Mount Cristo Rey El Paso
Hike to a towering Christ statue for breathtaking views of the El Paso, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico border.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Mount Cristo Rey El Paso
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a towering Christ statue for breathtaking views of the El Paso, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico border.
"Moderate hike with very nice views of the westside of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico."
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While paved, the trail has inclines. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for a good hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Christ Statue
Summit
A towering 29-foot limestone statue of Christ, a spiritual landmark with panoramic views.
Panoramic Border Views
Summit
Gaze upon El Paso, Sunland Park, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, from this unique vantage point.
Historic Trail & Statues
Trail
Hike a well-maintained, paved trail built in 1939, dotted with beautiful, though sometimes locked, statues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Safety and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While paved, the trail has inclines. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for a good hike.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to hike up, enjoy the views, and hike back down.
🚗 Secure Your Valuables
Some visitors report car vandalism concerns. Keep valuables out of sight or take them with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun is intense!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
While paved, the trail has inclines. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for a good hike.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to hike up, enjoy the views, and hike back down.
🚗 Secure Your Valuables
Some visitors report car vandalism concerns. Keep valuables out of sight or take them with you.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible, especially during golden hour. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Cristo Rey is praised for its moderate, well-maintained trail and spectacular panoramic views of the border region. Visitors enjoy the historical significance and the impressive Christ statue at the summit. However, some caution is advised regarding potential car vandalism and the intensity of the desert heat.
"Moderate hike and once you get to the top, you have very nice views of the westside of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico."
David Contreras
"Good moderate hike, go early in the morning before it gets too hot. It will take you about an hour to get up there. Great views"
Scott Kelley
"The trail was well paved and easy to walk up and down. It was not hard at all to climb, It feels like you're on a flat surface most of the time. Very beautiful statues along the way, unfortunately when we went they were all locked up."
Marlene Torres
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Cristo Rey is located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, just west of El Paso, Texas. Take I-10 West and exit onto Sunland Park Drive. Follow signs for Mount Cristo Rey. It's about a 50-minute drive from Fort Bliss.
Yes, there is a parking area at the base of the trail. However, it can get crowded on weekends, and some visitors have noted concerns about car vandalism, so it's advised to secure valuables.
Public transportation options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use a rideshare service.
The hike to the summit of Mount Cristo Rey is approximately 4 miles round trip. 
Mount Cristo Rey is located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, but it offers views of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, making it a tri-state border landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to hike Mount Cristo Rey. It is a public access area.
Mount Cristo Rey is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds.
There is no entrance fee to access Mount Cristo Rey. The hike and the summit are free to visit.
While not officially closed, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for the best and safest experience.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors should be mindful of the desert environment and potential heat. Respect the religious significance of the Christ statue.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate. The trail is well-paved and has a steady incline, but it's not overly strenuous for most.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the El Paso, Texas, Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico border region.
Restroom facilities are not readily available at the trailhead or along the trail. Plan accordingly.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to check local regulations. If you bring a dog, ensure it's leashed and can handle the heat.
The trail features several beautiful statues and remnants of historical structures, adding to the unique hiking experience. Some are locked, but still visually interesting.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the border region, the Christ statue, and the unique desert terrain. Drone photography is also popular.
Drone usage is generally permitted, but always check current regulations and be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the distant cities. A sturdy tripod is helpful for golden hour shots.
Yes, the summit provides excellent vantage points to photograph the border between the US and Mexico.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some of the statues along the trail are locked, which might disappoint curious kids. However, the sheer scale of the Christ statue at the summit and the expansive views can be awe-inspiring for children. It's a great opportunity to teach them about geography and the significance of border regions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks is highly recommended, as there are no concessions available at the trailhead or on the mountain. This simple step can save you money and ensure you're prepared for the hike. The stunning views and the sense of accomplishment are priceless rewards for this budget-friendly adventure.
🏃 Fitness Enthusiasts
The paved trail offers a consistent surface, allowing you to focus on your pace and effort. The panoramic views from the summit serve as a fantastic reward for your hard work, making the exertion feel worthwhile. It's a great way to combine exercise with breathtaking scenery in the unique desert environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike Itself: Trail Conditions and Difficulty
While the paved trail is a plus, the desert sun can be intense, especially during midday. Hikers consistently recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and to enjoy cooler temperatures. The trail is wide, which is great for passing other hikers, but it also means that a misstep could lead to a significant fall, so caution is advised, particularly for those with young children.
Some visitors have noted that while the trail is well-maintained, the statues along the way can sometimes be locked, which might be a slight disappointment for those expecting to interact with them up close. However, the overall experience of the hike and the views from the top are consistently praised.
Views from the Summit: A Borderland Panorama
Many reviewers highlight the 'golden hour' as the absolute best time to experience these views. The soft, warm light of sunrise or sunset casts a magical glow over the landscape, creating incredible photo opportunities and a memorable atmosphere. Allowing yourself to descend during the last 30 minutes of golden hour is a tip that comes highly recommended for maximizing the visual experience.
Beyond the cityscapes, the natural desert landscape surrounding Mount Cristo Rey also contributes to the scenic beauty. The vastness of the desert, combined with the distant mountain ranges, provides a sense of scale and tranquility. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the Southwest.
The Cristo Rey Statue and Historical Significance
Along the trail, you'll encounter various statues and remnants of historical structures. These add an element of discovery to the hike, though some visitors have noted that these statues are often locked, limiting closer inspection. Despite this, they contribute to the unique character and narrative of the Mount Cristo Rey experience.
The location of Mount Cristo Rey itself is historically significant as a point where three states (Texas, New Mexico) and two countries (USA, Mexico) converge. This geographical importance is palpable when you stand at the summit, looking out over the diverse landscape and communities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit