ELP (El Paso) window seat guide

At El Paso International in El Paso: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande river valley, El Paso downtown grid, Ciudad Juarez sprawl to the south.

When taking off from El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 22 heads the aircraft southwest, and a right-side window gives you a great view back toward the Franklin Mountains rising abruptly on the north edge of El Paso, with the city grid and Rio Grande valley spread below. The rugged, bare peaks are one of the most distinct features in the area and stay in view during the initial climb and turn. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande river valley, El Paso downtown grid, Ciudad Juarez sprawl to the south.

When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach to runway 22, you're flying southwest and the Franklin Mountains rise dramatically off to the right (northwest), with downtown El Paso and Ciudad Juárez visible beyond them along the Rio Grande. Left side mostly shows flat desert terrain toward the Hueco Mountains, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande river, Downtown El Paso/Ciudad Juárez skyline, Fort Bliss area.

The best window seat at El Paso International (ELP) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around El Paso (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.