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    Home » Travel » Southwest

    One Day on the El Paso Mission Trail

    Published: Jan 17, 2019 · Modified: Jul 28, 2021 · by Renée B. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    El Paso Mission Trail

    The El Paso Mission Trail traces a nine-mile segment of the oldest road in North America – the historic El Camino Real, taking travelers on a journey that passes through three Texas missions and 400 years of history.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Chapel Doors | The Good Hearted Woman
    Jump to:
    • Socorro Mission
    • San Elizario Presidio Chapel
    • San Elizario Historic District
    • Ysleta Mission
    • Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
    • Good Eats on the El Paso Mission Trail
    • Final Thoughts on the Mission Trail
    • Contact Information

    When you think of West Texas history, what first comes to mind?

    Perhaps it’s the Spanish Conquistadores, who arrived on the banks of the Rio Grande back in 1598. Or maybe it’s The Alamo (remember?), or the rich, colorful Mexican influence, or the relentless floods in first half the early Nineteenth Century that changed the course of the Rio Grande.

    Or maybe everything you know about West Texas happened back in 1957 at Rosa’s Cantina. (Let’s save that one for another post though, shall we?)

    Or maybe it’s El Paso’s historic Mission Trail. Have you heard of it? 

    The El Paso Mission Trail traces a segment of the oldest (and at one time, the longest) road in North America – the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro [The Royal Road of the Interior]. The short, nine-mile route takes travelers on a journey that passes by three missions and about 400 years of history.

    Recently, I had the opportunity to spend about five hours exploring the Mission Trail with my dear friend Dottie, where we got a crash course on the intriguing, tumultuous history of three of Texas’ oldest mission communities.

    Socorro Mission

    Our first stop on the El Paso Mission Trail was at Socorro Mission, the second oldest mission in the state, and home of the oldest relics in El Paso. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    Piro Indians built Socorro’s first permanent adobe church in 1691 in what was then Socorro, Mexico. Originally dedicated as Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion de los Piros del Socorro  [Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of the Piros of Socorro], the exterior of Socorro Mission represents a thunderbird, while the interior is in the shape of a cross.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    By 1766, the Socorro Mission was being referred to as La Purísima Concepción del Socorro. A series of floods between 1829 and 1840 changed the course of the Rio Grande from north of Socorro to south of the townsite. When the river was declared the US-Mexico boundary, Socorro became part of United States.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    The original adobe chapel was damaged during the flooding and later rebuilt about half a mile to the west in 1843. The restored chapel retains the original hand -carved cottonwood and cypress vigas [support beams] from the original structure. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    The cross-beams in the ceiling of the Socorro Mission are recognized as the oldest original relics in Texas.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    Socorro Mission
    328 S. Nevarez Rd.
    El Paso, TX 79927

    Hours: 10am-4pm (M-F); 9am-6pm (Sat); 9am-1pm (Sun)
    Phone: (915) 859-7718

    El Paso Mission Trail - Socorro Mission | The Good Hearted Woman

    San Elizario Presidio Chapel

    San Elizario Chapel and Presidio was established in 1789 as Spanish defense against foreign powers and Indian raids. The flood of 1829 destroyed the chapel, and a new one was built with new adobe bricks from the original Presidio walls in the 1840’s. It continues to be used as an active church to this day.

    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman

    The present chapel decor dates from 1944 when the church was repainted to honor local soldiers who fought in World War 11. Beautiful stained-glass windows depict flowers, patriotic symbols, and religious symbols. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman

    Note the colorful, decorative, pressed-tin ceiling, and that stunning interwoven hardwood floor. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman

    The San Elizario Chapel was simply beautiful. Dottie and I loved that each contributor to the 1944 redecoration is listed on a mural in the back of the chapel. When you visit, be sure to take some time to fully appreciate all the finely painted images and beautiful woodworking created by those talented, faithful hands. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman


    San Elizario Chapel
    1556 San Elizario Rd.
    San Elizario, TX 79849

    Hours: 7am-9:30am (Mon-Fri)
    Open for Mass (Sat/Sun)
    Phone: (915) 851-2333

    El Paso Mission Trail - San Elizario Chapel | The Good Hearted Woman

    San Elizario Historic District

    San Elizario's Historic District is literally a stone's throw from the chapel. There you will find restaurants, gift shops, six art galleries, 22 art studios,18 Historic sites, the San Elizario Chapel, The Presidio (fort), the Veterans’ Memorial, and the Old El Paso County jail, and a larger-than-life statue of Billy the Kid. 

