Star on the Mountain

Star on the Mountain is an illuminated arrangement in the Franklin Mountains of El Paso, Texas, consisting of more than four hundred bulbs installed on the mountainside at over 4,600 feet (1,400 m) elevation. The formation spans several dozen meters and produces a bright white pattern visible from much of the city and surrounding areas.

The installation began operation in late November 1940, when El Paso celebrated its centennial and wanted to create a lasting marker for the region. The technology has been updated several times since, while the original arrangement of lights has remained in place.

The lighting takes its name from the shape it forms on the mountainside, and it remains visible each night as a reference point for people on both sides of the border. Families in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez see the same glow when they look north, which makes the connection between the two cities tangible in daily life.

The lights switch on automatically after sunset and remain visible throughout the night, with viewing angles varying from different points across the city. Clear evenings offer the best visibility, while haze or low clouds can reduce how well the arrangement shows up.

Maintenance crews must climb the steep slope to replace bulbs, using ropes and safety gear because no road or trail leads to the installation. Each individual bulb is replaced by hand, which means upkeep can take several days to complete.