Rim Road Scenic Drive
A winding mountain road offering breathtaking panoramic views of El Paso and Juarez, especially stunning at night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical city lights
Rim Road Scenic Drive
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A winding mountain road offering breathtaking panoramic views of El Paso and Juarez, especially stunning at night.
"The city lights at night are absolutely magical, offering a view you won't forget!"
🚗 Drive Safely
The road is winding; take your time and enjoy the views. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
🌃 Best for Night Views
Many visitors highlight the spectacular city lights at night as a must-see.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Throughout the drive
Witness stunning vistas of El Paso and Juarez, especially magical when illuminated by city lights at night.
Stately Homes
Along the drive
Admire the impressive architecture of the grand homes that line one side of this picturesque mountain road.
Franklin Mountains Backdrop
Franklin Mountains
Experience the natural beauty of the Franklin Mountains, providing a dramatic and scenic setting for your drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Views & Times
What to Expect on the Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Safely
The road is winding; take your time and enjoy the views. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
🌃 Best for Night Views
Many visitors highlight the spectacular city lights at night as a must-see. +1
🚶♀️ Great for Walks
Perfect for a refreshing walk or run, especially in the morning. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning vistas of El Paso and Juarez.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Safely
The road is winding; take your time and enjoy the views. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
🌃 Best for Night Views
Many visitors highlight the spectacular city lights at night as a must-see. +1
🚶♀️ Great for Walks
Perfect for a refreshing walk or run, especially in the morning. +1
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning vistas of El Paso and Juarez.
☀️ Morning Strolls
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk with beautiful scenery and fresh air.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Scenic Drive for its breathtaking panoramic views of El Paso and Juarez, especially the spectacular city lights at night. It's a popular, free attraction for a leisurely drive, photography, or a refreshing walk. Some find it can get crowded on weekends, and there are limited facilities.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Scenic Drive is located in El Paso, Texas, winding along the eastern side of the Franklin Mountains. You can access it by car from various points in the city, typically heading towards the mountains. It's a popular route for a leisurely drive or a scenic bike ride. +1
Public transportation options directly to Scenic Drive are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle, ride-sharing services, or by walking/biking if you are staying nearby.
Yes, Scenic Drive is a public road designed for vehicles. It's a popular route for drivers looking for scenic views. +1
While you can see Juarez from Scenic Drive, direct road access from Juarez is not typical for this specific El Paso route. You would typically drive to El Paso first. +1
The best directions depend on your starting point in El Paso. Generally, head towards the Franklin Mountains on the east side of the city. GPS navigation will guide you to the main access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Scenic Drive is a public road and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
Scenic Drive is generally open 24/7 as it is a public road. However, it's most popular and safest to visit during daylight hours or in the early evening when city lights are visible. +1
There is no fee to park along Scenic Drive. You can pull over at designated spots or overlooks to enjoy the views.
Yes, Scenic Drive is open during holidays. It can be a popular spot for celebrations, like the 4th of July, offering great views of fireworks.
As a public road, there are no specific entry restrictions. However, always be mindful of posted speed limits and general road safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Any overlook point offers fantastic photo opportunities. The panoramic views of El Paso and Juarez, especially at night, are highly recommended. +2
Absolutely! The city lights create a stunning backdrop for night photography. Many visitors capture beautiful shots of the illuminated cityscape. +2
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR with a wide-angle lens can capture more expansive views. A tripod is helpful for night shots.
While you can photograph the houses, it's respectful to maintain a distance and avoid intrusive photography of private residences. Focus on the architecture from the road.
Locals often point to the highest overlooks for the most comprehensive views. The drive itself offers numerous pull-offs perfect for capturing the scenery.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a leisurely drive, stop at overlooks for photos, go for a walk or run, or simply relax and take in the expansive views of El Paso and Juarez. +2
Yes, it's a popular spot for walking and running, especially in the mornings. The paved road and scenic surroundings make it enjoyable. +1
There are no dedicated facilities like restrooms or picnic areas directly on Scenic Drive. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your drive.
The drive itself is relatively short, but you'll likely want to stop at various points to enjoy the views. Allow at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop.
Yes, you can get excellent views of Juarez, Mexico, from many points along Scenic Drive, especially on clear days. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the transition from daylight to twilight, allowing kids to see the city lights gradually appear. It's a low-key activity that provides a memorable experience of El Paso's unique geography and urban landscape without requiring extensive planning or cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
During the day, focus on the dramatic landscape of the Franklin Mountains and the architectural details of the homes. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the vastness of the vistas. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective of the border cities from this elevated vantage point.
🏃♀️ Active Visitors
It's a peaceful way to start your day, often with fewer people around. The gradual incline can be challenging but rewarding, offering beautiful views as you ascend. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Night Views
For the best experience, aim for a clear night. The contrast between the dark Franklin Mountains and the illuminated valley below is striking. It's also a favored location for celebrating special occasions, with some visitors sharing their experiences of enjoying the views during holidays like the 4th of July.
Photography enthusiasts will find this time particularly rewarding. Capturing the vast expanse of city lights requires a good camera setup, possibly with a tripod for stability, but even smartphone cameras can produce impressive results. The sheer scale of the view makes it a memorable photographic subject.
Daytime Activities and Scenery
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Scenic Drive is an excellent location for a morning stroll or a refreshing run. The paved road is well-suited for exercise, and the cooler morning air, combined with the expansive views, makes for an invigorating experience. It's a way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility before the city fully awakens.
The daytime also offers clear views of both El Paso and Juarez, allowing you to appreciate the geographical proximity and the vastness of the border region. It's a great opportunity to understand the layout of the cities and the surrounding desert landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit