El Pasoan Snaps Perfect Photo As Lightning Strikes Mt. Cristo Rey

A local El Pasoan has captured an electrifying photo of a lightning bolt striking Mount Cristo Rey.

El Pasoans are notorious for capturing magnificent photographs around our city, from optical illusions and glorious sunsets to colorful rainbows. And now that monsoon season has arrived, so have the downpours and lightning storms.

El Paso may have some of the best sunset views in the Southwest, but its lightning storms are not only powerful and dynamic but altogether spectacular.

Last week, local photographer George Garcia took the most phenomenal photo of 2022 by capturing the exact moment when a thunderbolt struck Mount Cristo Rey.

When zooming in on the photo, we can see the bolt was so powerful that it lit up the side of the mountain, a testament to the true power of nature.

By the way, this isn't the first-time holy ground has been hit by lightning; back in 1988, a thunderbolt struck and severely damaged the steeple at St. Patrick's Cathedral off Mesa St. and Arizona Ave.

Also, this photo isn't the first time Garcia has managed to capture a stunning and out-of-this-world photograph.

In 2021 during the lunar eclipse, George Garcia took the now-famous picture of a Super Flower Blood Moon hovering in full effect over Mount Cristo Rey.

On both occasions, the local photographer bid his patience and time and waited until the perfect moment to take his shot.

Garcia tells me that he took his recent photo from The Wall in Santa Teresa and that "the bolt was the last one that dropped" after waiting almost an hour.

George's dedication and skill level are so on point that Thor, the God of Thunder, would undoubtedly be impressed by him.

George Garcia not only has the golden touch but seems blessed by a higher power, and we can't wait to see what other cosmic moments he captures at Mount Cristo Rey.

No word yet if the Cristo on the mount incurred any damage, but we'll keep you posted.