Transmountain Pass - El Paso, Texas

Most people drive through El Paso on I-10 and miss one of the best scenic roads in the area. This highway bypasses the heavy traffic found along the Interstate highway and also provides overlooks of the city and neighboring Juarez, Mexico. Transmountain/Purple Heart Highway, or Route TX-375, starts at Canutillo Exit 6 coming from the west and at Exit 34 from the east. The road goes through desert and over the Franklin Mountains through Smugglers Gap and has several overlooks plus hiking trails and a state park entrance.

If you go:
This is a good way to avoid most of the El Paso traffic, but it also has magnificent views. The eastern access to I-10 calls for exit at 42B Paseo Del Este Blvd to enter I-10 eastbound as there is no direct access to the interstate. It is well marked there.