Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Las Cruces & El Paso area

Recreational trails for walking and cycling in El Paso Texas & Las Cruces, New Mexico

El Paso is located at the farthest western tip of Texas at the border with New Mexico and the country of Mexico. The cities of El Paso Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, are located along the Rio Grande River.  This area is in a desert setting with dramatic views of the rugged Organ Mountains to the east. The cities are placed at the crossroads of the major interstates of 10 and 25, so many travelers stop by Las Cruces on their way to other destinations.

One of the main features of this area is New Mexico State University. Some of the destinations for day trips are to the local "ghost towns", to the Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, Silver City, and City of Rocks State Park. There is also much in the way of outdoor recreation. Many people come to ride desert trails on mountain bikes, and there are nearby locations for hiking and camping.

El Paso and Las Cruces have a number of recreational trails that follow alongside the major roadways on the northwest side of the city.

Rio Grande River Trail / Rio Grande North Linear Trail

The Rio Grande River Trail is a 7.7-mile long paved pathway that follows the river bed of the Rio Grande River in the El Paso Upper Valley communities of Vinton, Canutillo, Prado Verde and northwestern El Paso. The trail is located to the west of Interstate 10. The trail takes a fairly straight route and is located away from roadways and traffic. There are a few road crossings at street level. the trail goes past natural areas and residential neighborhoods.

The north end of the 7.7-mile stretch of the Rio Grande River Trail is located along Levee Road just south of Vinton Road in Vinton. The south end of this stretch is located at at point 0.3 miles north of Country Club Road in El Paso.

A separate 1.3-mile long stretch of the Rio Grande River Trail exists to the south in Sunland Park.

La Llorona Multi-Use Path

The La Llorona Multi-Use Path is a 4.8-mile long paved path that follows alongside the Rio Grande Riverbed on the west side of the city. The north end of the trail is at Run Along Road and the Outfall Channel, 1/3 miles north of Bales Road. You can also travel east on the Outfall Channel Trail from this point.

The La Llorona Multi-Use Path then heads south through the scrub brush along the river bed. The Rio Grande is usually dry or reduced to a small stream, except during certain months of the year. The trail goes under US Highway 70, W Picacho Avenue, and goes by La Llorona Park. There is parking at the park and a small playground. The trail continues heading south along the riverbed and goes under Interstate 10.

The south end of the La Llorona Multi-Use Path is at River Levee Road and Highway 359.

Las Cruces Dam Open Space Trail

There is a 2.7-mile long gravel trail along the top of the Las Cruces Dam. This trail is just east of Interstate 25 and north of E. Lohman Avenue. A parking area is located at E. Lohman Avenue.

Outfall Channel Trail

The Outfall Channel Trail is a 4.4-mile long paved trail that runs in an east/west direction just north of the center of town. The east end is located at N. Telshor Boulevard, about 0.5 miles from US Highway 70. The Outfall Channel Trail runs under Interstate 25. At this point, you can also catch the Triviz Multi-Use Path heading southeast.

The Outfall Channel Trail travels to the southwest from Interstate 25 and crosses under Main Street, US Highway 70. It follows El Camino Real Rod for 0.6 miles then takes off to the southwest to cross Dona Ana Road. Other road crossings include N. Valley Drive, Road Runner Lane and Burke Road.

The Outfall Channel Trail ends where the channel meets the Rio Grande River. You can choose to then travel the La Llorona Multi-Use Path going south along the Rio Grande.

Sonoma Ranch Multi-Use Path

The Sonoma Ranch Multi-Use Path is a 3.6 mile long paved path that follows alongside Sonoma Ranch Boulevard on the far eastern side of the city. The north end of the trail is near the interchange of US Highway 70 and Sonoma Ranch Road. The trail heads south from here on the west side of the roadway. Along this route, there is a junction with the Rinconada Boulevard Multi-Use Path heading northwest and then the Alameda Arroyo Trail heading to the southwest.

Triviz Multi Use Path

The Triviz Multi-Use Path is a 4.5-mile long paved path that travels alongside N. Triviz Drive through the middle of Las Cruces. The north end of the trail is located where Triviz Drive takes a turn to the west. You can also catch the Outfall Channel Trail that travels to the west from this location. The Triviz Multi-Use Path heads to the southeast from this point.

The Triviz Multi-Use Path goes under E. Lohman Avenue but has multiple street level crossings with major roads along the route. The south end of the path is located at New Mexico State University Campus on E. University Avenue. You can hook up to the many walking paths throughout the campus from this point.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.