A few weeks ago, we set off on a beautiful morning to explore the El Paso Mission Trail. Interestingly enough, all of the El Paso missions were once in Mexico. During one of the many Rio Grande floods, the river changed course and left the missions in Texas. You can visit all of the missions for free, and donations are welcome. The missions also feature in the NPS Spanish Colonial Missions of the Southwest Trail throughout the Southwest.
You’ll find each of the missions just off Socorro Road. The missions don’t sit along the main route of Socorro Road, but all are visible from the street (they’re big white churches that are hard to miss). The El Paso Mission Trail is about an eight-mile drive from start to finish. You can start at either end and see the missions within two or so hours. Each mission has its own hours and availability. Be sure to check the day you head out if you want to see inside each building. Currently (spring 2021), the missions are closed to the public outside of religious services.
Yselta Mission
The Yselta Mission is the oldest continuously active parish in the state of Texas. It was built after the Pueblo Revolt in the late 1600s to serve as the spiritual home for the Tigua refugees displaced by that revolt. The shape of this mission’s outbuildings reminded me the most of the Alamo.
Address and Location
You’ll find the Yselta Mission at 131 South Zaragosa Road in El Paso. The parking here is only for the mission and is not for the casino. The Yselta Mission also has a small gift shop on site.
After you explore the mission, you can head over the Speaking Rock Casino managed by the Yselta del Sur Pueblo. You will need to move your car. You’ll head down Socorro Road to the other missions, so stop and check out the Tigua Cultural Center.
Socorro Mission
The Socorro Mission will hold a special place in my memory because we managed to lock ourselves out of our car here. The Spanish also built the mission after the Pueblo Revolt, though it hasn’t been used continuously since then.
Address and Location
The Socorro Mission is located at 328 South Nevarez Street in El Paso, Texas. An active cemetery is located across the property, and the mission and cemetery share a very large parking lot.
San Elizario Presidio Mission
The San Elizario Mission was built in a presidio, a Spanish-Mexican colonial fort. Off the three missions in El Paso, the San Elizario Presidio has the largest complex. San Elizario is also the newest site, as it was built about 100 years after the other missions.
Address and Location
Round out your tour of the El Paso Mission Trail at 1556 San Elizario Road in San Elizario, Texas. The mission is located off the main Socorro Road on a side street.
You’ll find several other museums on the presidio grounds. Wrap your day exploring the El Paso Mission Trail with a meal at El Bandido, located across the plaza from the San Elizario Mission.
