Introduction
El Paso, Texas, is a city where desert landscapes meet rich cultural history, and after sunset, the borderland takes on an entirely different atmosphere. With its mix of old missions, Wild West lore, and stories that echo from both sides of the Rio Grande, El Paso is a hotbed of ghost tales and eerie legends. Paranormal enthusiasts flock to sites like Concordia Cemetery and the historic Plaza Theatre, while local ghost tours reveal chilling stories tied to the region’s long and layered past. But beyond the city’s buildings and landmarks, the roads themselves hold mysteries. Driving through lonely stretches of desert, mountain passes, and historic highways under the moonlight can turn an ordinary night into an adventure.
Here are the top haunted roads, eerie landmarks, and chilling night drives around El Paso for those bold enough to explore.
Spooky Drive List
- Trans-Mountain Road (Loop 375, Franklin Mountains)
- Why it’s eerie: This scenic road cuts directly through the Franklin Mountains, offering breathtaking views by day and an unsettling aura at night. Locals report unexplained lights darting across the desert skies, shadows moving along the roadside, and feelings of being watched.
- Location: Loop 375, connecting northeast and west El Paso.
- Proximity: Runs directly through the city—easy to access for a quick spooky drive.
- Type of drive: Winding, mountainous with sharp turns, best experienced after dark for maximum chills.
- Concordia Cemetery & Surrounding Roads
- Why it’s eerie: Known as El Paso’s “City of the Dead,” Concordia is the final resting place of over 60,000 souls, including gunfighter John Wesley Hardin. Drivers passing near Boone Street or adjacent roads late at night have reported phantom figures crossing the street and orbs hovering above gravestones.
- Location: 3700 E. Yandell Dr., El Paso, TX 79903.
- Proximity: Just a few miles from downtown El Paso—an easy, eerie detour for night drivers.
- Type of drive: Short, urban route ideal for quick chills.
- Manual Driving Academy: Night & Desert Driving Confidence
- Why it fits: Desert roads at night can be intimidating—sharp turns, limited visibility, and long stretches with few lights. Manual Driving Academy in El Paso helps drivers build confidence in handling manual transmissions under such conditions. Whether preparing for a night trip through the Franklin Mountains or a weekend adventure outside the city, lessons ensure you’re ready. Gift certificates are available and never expire.
- Link: Book here
- Dona Ana Road (near Las Cruces, NM)
- Why it’s eerie: Just 45 minutes north of El Paso, this historic road is tied to Wild West lore and ghostly apparitions. Travelers have reported shadowy riders on horseback, believed to be spirits of outlaws or pioneers from centuries past.
- Location: Dona Ana Road, just off NM-320, Las Cruces, NM.
- Proximity: About 45 miles from El Paso—perfect for a medium-length spooky road trip.
- Type of drive: Semi-rural road with historic significance and chilling atmosphere.
- Old El Paso–Juárez Road (Paisano Drive toward Zaragoza Bridge)
- Why it’s eerie: This stretch connects El Paso to the U.S.–Mexico border and is filled with stories of lost travelers and restless spirits. The mix of desert, railroads, and industrial remnants creates an uneasy nighttime vibe. Some say phantom hitchhikers appear only to vanish upon approach.
- Location: Paisano Dr. eastbound, heading toward Ysleta and Zaragoza.
- Proximity: Within El Paso city limits, but feels remote at night.
- Type of drive: Desert urban fringe, eerie due to desolation and borderland myths.
- Highway 28 (Mesilla Valley Wine Route, NM)
- Why it’s eerie: Though known for wineries by day, Highway 28 at night takes on a different mood. Lined with cotton fields and pecan orchards, this route has stories of phantom lights and ghostly figures near fields. Drivers also mention the unnerving stillness of the desert landscape under a full moon.
- Location: Highway 28 between La Union, NM, and Mesilla, NM.
- Proximity: Roughly 30 minutes north of El Paso.
- Type of drive: Scenic rural byway with long straightaways and haunting quiet.
- Extended Adventure: Lincoln County & the Ghost of Billy the Kid
- Why it’s eerie: About 2.5–3 hours east of El Paso, Lincoln County is home to Billy the Kid lore, old forts, and mining remnants. Nighttime drives along rural Highway 70 or through Lincoln itself are steeped in ghost stories—from gunfights to lingering spirits in historic structures.
- Location: Lincoln, NM (via US-54 north to US-70 east).
- Proximity: 160+ miles from El Paso—ideal for a longer weekend haunted road trip.
- Type of drive: Extended scenic/mountain routes for thrill-seekers.
Safety Tips for Haunted Night Drives
- Always fuel up before heading out; remote desert roads can leave you stranded.
- Keep a flashlight, water, and a first aid kit handy.
- Avoid trespassing—stick to public roads and accessible areas.
- Let someone know your route before heading out, especially for extended drives.
- Practice night and manual driving skills with Manual Driving Academy for added confidence.
Conclusion
El Paso’s desert roads and historic sites make it a perfect destination for those who crave a spooky adventure behind the wheel. From quick city haunts like Concordia Cemetery to longer trips into New Mexico’s Wild West ghost towns, every road has a story to tell—and maybe a spirit or two waiting along the way. So grab some friends, tune the radio to something eerie, and set out under the moonlit desert sky. And if you want to feel confident no matter what the night throws at you, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in El Paso.
