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El Paso, Texas is a special travel destination. With countless opportunities for adventure, families, couples, children, and friends can see marvelous sights during a visit to the Sun City. For anyone with a keen interest in history, culture, or needing a change of scenery, El Paso’s historic Mission Trail is waiting for you. Recently named the 2023 “Best Historic Site” in Texas, El Paso’s 400-year-old mission trail is a 9-mile stretch of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail – 404 miles of land running between Santa Fe, NM and El Paso, extending through Mexico City.
Rich history, culture, and activities are found along El Paso’s portion of El Camino Real. The Mission Trail is home to the three oldest and active missions in the United States – Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and the Presidio Chapel of San Elizario. Each mission is a member of the National Register of Historic Places, commemorating their individual place in history.
Aside from the missions standing as a history sight checkoff, the Mission Trail is home to an assortment of galleries, eateries, sights, and more. Check out the rest of what the Mission Trail has to offer during your next visit to El Paso!
Ysleta Mission
When you visit the Ysleta Mission, you truly discover where Texas began! As the “oldest continuously active parish in the State of Texas”, the Ysleta Mission represents over 300 years of Texas history. Built in 1682 by the Tigua Indian community, this historic landmark resides in what is recognized as the oldest community in Texas. Throughout its historical existence, the structure has been threatened by storms and natural disasters but because of the perseverance of the surrounding community, the structure still stands and thrives today.
Location Address: 131 S. Zaragoza Rd. El Paso, TX 79907
Hours of Operation
Mon - Sat: 7am - 4pm
Closed Sundays
Socorro Mission
The Socorro Mission exudes a sense of strength and dignity with its six-foot-thick adobe walls and massive vigas. The Socorro Mission shares the distinction of being among the oldest continuous settlements in the Southwest, as well as being one of the oldest continuously operated missions in Texas.
Location Address: 328 S. Nevarez Rd, El Paso, TX 79927
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
San Elizario Mission
In 1789, the Spanish Crown established “San Elceario”, named after the Catholic patron saint of the military, as a military presidio. Throughout the years, chapels were built but rendered useless due to weather and size.
The present chapel, built in 1877, has become the centerpiece of the San Elizario community. Built in a traditional Spanish Mission style, the chapel showcases round archways and golden-trimmed pillars. The presidio chapel now serves as a full-functioning church and displays a picturesque vision of antiquated beauty and history.
Location Address: 1556 San Elizario Rd, San Elizario, TX 79849
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 7am - 9:30am
Saturday (Open for Mass): 7am - 9:30am
Sunday (Open for Mass): 7am - 9:30am
Three Missions Brewery
State of the art Microbrewery. It all began with friends, family, and a love for beer. Located right on the historic mission trail, Three Missions Brewery pays homage to the beautiful missions along it and the history of the El Paso and Socorro area we love so much.
Location Address: 10179 Socorro Rd, Socorro, Texas 79927
Closed Mondays
Tuesdays: 5pm - 10pm
Wednesdays: 3pm - 10pm
Thursday - Friday : 3pm - 12am
Saturdays: 12pm - 12am
Sundays: 12pm - 8pm
Cafe CoCol
A new edition to the Casa Apodaca building along the historic Mission Trail in Socorro, Texas. This special coffee house brews delicious drinks, serves delicious meals, and creates special moments filled with art and good times.
Location Address: 10180 Socorro Rd, Socorro, Texas 79927
Closed Mondays
Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 3pm
San Elizario Historic Art District
Home to several unique sites including the Golden Eagle Gallery, Old Butterfield Stop, Placita Madrid, Main Street Mercantile, and many more. Enjoy seasonal celebrations, guided tours and art markets all year long held across the district.