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ELP destination photo
IAH destination photo

ELPIAH

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Guadalupe Mountains shortly after takeoff, followed by the scenic transition into the Texas Hill Country and views of the Austin area lakes.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Guadalupe Peak

The highest point in Texas and the iconic El Capitan limestone cliff are visible shortly after departing El Paso.

🏜️

Permian Basin

View the vast network of oil rigs and access roads that define the unique industrial landscape of West Texas.

🌊

Highland Lakes

See the winding chain of blue lakes, including Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, as you approach Central Texas.

🏙️

Austin Skyline

On clear days, the distinct silhouette of the Texas State Capitol and the growing downtown skyline is visible to the north.

🌲

Sam Houston National Forest

The landscape shifts dramatically from desert brown to deep forest green as you begin your descent into Houston.

Sit on the left for the best views of the mountain ranges early in the flight. For late afternoon departures, this side provides excellent lighting for photography as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the ground features.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏘️

Ciudad Juárez

Immediately after takeoff, look south to see the dense urban sprawl of Juárez across the international border.

🐍

Rio Grande

Trace the winding path of the river that marks the boundary between the United States and Mexico.

🔭

Davis Mountains

View the volcanic peaks of West Texas, home to the McDonald Observatory, visible in the distance to the south.

💧

Amistad Reservoir

A massive, shimmering body of water at the confluence of the Devils and Rio Grande rivers near Del Rio.

🎡

San Antonio

If the flight path takes a southerly route, you can spot the Tower of the Americas and the San Antonio downtown core.

The right side is ideal for seeing the international border and the arid beauty of the Trans-Pecos region. However, on morning flights, the sun will be directly in your window, which can cause significant glare and heat.

Top Activities in Houston
Route Information

Distance: 1,072 km (666 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min

Departure: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)

Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Route Type: Domestic

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