Mount Cristo Rey

One of the most beautiful hikes in the El Paso area is the climb to Mt. Cristo Rey. This is also one of the most notoriously unsafe hikes in the area. Standing above the area where the Rio Grande has turned south and east and only desert terrain and a railroad track separate Mexico from Texas and New Mexico, Cristo Rey has long provided cover for bandits and drug smugglers who scurry up the south side of this ancient pluton.

Mount Cristo Rey is best known for the 29-foot high limestone sculpture of Christ the King created by Spanish sculptor, Urbici Soler, following the vision of Father Costa of the Smeltertown parish of San Jose del Rio Grande. The project was completed on October 29, 1939. Sadly, too often bandits and smugglers are vandals and do irreparable harm to the cross and to the shrines along the way. Most recently the mural/icon of the Virgin Mary was attacked.

Fortunately, the Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee is working on improvements to the trail that may help make the climb safer and protect the sculpture and shrines as well. These plans include eventually illuminating the trail and the cross.

The Border Patrol's efforts could be facilitated by crafting a road around the mountain - a much preferable option to building the wall.

There is one safe time each week to hike: Sunday mornings from 9 until 1 when the Restoration Committee is busy working on the trails. Marshalls are on hand and jeeps travel up and down the switchbacks.

If you would like to make a donation to the restoration, send your check to Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee, P.O. Box 1003, Sunland Park, NM 88063.

For more information about Mt. Cristo Rey, visit here.