12 Incredible Places to Watch the Sunset in El Paso & Nearby
Some of the best sunsets are from your own backyard in El Paso!
There’s something magical about the sunsets in El Paso. With the Franklin Mountains as a backdrop and wide-open desert skies, every evening feels like a show just for us. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor hoping to catch the best view, El Paso offers countless places to soak in the beauty. In this guide, I’m sharing 10 of the best places to experience unforgettable sunsets in El Paso and nearby—you won’t want to miss a single one!
Always be sure to check park closing times before going! Sometimes parks will stay open later for special events like Full Moon Nights at White Sands!
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El Paso Locations
McKelligon Canyon
If you're up for a little adventure, the Ron Coleman Trail in McKelligon Canyon rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking sunsets in El Paso. The combination of rugged mountain views and the fiery desert sky makes every step worth it! This is one of our favorite spots to hike with kids in El Paso!
Check out our FREE Guide: Kid-Friendly Hikes in El Paso
*Includes our favorite trails in El Paso & Nearby, Our Top Tips for Hiking with Kids & Our Favorite Gear to keep your Hike Stress-Free!
#2: Cattleman’s Steakhouse: At Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Fabens, you can enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sun sink behind wide-open West Texas plains. It's the perfect spot for a sunset that's as big and bold as the steaks.
#3: Scenic Drive: Few places capture the magic of sunsets in El Paso like Scenic Drive. Drive up for panoramic views of the entire city bathed in golden light—or pull over at one of the overlooks to take it all in.
#4: Your Own Backyard: Sometimes, the best sunsets in El Paso are right at home. Grab a cozy seat, some good company, and watch as the desert sky puts on a show night after night.
#5 Lower Sunset Loop Trail
True to its name, the Lower Sunset Trail offers a front-row seat to some of El Paso’s most colorful skies. It's an easy, family-friendly hike that's perfect for an evening stroll.
The National Parks are some of our favorite Sunsets!! The good news is we have 5 within 5 hours of El Paso!!
Southwest National Parks Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Custom Route Ideas: Suggested routes with maps and tips on how much time to spend at each destination.
Where to Stay: Recommendations for family-friendly accommodations near each park and along the route.
Where to Eat: Top dining options to refuel during your journey.
Things to Do: Must-see attractions and activities at each National Park (White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, Big Bend, and Saguaro).
Road Trip Stops: Unique and hidden gems to explore along the way.
Must-See Towns: Charming towns you shouldn’t miss.
Weekend Travel Guides: Perfect for short trips, with focused itineraries for each park.
Insider Tips: Expert advice to make the most of your visit, from avoiding crowds to navigating park trails.
With this guide, you’ll save hours of planning and make lasting family memories!
USE CODE: BBNP to make it just $5!
Don’t forget your Texas State Parks Pass if you want to try any of the hikes in the Franklin Mountains State Park!
Nearby Sunsets
While El Paso has some of the most beautiful sunsets around, a few nearby destinations take the magic even further. If you're up for a road trip, these spots offer unforgettable sunsets near El Paso that are absolutely worth the drive. Trust us—you’ll want your camera ready!
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is famous for its wide, dramatic skies—and sunset is when the landscape truly comes alive. Watch the Chisos Mountains glow in fiery reds and oranges as the sun dips behind the desert horizon.
Check out our Weekend Getaway Guide to Big Bend National Park with Kids!
White Sands National Park
At White Sands National Park, sunsets turn the shimmering dunes into a sea of pastel pinks, purples, and golds. It's one of the most surreal sunset experiences near El Paso, perfect for an evening stroll or a family adventure. We have loved it at Sunrise as well!
Here are 10 Things to Do at White Sands National Park with Kids!
If you’re checking out these National Parks, or the other 3 within a 5 hour drive of El Paso, be sure to get your America The Beautiful National Parks Pass
If you plan on more than 2 parks in a year, it pays for itself!!
Other Noteable Nearby Sunsets:
Tucson, AZ-We loved the Sunsets at the Omni Tucson National near Saguaro National Park!
Organ Mountains, Las Cruces, New Mexico-The rugged peaks of the Organ Mountains glow brilliantly at sunset, creating a stunning backdrop just a short drive from El Paso. We’ve loved sunsets over the Organs at the Las Cruces KOA & Rio Grande Winery!
Mesilla Plaza-This charming historic plaza near Las Cruces captures sunsets beautifully, with warm adobe buildings bathed in golden light.
Dripping Springs Natural Area – Las Cruces, New Mexico-The scenic trails at Dripping Springs offer peaceful sunset views over the desert, framed by dramatic mountain silhouettes.
Gila National Forest- The vast wilderness of Gila National Forest offers unforgettable sunsets, where vibrant colors stretch across rugged mountains, forests, and endless open skies.
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Hi, I’m Alex
I’m El Paso’s go-to Travel Mom, here to inspire Epic Southwest Adventures! I love helping families discover Kid-Friendly Activities in El Paso, Plan Nearby Road Trips & Weekend Getaways, and Curate the Best Family-Friendly Travel Itineraries to make every adventure with your family unforgettable!
Check us out @elpasotravelfamily for more adventures, tips for travel with kids & parenting humor!
