El Paso to Los Angeles is 713 miles (1,148 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over southern California's Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino/San Gabriel Mountains, the right side also faces north toward those ranges, giving you a better look at the mountain terrain as you descend into the LA basin.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Chihuahuan Desert transitioning into the Sonoran Desert, passes north of Tucson and Phoenix (visible to the right/north on some routings), crosses the Colorado River near Blythe, then traverses the low Mojave Desert before the San Bernardino Mountains come into view on descent. The terrain is predominantly flat desert basin with isolated mountain ranges throughout.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELP
RIGHTEl Paso typically departs westbound on runway 26L/26R, so the right side faces north toward the Franklin Mountains, which rise sharply directly above the city. You also get a clear look down at the Rio Grande and the dense urban grid of Ciudad Juárez spreading south into Mexico.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX typically lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R from the west, meaning the right side faces north over Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains. You get a low-altitude view of the Pacific coastline, Malibu, and the LA basin as you descend over the ocean on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Paso International (ELP) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Paso to Los Angeles. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over southern California's Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino/San Gabriel Mountains, the right side also faces north toward those ranges, giving you a better look at the mountain terrain as you descend into the LA basin.
What can I see during takeoff from El Paso International in El Paso?
During takeoff from El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. El Paso typically departs westbound on runway 26L/26R, so the right side faces north toward the Franklin Mountains, which rise sharply directly above the city. You also get a clear look down at the Rio Grande and the dense urban grid of Ciudad Juárez spreading south into Mexico. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains State Park, Rio Grande/Ciudad Juárez border, downtown El Paso urban grid, Hueco Tanks area to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R from the west, meaning the right side faces north over Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains. You get a low-altitude view of the Pacific coastline, Malibu, and the LA basin as you descend over the ocean on final approach. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Malibu and Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Mountains, LAX airport complex and El Segundo shoreline.
How long is the flight from El Paso to Los Angeles?
The flight from El Paso International (ELP) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 713 miles (1,148 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Paso to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Chihuahuan Desert transitioning into the Sonoran Desert, passes north of Tucson and Phoenix (visible to the right/north on some routings), crosses the Colorado River near Blythe, then traverses the low Mojave Desert before the San Bernardino Mountains come into view on descent. The terrain is predominantly flat desert basin with isolated mountain ranges throughout.