    Billy the Kid [statue], San Elizario Historic District, EL Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman
    According to legend, famed outlaw Billy the Kid freed the only man to ever escape from the old El Paso County Jail, in late November 1876.

    Be sure to stop by the Los Portales Museum & Info Center, adjacent to the San Elizario Chapel. The docent who was working there the day we visited was both passionate and well-informed about the history of the San Elizario, and excited to share her knowledge with us.

    San Elizario Historic District, EL Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    The museum, which is housed in an 1850’s Territorial-style building, features exhibits celebrating San Elizario’s rich and colorful history.

    Among other things, you’ll learn about the real “First Thanksgiving,” the Spanish presidio, the San Elizario Salt War of 1877, and the first county seat of El Paso county.

    Los Portales Museum & Info Center
    Admission is free
    Hours: 10am2pm (T-Sat); Noon-4pm (Sun); Closed (M)

    San Elizario Walking Tour

    San Elizario Historic District, EL Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    Ysleta Mission

    Ysleta Mission – the oldest mission in Texas – was our final stop on the El Paso Mission Trail. Originally established in 1613 in what is now New Mexico, Ysleta Mission [officially, Corpus Christi de la Ysleta del Sur] was relocated to El Paso in 1680. That was just the beginning of its turbulent history. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - Mission Ysleta | The Good Hearted Woman


    After rampaging floodwaters destroyed the El Paso chapel in 1742, and again in 1829, the adobe-walled building was move to its present location 1851. It was rebuilt once again in 1907, after a fire destroyed most of the structure.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Mission Ysleta | The Good Hearted Woman

    The current mission was built by the Tigua Indian community, and now resides in what is recognized as the oldest community in Texas. The Tiguas, who achieved official reservation status in 1968, changed the name of their church to Mission San Antonio de los Tiguas, in 1980 in recognition of their patron saint, St. Anthony. 

    El Paso Mission Trail - Mission Ysleta | The Good Hearted Woman
    El Paso Mission Trail - Mission Ysleta | The Good Hearted Woman

    Today Ysleta Mission is considered the second oldest continually active parish in the United States.

    El Paso Mission Trail - Mission Ysleta | The Good Hearted Woman

    Ysleta Mission
    131 S. Zaragosa Rd.
    El Paso, TX 79907

    Hours: 7am-4pm (M-Sat); Closed (Sun)
    Phone: (915) 859-9848

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center

    Practically around the corner from Ysleta Mission, you will find the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. The Tigua Indians are the oldest permanent settlers in Texas. In 1968, the State of Texas and the Federal Government recognized the tribe as a sovereign nation.

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    The cultural center aims to celebrate the rich culture of the local Tigua Indians through history, art, and dance in a variety of exhibits and events.

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    Dottie and I visited the during the week, so there wasn’t much going on beyond the static exhibits; however, we learned that on weekends, the Cultural Center stages social dance demonstrations in the courtyard; and on Saturdays, visitors can watch bread baking and taste fresh samples.

    Tigua Indian Cultural Center
    305 Yaya Lane
    El Paso, Texas 79907

    Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
    Closed: Monday and Tuesday

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman
    This bronze statue depicts a Tigua woman named Nestora Granillo Piarote. It stands in front of the Tigua Indian Cultural Center.

    Good Eats on the El Paso Mission Trail

    Somewhere between San Elizario and Ysleta, Dottie and I found ourselves feeling hungry and wishing we had a little something. The brunch spot in San Elizario at which we had planned to eat had been unexpectedly closed, so we Yelped our way to this little family owned hole-in-the-wall in Socorro. 

    Mission Trail Good Eats, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    We arrived at Quesadillas Estilo Villa Ahumada just before noon, and were two of only a few in the dining area. The restaurant itself is nothing fancy, but it is clean, comfortable, and affordable. Oh, and the food is awesome, too.

    Dottie and I sat down in a booth and looked through the laminated menu for a few minutes. After much discussion, I decided on the Gorditas de la Maiz. We ordered, and then settle into our booth to talk.

