While takeoff offers good coastal and mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery—the Franklin Mountains and Rio Grande valley are far more visually distinctive than the Santa Anas, and you get extended views during the longer descent phase.
Flown SNA to ELP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Ana to El Paso is 680 miles (1,094 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and passes near or over the San Bernardino Mountains (north of the direct route), then continues southeast across the Colorado Desert. Notable landmarks along the route include the Cajon Pass area (if routed north), the Mojave high desert plateau, and eventually the transition into the Chihuahuan Desert as you approach El Paso. The Colorado River is visible from altitude in the southern Arizona/California border region on some routing variations.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SNA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Orange County's coastal plain and the Santa Ana Mountains to the southeast. You'll see the urban sprawl of the OC and the sharp ridge of the Santa Anas rising inland, which is visually distinctive during the initial 5,000–10,000 ft climb.
Landing at ELP
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the descent into El Paso. You'll see the Franklin Mountains dominating the landscape to the north and the Rio Grande valley spreading out below, with the city of El Paso nestled between the mountains and the river.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to El Paso International (ELP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to El Paso. While takeoff offers good coastal and mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery—the Franklin Mountains and Rio Grande valley are far more visually distinctive than the Santa Anas, and you get extended views during the longer descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Orange County's coastal plain and the Santa Ana Mountains to the southeast. You'll see the urban sprawl of the OC and the sharp ridge of the Santa Anas rising inland, which is visually distinctive during the initial 5,000–10,000 ft climb. Notable sights include: Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County urban grid, Pacific Ocean (distant western horizon), San Joaquin Hills.
What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?
When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the descent into El Paso. You'll see the Franklin Mountains dominating the landscape to the north and the Rio Grande valley spreading out below, with the city of El Paso nestled between the mountains and the river. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley, El Paso city grid, Sierra de Juárez (Mexico, south of Rio Grande).
How long is the flight from Santa Ana to El Paso?
The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 680 miles (1,094 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Ana to El Paso flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and passes near or over the San Bernardino Mountains (north of the direct route), then continues southeast across the Colorado Desert. Notable landmarks along the route include the Cajon Pass area (if routed north), the Mojave high desert plateau, and eventually the transition into the Chihuahuan Desert as you approach El Paso. The Colorado River is visible from altitude in the southern Arizona/California border region on some routing variations.