El Paso’s Scenic Drive Gets Its Shine – This Is the New Plaque You’ll See Next Time You’re Up There

Scenic Drive is arguably the most iconic roadway in El Paso.

Taking a leisurely drive up the winding road’s overlook is a time honored El Paso tradition. Notable for its majestic view, Scenic Drive offers one of the most beautiful perspectives of El Paso's landscape and layout.

It’s a great place to watch a sunrise or a sunset -- and it’s not a bad make out spot either. It's easy to see why it is one of El Paso's favorite locations.

Scenic's Overdue Public Ceremony

Sunday (1/30/22), the City of El Paso belatedly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the completion of Scenic Drive. I say belatedly because the anniversary actually happened in 2020, but because of Covid-19 and the gathering restrictions in place at the time the milestone came and went with little fanfare.

The roadway’s centennial was finally given its due in a public ceremony put together by El Paso City Representatives Alexandra Annello and Peter Svarzbein.

A plaque commemorating the 100 anniversary and paying tribute to one of El Paso’s most famous landmarks was placed at the top of the route and unveiled.

100 Years of Scenic Drive

The plaque reads, in part:

In 1920 with the advent of the automobile and a growing population of driving persons, the city council of that time approved the construction of Scenic Drive.

With the completion of Scenic Drive, the popularity of this route grew at an exponential pace.

Now, 100 years later, the popularity of Scenic Drive is so great that El Pasoans and visitors from all over the world visit on a daily basis for the panoramic views and nightly for views of the skylines of our sister cities of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The next time you stop at Murchison Park, which is the name of the overlook with the iconic tower viewer binoculars that opened in 1963, look for the plaque right next to the stairs that lead down to the paths.