Trip Ideas

Travel the Historic Mission Trail

Mission Trail is a nine-mile stretch across time in El Paso County’s Mission Valley. The historic trail is named for the three missions that date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission and San Elizario Chapel, which are the oldest churches in the state of Texas. All three parishes still congregate for Mass to this day. While the missions are certainly the focal point of Mission Trail, the pathway’s historical appeal isn’t limited to the liturgical venues. The Mission Trail is home to museums, myriad state and national landmarks, art galleries, delicious restaurants, and serves as a host of other attractions that inspire frequent visitation. Both natives and travelers alike are captivated by the rich history and cultural encounters that are unique to this sector of the borderland. Here’s a few sites you absolutely have to see during your trek down Mission Trail.

Bodega Loya
Bodega Loya
10257 Socorro Rd.
(915) 269-6277 

The owners of BODEGA LOYA, Ralph and Marty Loya, come from generations of family farmers. Both were raised eating fresh fruit and vegetables from various local farms. Marty grew-up on the 100 year old farm where BODEGA LOYA currently sits. The bodega was created by Ralph retrofitting an original adobe shed and tool room. They both believe in contributing to the healthy food initiative in their community which is slowly becoming a rare commodity.

Hours of Operation

Sun: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Mon: Closed Tue: Closed Wed: Closed Thu: Closed Fri: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Historic Mission Trail
9065 Alameda Ave.
(915) 292-8516 

The two mission churches of Ysleta and Socorro stand as the oldest working missions in the region. In addition, the chapel of San Elizario, also located along the mission trail is known as an enduring symbol of the more than 400 years of rich history in the area.

Visitors looking for one-stop information spot should visit the Mission Valley Visitor Center. This historic building provides free Wi-Fi, ATM’s, restrooms, Mission Trail information, and a SunMetro transfer location. The center’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly so don’t hesitate to ask for directions or any questions pertaining to the Mission Trail area. The Mission Valley Visitor Center will provide you with everything you need to know for your Mission Trail visit. Restrooms available.

Licon Dairy
Licon Dairy
11951 Glorietta Rd
(915) 851-2705 

Licon Dairy in San Elizario, TX is a family-owned dairy farm that has been in business since the 1950s. The farm produces a wide selection of fresh, high-quality dairy products including cheese, chile con queso, whey, and requeson. The dairy also offers a petting zoo where guests can enjoy the company of exotic and farm animals. Licon Dairy is committed to providing the highest quality products while also supporting the local community.

Los Portales Museum and Information Center
Los Portales Museum and Information Center
1521 San Elizario Road
(915) 851-1682 

The museum is housed in an 1850s Territorial Style building in El Paso’s Mission Valley. Its exhibits focus on the rich and colorful historical legacies of San Elizario, including the “First Thanksgiving,” the Spanish presidio, the San Elizario Salt War of 1877, and the first county seat of El Paso county. Admission is free.

Hours of Operation

Sun: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon: Closed Tue: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thu: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sat: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
10716 Socorro Rd.
(915) 747-8663 

The 372-acre city park is a compilation of wetlands and riverside forest which is home to over 200 species of birds. An excellent display of spring can be seen in the bright yellow blooms of the annual Forb Bittersweet. The spring wildflowers are best seen in April and May however, these 6-to-10-inch flowers have been known to stick around through the summer months.

San Elizario Art Galleries
Photo by Art by Al Borrego
San Elizario Art Galleries
1501 Main St.
(915) 851-0093  
 

Located in the historic San Elizario district, galleries include: Main Street Mercantile, Golden Eagle Gallery, Alberto Escamilla, Amado Pena, and more.

Socorro Mission & Gift Shop
Socorro Mission & Gift Shop
328 S. Nevarez
(915) 859-7718 

The historic Socorro Mission, the gem located in El Paso’s Lower Valley is open every day (7 days a week). Inside this beautiful southwest mission you will also find a unique gift shop. All proceeds go to the preservation of this beautiful mission.

