Mount Cristo Rey

If you have time and like to hike come here. Warning though this is not an easy hike or moderate. It is difficult and you need to be prepared. We were underprepared and did not research how extensive the hike was or anything about it. 1hr and 30 minutes later we made it to the top. You can see 2 countries and 3 cities all at once. New Mexico, Texas and cuidad Juarez. It was such an amazing view. Do not come to this hike alone and come during the day maybe early morning when the sun isn't so hot. The US and Mexico border ends and families often cross over, there is some boarder patrol but not visibly to track who is on the mountain. The Catholic Church does a pilgrimage here about 2 times a year and you and request to go with them. This was an absolute amazing experience.

Absolutely beautiful and moderate hike. It is a series of switchbacks which makes the elevation doable. I'm not in great shape and I made it without am issue. The views from the top are incredible. The statue is incredible. I highly recommend giving it a shot. Tip: Do not do it alone. The trail crosses into Mexico where there is no border wall. There have been assaults on the trail, almost always on someone hiking alone.

The Mount Cristo Rey Hike is fun. The hike is located in New Mexico State. While hiking it up you can enjoy views of News Mexico State, Juarez Mexico, and Texas. The Hike looks way more challenging than it is so do not get discouraged just by looking at it. The beginning of the hike start is somewhat challenging to get to by car, not impossible but I highly suggest and SUV or a truck due to the unpaved and rough terrain. The online information is wrong, it states they are closed Saturday and Sundays and that's not the case. You may find the hike entrance through google maps which is very helpful otherwise it is easy to miss the unpaved entry. Even while driving there with the GPS you will question it for the city/government/county could do a better job prepping the road for all who visit this location. Once there you will see a sign asking you to call 575-589-6600 if you are going to tour/hike MT. Cristo Rey. It is the Police Department, they will ask you for your vehicle information and how many in your party. Then, they will ask you to call them back when you are back. You may park inside the gate or outside. If the gate is open preferably inside. The very beginning of the hike makes you think the hike is way more challenging than it is but continue and it gets much much better. The actual hike is in great condition, they do a great job keeping it safe. Once you make it up the cross has tiles with names of families. It is sad some of those tiles have been damaged and not repaired. I do not know who is supposed to keep them up in good condition, but a donation box or a donation website address would come in handy to help with this cause. I give the actual hike a 5 but a 3 for the road to get there, and unkept tiles.

Hike Cristo Rey! Cristo Rey was a spiritual, and heart warming journey to the top. The hike up took about an hour and a half, but the pace was pretty steady.Luckily it is a paved path, so it is kid friendly and manageable for most. The view of Christ at the top is incredible. On the way up they have lots of little stops for you to pray or alters to visit. FUN FACT: From the top, you are actually overlooking 3 different states in 2 different countries! This was a great hike for us, and something I plan to do again on my next trip to El Paso. You do NOT want to miss out on this one of a kind experience.For more on what to do in El Paso, check out our blog.https://kasventures.org/2019/08/13/gems-of-el-paso/

This is a good run or hike suitable for novice and experienced runners. I see many families bring their kids for a short hike. If you are hiking, be sure to bring drinks. Going downhill is much easier than going up but be careful. If you do not run often be careful since you will feel the pain later on. At the top is a sculpture of Jesus and good to take photos as well as getting pictures of Juarez and Mexico.

Must see if you are visiting this area! It's free and great for the family. Great exercise for everyone. I recommend taking a bottle of water or two if you don't hike often. Great views when you get to the top. When you first start the hike it's a little rough, don't quit...it levels out. The first 15 minutes is probably the hardest, after that you will zig zag to the top and it's a more even route. I took my parents on this hike, who are in their early/mid 60s, and they were able to complete the hike. We started around 9ish and afterwards we went to eat breakfast. Great way to start a morning. I've seen parents take kids around 6/7 years old on the hike. Bring kids if they like being outdoors. You also see college and high school students running up the trail to work on their endurance. You are not allowed to bring pets on the hike since it is considered a religious area-they are trying to prevent animals feces on the trail, plus no one wants to step on that on their way up or down.