Paso del Norte Trail, a trail for everyone: Jana Renner

A vibrant outdoor hike/bike space is emerging mile-by-mile through neighborhoods across El Paso. With more than 20 miles of the planned 68-mile county-wide Paso del Norte Trail completed, residents from the Mission Valley to the Upper Valley and neighborhoods in between are enjoying this new amenity built for newcomers and already active walkers, runners, and cyclists.

The Paso del Norte Trail master plan was developed over the last five years with funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and input from local partners, stakeholders, and residents. The Health Foundation and partners — including the city of El Paso, county of El Paso, Texas Department of Transportation, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority, El Paso Water, city of Sunland Park, city of Socorro, city of San Elizario, Medical Center of the Americas, and Quantum Engineering — are working together to make the contiguous trail a reality. Since completing the master plan, partners have completed 8.5 miles and secured funding for over seven more.

The goal is to create a regional landmark that promotes active transportation, preserves the history and culture of the region, supports economic development, and makes healthy living the easy choice for our bi-national community.

The 20 completed miles of the Paso del Norte Trail, include the River Park Trail from Borderland to Country Club and the Playa Drain Trail from Ascarate Park to Capistrano Park. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation has invested about $3.5 million in trail development, with additional significant support coming from the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of El Paso.

Along the Playa Drain Trail, users will encounter dozens of trail amenities, including benches, burrowing owl habitats, bat houses, solar lighting, murals, bicycle repair stations, and interpretive signage on the history, flora, and fauna. Trail access is easy, with free parking available at the parks and schools along the route. Free, family-friendly public events often take place to bring greater awareness — especially for neighborhoods near the trail.“I love to visit the Playa Drain Trail on weekend mornings, and during the evening, I enjoy walking my dogs,“ said an avid trail walker.

We invite you to experience all the Paso del Norte Trail has to offer. Whether taking your four-legged friend for a walk, enjoying a morning walk or jog, joining your friends for a bike ride during the evening, or bringing the family to events the Playa Drain Trail hosts year-round, the trail is something for everyone to enjoy!

Learn more about the Paso del Norte Trail at pasodelnortetrail.org or visit us on Facebook at pasodelnortetrail to stay connected with upcoming events and activities.

Jana Renner is senior program officer, Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Paso del Norte Trail, a trail for everyone: Jana Renner