El Paso, known for its unique desert landscapes and rich cultural history, offers some truly scenic driving routes for those who love to take the wheel. Nestled between the Franklin Mountains and the U.S.-Mexico border, El Paso provides stunning views, winding roads, and plenty of open stretches that are ideal for manual driving enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to cruise through mountain passes or explore the vast beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, these routes around the greater El Paso area offer exciting drives for anyone who appreciates the thrill of shifting gears while soaking in the scenery.
1. Scenic Drive Overlook
One of El Paso’s most iconic routes, the Scenic Drive Overlook is perfect for anyone looking for breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Winding along the Franklin Mountains, this drive offers panoramic vistas of El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and the sprawling desert. The road is narrow and curvy, making it a fun challenge for manual drivers who love navigating tight corners while being rewarded with stunning views at every turn. Make sure to stop at the overlook to take in the incredible scenery—especially at sunset when the sky paints the mountains in shades of orange and red.
2. Transmountain Road (Loop 375)
Transmountain Road cuts through the Franklin Mountains State Park, providing one of the most scenic and thrilling drives in the El Paso area. This 14-mile route connects the east and west sides of the city and features long, sweeping curves, sharp turns, and elevation changes that manual drivers will love. Along the way, you’ll pass desert landscapes and rocky outcrops, with plenty of spots to pull over and take in the views. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the route, adding bursts of color to the desert terrain. This drive is particularly exhilarating for those who enjoy mastering gear shifts on winding mountain roads.
3. Hueco Tanks Road
Just outside of El Paso, Hueco Tanks Road leads to Hueco Tanks State Park, a fascinating area known for its natural rock formations and ancient pictographs. The road itself is a peaceful, scenic drive through the Chihuahuan Desert, offering expansive views of the mountains and desert landscapes. For manual drivers, the wide-open spaces and gentle curves of this road make it an enjoyable route for cruising, while the park at the end offers a chance to explore the unique history and natural beauty of the region. This is a perfect drive for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some desert solitude.
4. Texas Highway 20 (Old Highway 80)
Running parallel to the U.S.-Mexico border, Texas Highway 20 offers a scenic journey through the Rio Grande Valley. This route takes you through small, historic towns such as San Elizario and Socorro, where you can admire adobe architecture and learn about the rich cultural history of the area. The road is relatively flat but provides a relaxing drive with plenty of opportunities for manual drivers to enjoy shifting gears as they take in the rural landscapes, vineyards, and orchards that line the valley. It’s a slower-paced drive that allows you to appreciate the unique beauty of the region.
5. McKelligon Canyon Road
Located within the Franklin Mountains, McKelligon Canyon Road is a short but incredibly scenic drive that winds through steep canyon walls. The road is narrow and full of sharp turns, making it a great route for manual drivers who love the challenge of navigating twisty roads. The canyon’s dramatic rock formations and desert vegetation create a striking backdrop for the drive. At the end of the road, there’s a parking area where you can hike or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. McKelligon Canyon is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun casts shadows across the canyon walls.
Conclusion
For manual driving enthusiasts in El Paso, these scenic routes offer the perfect mix of stunning landscapes and exciting roads to navigate. From the panoramic views atop Scenic Drive to the thrilling twists and turns of Transmountain Road, El Paso’s diverse terrain provides an unforgettable driving experience. Whether you’re exploring mountain passes or desert highways, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery and open roads to enjoy in and around the city.
Ready to take your manual driving skills to the next level? Book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in El Paso here. Our expert instructors will help you master the art of driving a stick shift, so you can fully enjoy these scenic drives!