Southwestern Art by Bert Saldaña
Photo by Bert Saldaña
Southwestern Art by Bert Saldaña
1501 Main Street
(915) 479-2926 

Bert Saldana was born, raised and lives in El Paso, Texas. He considers himself extremely fortunate to have made his livelihood in Art. He has a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Texas at El Paso. Bert has also studied at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Bert worked as a muralist for the El Paso Museum of Art from 1976-1980. He retired after 35 years as Senior Museum Exhibit Designer/artist for the U.S. Army in January 2015. Bert has designed museum exhibits throughout the country for the U.S. Army and the National Park Service. In 2015, District 75 Texas State Representative, Mary Gonzalez, asked Bert to design and paint an ornament representing her district. The ornament hung on the Texas State Capitol tree. Representative Gonzalez then sponsored House Resolution 2357 honoring Bert for his artistic achievements. The resolution was adopted May 21, 2015.

His fascination with the Native American and indigenous peoples of the Southwest is exhibited in the portraits and art he creates. He creates primarily in oil.

Bert currently displays his oil paintings and prints at the Southwestern Art by Bert Saldana Gallery, 1501 Main Street, San Elizario, Texas. Bert has displayed his award winning works in numerous juried art shows, the Texas Congressional Building in Austin, Texas, El Paso County Court Building in El Paso, Texas, as well as numerous collections throughout the country.

Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
Photo by Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
122 S. Old Pueblo Rd.
(915) 860-7777 

Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, Speaking Rock features live tribute shows, concerts, and other live music events. The venue is also home to a full-service restaurant, cafe, and bars.

The Dusty Tap
Photo by The Dusty Tap
The Dusty Tap
10297 Socorro Rd
(915) 702-0024 

As El Paso and Socorro natives, we agreed early on that we wanted to contribute something positive in our community. Our intention was never to open up “just another bar” in town. Being parents ourselves, we love going out to places that can be enjoyed as a family, but also as adults with a group of friends or for a date night. It didn’t take long to realize that there aren’t many of those places around town let alone in Socorro! Our goal is to provide a relaxed down to earth environment that adults of all ages and families can enjoy. If you visit us and you feel like you’re relaxing in our backyard then mission accomplished! Now pair that with great music, ice cold drinks and delicious food, and well I guess you can say we’re aces!

Hours of Operation

Sun: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Mon: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Tue: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Wed: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thu: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fri: 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM Sat: 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Ysleta Mission Gift Shop
Ysleta Mission Gift Shop
131 S Zaragoza Rd.
(915) 777-6884 

Ysleta Mission Gift Shop is a cultural gift store and gallery. Our inventory includes metal arts, local artist works, vintage & antiques, Mexican folk art & textiles, religious saints, handcrafted & custom work, authentic Native American pottery, sterling silver & semi-precious stone jewelry.

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center
305 Yaya Ln.
(915) 859-7700 

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center exists as a facility for cultural enrichment, as well as a collective site for centuries of tribal history. It aims to educate individuals about the culture and history of the oldest federally recognized tribe in Texas by providing information and interactive experiences that are unique to the area.

The Cultural Center exhibits the tribe’s heritage through dance, programs and other activities such as pottery making, bead looming, bread baking, storytelling, and gardening for Tribal Members ONLY. The center also provides retail space for tribal members to sell authentic Tigua attire and artifacts. The museum displays objects such as artifacts, pottery, photographs, and video representing over 300 years of Tigua History. The museum attracts a wide array of visitors from across the United States and the international community.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 8 AM - 5 PM

San Elizario Jail and Billy the Kid
San Elizario Jail and Billy the Kid
1500 Main St.
(915) 851-1682 

Dating back to the 1800’s and known as one of the deadliest gunmen in the West, the infamous Billy the Kid became famous for being the only man ever to break into a jail. Legend says jail guards found themselves face to face with Billy’s 44 revolver just before he quickly retrieved the guard’s guns, helped his friend break out, put the guards in the jail and threw away the key. This place will certainly have you saying ͞hold on let me Instagram this.”

Hours of Operation

Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mon: Closed Tue: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thu: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Three Missions Brewery
Three Missions Brewery
10179 Socorro Rd.
(915) 704-4932 

An up-and-coming microbrewery serving the great communities of El Paso and Socorro, TX. The first and only brewery currently located in Socorro. State of the art Microbrewery. We brew beer because we love it. 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.

Hours of Operation

Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM Friday: 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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