Northeast El Paso is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its stunning desert landscapes, mountain views, and a wide range of trails perfect for running, hiking, and biking. Whether you’re seeking a heart-pumping hike up the Franklin Mountains, a leisurely bike ride through scenic parks, or a morning jog along a peaceful loop, you’ll find everything you need to stay active and enjoy nature.
If you’re lucky enough to live at Campo del Sol, you’ll have quick access to some of El Paso’s best running, biking, and hiking trails. Plus, with resort-style amenities like a lazy river, playgrounds, shaded cabanas, and miles of trails throughout the community itself, you’ll always have fun and fitness right at your doorstep. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best trails near Campo del Sol (and beyond) for your next outdoor adventure.
Discover Northeast El Paso’s Natural Wonders
Northeast El Paso is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting some of the most scenic and challenging trails in the region. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-visit trails for outdoor enthusiasts:
Roadhouse Trailhead
The Roadhouse Trailhead offers an easy-to-moderate 1-mile hike that starts just on the edge of Northeast El Paso. This trail is great for both runners and bikers and provides a scenic, winding path through preserved ranchland along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with views of the Franklin Mountains. It’s perfect for those days when you want to clear your mind and get away from it all while staying close to home.
Chuck Heinrich Trailhead
Located at the northeastern edge of the Franklin Mountains State Park, Chuck Heinrich Park offers some of the best trails for novice mountain bikers. The panoramic views of El Paso from the top make every uphill step worth it. If you’re an experienced hiker or biker, this trail is a must-visit.
Rio Grande Loop
The Rio Grande Loop is an extension of the Rio Grande River Park system, and, at 5.9 miles, it’s perfect for hikers or mountain bikers who want to cover a good distance. Bikers especially love this loop because it offers a continuous, scenic ride with minimal elevation changes. Whether you’re training for a race or just out for a casual ride, this loop provides a tranquil setting for your workout.
Trans-Mountain Highway: El Paso and Franklin Mountains
The 10.6-mile Trans-Mountain Highway cuts through the Franklin Mountains, offering stunning views of El Paso and the surrounding desert. While it’s a popular route for motorists, it’s also a challenging road for cyclists looking to test their endurance. With its steep inclines and winding turns, this is one of the most exhilarating biking trails in El Paso for those who want a serious workout.
Pat O’Rourke Memorial Hike and Bike Trail
One of the most family-friendly trails in the area, the Pat O’Rourke Memorial Hike and Bike Trail offers 4.4 miles of well-maintained, easy path perfect for walkers, runners, and bikers of all ages. This trail winds through a green space in a peaceful neighborhood, providing shade and rest areas along the way. It’s a great choice for a leisurely weekend stroll or bike ride with the family.
El Paso Tin Mines Trail
For history lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, the El Paso Tin Mines Trail provides a unique opportunity to explore old mining ruins while enjoying a scenic 6.6-mile hike. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers and bikers. The reward at the end of the trail—a glimpse of El Paso’s tin mining history—is well worth the journey.
Mundys Gap Overlook
If you’re up for a challenge, the Mundys Gap Overlook provides one of the most breathtaking views in all of El Paso. The 3.9-mile trail is steep and rocky, making it best suited for experienced hikers or mountain bikers, but the reward is a sweeping panorama of the city and surrounding desert. This El Paso trail is perfect for those who want to push their limits and be rewarded with a view like no other.
Lazy Cow Trail
The Lazy Cow Trail is ideal for those who want a leisurely hike or bike ride. This 6.8-mile out-and-back trail is considered an easy route on relatively flat terrain. But it is a commitment, taking about 2.5 hours to complete. It’s popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
Lost Dog Trail Loop
The Lost Dog Trail is a 7.7-mile moderately challenging loop popular for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. It’s known for its varied terrain, offering both beginner-friendly paths and more challenging sections for experienced hikers and bikers, with beautiful views of the desert along the way.
Thousand Steps
This challenging 2.8-mile loop has an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 feet up the Franklin Mountains, making it a challenge for even the most avid hiker or mountain biker. The panoramic views of El Paso from the top make every uphill step worth it. If you’re an experienced hiker or biker, this trail is a must-visit.
Crash Hike
This challenging 2.3-mile trail leads to the crash site of a U.S. Army Air Force B-36, where nine airmen lost their lives when the aircraft collided with the western slope of Ranger Peak in 1953. The trail to the memorial is rugged, rocky, and steep, and some sections may be difficult to navigate due to damage from thunderstorms, erosion, or overgrowth from vegetation.
Looking to the Future: The Paso del Norte Trail
Exciting things are happening for outdoor enthusiasts in El Paso County, thanks to the development of the Paso del Norte Trail. This ambitious project aims to create a 75-mile countywide trail system connecting various communities, parks, and natural landmarks across the region.
Currently, 20 miles of the Paso del Norte Trail are complete, including the Rio Grande River Park Trail and the Playa Drain Trail. When finished, this trail will be a game-changer for residents of El Paso, offering a continuous path for hiking, biking, and running while also preserving the history and natural beauty of the area.
Campo del Sol: Your Gateway to Adventure
For those who dream of having world-class El Paso trails right at their doorstep, Campo del Sol offers the perfect solution. This master-planned community in Northeast El Paso is designed with active lifestyles in mind, featuring its own extensive trail system that connects to the broader network of El Paso’s outdoor attractions.
If you’re looking for a home that offers not just comfort but also access to outdoor adventure and a welcoming community, Campo del Sol is the place for you. Explore the nearby trails or enjoy a relaxing day at home: here, you can have it all.
Interested in making Campo del Sol your new home? Contact us today to learn more about the available homes and rental properties. Your next adventure is waiting just outside your front door!