El Paso Beauty: Photos That Capture the Beauty of the 915

Ok, so I may be a little biased because I was born and raised in El Paso, but I honestly believe that the Sun City has a beauty that you just can’t find anywhere else!

Sure, we may not have towering skyscrapers or an ocean in our backyard, but we have mountains, sunsets, murals, history and landmarks that instantly give you that comforting feeling of, “Yup, I’m home.”

Local El Paso photographer Miguel Vigil has been capturing the beauty of the Borderland through his camera lens, and his photos perfectly showcase so many of the sights that make the 915 special.

The Star on the Mountain

Ask El Pasoans which landmark immediately reminds them of home, and there’s a pretty good chance they’ll mention the Star on the Mountain.

Sitting high above the city on the Franklin Mountains, the star has become one of the most recognizable symbols of El Paso. Whether you see it glowing while driving through the city at night or spot it from afar after being out of town, there’s something comforting about seeing that familiar star again.

The Iconic UTEP Pick

Then there’s the giant UTEP pick standing proudly near the UTEP campus.

For generations of Miners, the university has been part of their El Paso story. The pick has become another one of those unmistakable landmarks that lets you know exactly where you are.

Mount Cristo Rey

Driving through the Borderland and seeing the cross sitting atop Mount Cristo Rey is another sight that immediately feels like home.

The towering monument has overlooked El Paso, Sunland Park and Ciudad Juárez for generations, becoming an iconic part of the landscape shared by our border community.

That Famous Chico's Tacos Sign

And come on — nothing screams El Paso quite like seeing a Chico’s Tacos sign.

Whether you love the rolled tacos swimming in sauce and covered in cheese or simply appreciate the nostalgia surrounding the longtime El Paso institution, Chico’s is undeniably part of the city's identity.

That bright sign is basically an unofficial El Paso landmark at this point.

Murals That Tell Our Story

Some of El Paso's beauty isn't found on top of a mountain. It's painted across the walls of our neighborhoods.

Murals throughout the 915 showcase our Mexican-American heritage, our history, our creativity and the people who have helped shape the Borderland.

They're more than colorful backgrounds for Instagram photos. They're pieces of El Paso's story.

And, Of Course, Our Mountains

Sometimes I think those of us who grew up in El Paso forget just how lucky we are to have mountains surrounding our city.

It isn't until I travel somewhere else that I catch myself looking toward the horizon for mountains that aren't there. There's something about seeing the Franklin Mountains that gives me a sense of comfort. They're familiar. They're beautiful. They're home.

Miguel Vigil's photos are a reminder that sometimes you don't have to travel very far to find something worth photographing.

Sometimes, you just have to stop and appreciate what's been in front of you your entire life. For me, that's El Paso. (Not me being all poetic and romantic!)

You can purchase Miguels amazing photos online by clicking here or you can stop by Podium Finish Cafe on 1400 Texas Ave. to check out the photos in person!