Explore the elevation of El Paso—rising over 3,700 feet above sea level in far West Texas. Nestled beside the Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande, this culturally rich city blends Mexican and American traditions in a high desert landscape unique among major U.S. cities.

Table of Contents

Where is El Paso?

  • Location: El Paso is located in the westernmost part of Texas, in El Paso County, bordering both Mexico and New Mexico.
  • River: The Rio Grande flows through the city, marking the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Binational area: Forms a large international metropolitan area with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

City Profile

  • Population: About 683,000 people live in El Paso proper, and over 2.7 million in the combined metro area with Ciudad Juárez.
  • Metro rank: Largest bilingual and binational community in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Area: Covers approximately 256.3 square miles.
  • Culture: A central hub for Tex-Mex culture, blending Mexican and American lifestyles.
  • History: Inhabited for over 10,000 years; involved in Spanish colonization and Mexican territorial history.
  • Media presence: Frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and music as a symbol of border life and cultural fusion.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: El Paso stands at 3,740 feet (1,140 m) above sea level.
  • Geographic features: Surrounded by desert and the Franklin Mountains, contributing to its high elevation.
  • Highest city point: North Franklin Mountain – 7,192 feet (2,192 m).
  • State comparison: El Paso’s elevation is more than twice the Texas average of 1,700 feet (520 m).
  • U.S. comparison: Higher than most major U.S. cities, which often sit below 500 feet (152 m).

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Texas elevation extremes:
    • Highest point: Guadalupe Peak – 8,751 feet (2,667 m).
    • Lowest point: Gulf of Mexico – sea level.
  • Highest city in Texas: Fort Davis – 4,900 feet (1,494 m).
  • Texas city comparison:
    • El Paso: 3,740 ft (1,140 m)
    • Austin: 489 ft (149 m)
    • San Antonio: 650 ft (198 m)
    • Dallas: 430 ft (131 m)
    • Houston: 80 ft (32 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Transitional between hot desert and cold desert.
  • Summer: Hot and dry with temperatures often reaching 100°F (38°C).
  • Winter: Cool and dry; light snow possible in December and January.
  • Rainfall: Peaks during the North American Monsoon season – July to September.
  • Temperature range: Winter mean around 45°F (7°C)83°F (28°C).
  • Urban appeal: Home to historic neighborhoods, museums, theaters, and live entertainment venues.
  • Outdoor activities: The Franklin Mountains offer opportunities for:
    • Hiking
    • Mountain biking
    • Camping
    • Climbing

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