    Mission Trail Good Eats, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman
    Gorditas de la Maiz

    Our food arrived in less than 10 minutes - just in time for us to look up from our conversation to see the long line at the order counter that had formed since we first arrived. 

    Tables filled quickly with faded coveralls and worn Wranglers, dusty t-shirts, and heavy work boots: confirmation that we'd stumbled into a local working-class hot spot. We could expect reasonable prices, hearty portions, and most importantly, dependably good food. 

    That is exactly what we got, too. My gorditas were crisp on the outside and tender inside, and not a bit greasy. Both Dottie and I commented on the the refried beans, which were exceptionally good. (Do you know tasty refried beans have to be for someone to take note of them? Yes: they were that good.) Our meals were fresh, hearty, and delicious; and the portions were so generous that I ended up taking half my meal home to eat later at the hotel. 

    Quesadillas Estilo Villa Ahumada - 2
    131 Horizon Blvd, Ste 5
    Socorro, Texas 79927

    Phone: (915) 790-0456

    Final Thoughts on the Mission Trail

    While El Paso may not be the top destination on your Travel Bucket List, if you get the chance to visit, take it! And if you go, the El Paso Mission Trail should definitely be on your itinerary.

    Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, El Paso, Texas | The Good Hearted Woman

    Notably, there is a fourth mission on the Mission Trail – Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission – located just across the US-Mexico border in Juarez, Mexico. Unfortunately, Dottie and I had neither the time nor the passports needed to make that visit on our trip; however, if you find yourself in EL Paso with both on hand, it might be worth a trip.

    If you are visiting EL Paso for the first time, be sure to read:

    • One FREE Day in El Paso
    • El Paso Restaurants • A Must Try, A Sentimental Favorite & a Texas Institution
    • El Paso’s “Boot Hill” | Concordia Cemetery

    Contact Information

    All of the missions are open to the public, with exception of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is only open for special occasions.

    El Paso Convention & Visitors Bureau
    One Civic Center Plaza
    El Paso, Texas 79901

    Phone: (915) 534-0600
    Toll-free: (800) 351-6024
    FAX (9150 534-0686

    Mission Valley Visitors Information Center
    9065 Alameda Avenue
    El Paso Texas 79907

    Hours: 9am - 4pm (Mon-Fri); 9am - 3pm (Sat/Sun)
    Phone: (915) 851-9997

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    About Renée B.

    Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.

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    1. The Southern Thing says

      January 21, 2019 at 11:44 am

      There are so many great sights to see in El Paso! That food looks delicious too!

      Reply
    2. Lauren Jumrukovski says

      January 21, 2019 at 6:26 am

      Wow this post is very informative and your photos are absolutely stunning!

      Reply
    3. Krizz says

      January 20, 2019 at 10:47 pm

      This place is so solemn and has a lot of character which I really love. I must go and visit this place and see for myself 🙂

      Reply
    4. Julie Hoag says

      January 19, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Wow! These are amazingly beautiful! Would love to see them in person someday. Gorgeous!!

      Reply
    5. sarah camille says

      January 19, 2019 at 7:36 am

      I went to El Paso a few years ago for work and wish I knew this history and about the trail back then. I just need to go back now!

      Reply
    6. Cindy says

      January 18, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      Love this! Gorgeous photos...and those doors!!

      Reply
    7. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says

      January 18, 2019 at 10:27 am

      I've never heard of the El Paso Mission Trail, but I'm ready to go on a trip now!

      Reply
    8. Doniree says

      January 18, 2019 at 8:59 am

      I’ve never been here, but I’ve been planning a trip down south soon! I love these tips!

      Reply
    9. Annaliese says

      January 18, 2019 at 4:25 am

      I"ve never been to this part of Texas but it looks like it's full of culture and history! And great food 🙂

      xoxo A
      http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

      Reply
    10. Lynda H says

      January 18, 2019 at 12:28 am

      I'd never heard of the El Paso mission trail either. I have heard of El Paso only. It looks very interesting. Beautiful photos.

      Reply
    11. Kelsey says

      January 17, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      I'd never heard of the El Paso Mission Trail, that is so cool! I enjoyed seeing the beautiful wood floors and siding of the original buildings. What a neat trip.

      Reply
    12. Leigh Suznovich says

      January 17, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      El Paso looks amazing to visit, what beautiful churches and that food looks incredible!!

      Reply

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