These missions are still alive-- services are currently held in these churches. The members are careful to keep renovations authentic. There are lots of history in museums, plazas, art galleries, and even a jail around the missions. We were able to watch native dancers in Ysleta, and purchase Indian bread made in their beehive oven.

I particularly enjoyed Mission Ysleta, which was built in the late 17th century, and claims to have the oldest continuously cultivated plot of land in the USA. It is a very active church and well kept, and easily found, about a half-hour from downtown El Paso.

Loved the mission trail excursion. Took the tour which included a fantastic lunch and visits to three missions and two art galleries. A wonderful day experience we will always remember.

The El Paso mission trail is a group of old mission churches concentrated in the far South East of El Paso. The churches are all in splendid repair. It is sort of hard to wrap your head around how old they actually are! You should call ahead if you want to go inside the churches. On the day that I... More

Driving the Mission Trail in El Paso leads you to a part of old El Paso, that one wouldn't normally see. A couple of the churches are in a native American reservation. The churches are beautiful and out of the 3 churches, 2 were open, allowing us to marvel at the lovely interiors. It is definitely an attraction worth visiting... More

I grew up in the Lower Valley, my Dad was the Justice of the Peace in Ysleta. His office was right behind the Ysleta Mission. I was in awe of the beautiful mission, when I went there, it was so very peaceful and endearing to me. We also went to the Sorcorro and San Elizario Missions frequently and loved the... More

We enjoyed viewing the missions from the outside but it was Sunday morning and we didn't want to intrude on the worshippers. We saw many cars with Mexican license plates, guess the families travel over the border to visit. The missions were very serene and peaceful. We saw the Socorro Mission, the San Elizario Chapel and the Holy Trinity Monastery.

Only in the beautiful lower valley of El Paso, Texas can you visit this Mission Trail. The Ysleta mission is first and Speaking Rock is next door. Eat fajitas. Then the Socorro Mission followed by the San Elizario Mission. Billy the Kid escaped from the jail to your left. This footsteps in history is a must for visitors and residents... More

May not be the kind of thing everybody enjoys but it was quite pleasant and on a 100+ degree day you could feel the Tiqua Indian/Mexica/Spanish/Texan cultures come alive.