Just before the road ends, to your left, you'll see Four 80's - pop in for a bite and a beer. After dark, go back the way you came and enjoy the beauty of El Paso at night, from high, (1 mile), above.

Scenic Drive.

Most "Scenic Drives" in Texas? Ours has it right in the name. Start in the afternoon, in Central El Paso, and follow Scenic Drive up and over. Stop at Murchison Park, enjoy the view, then continue on into the historic Kern Place area.

Grab a bite and/or a drink and relax awhile at one of the many places in the area. (PRO TIP: Rib Hut, 2612 N. Mesa) Once the sun sets, go back over it, stopping again at the top, to enjoy the night view.

Even though you just did this, it's an entirely different trip.