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 Reporter |
Summary: From the trailhead, follow the main trail to the top. At the top, there is a statue of Jesus Crist. It is the largest such statue in the world. At 42.5 feet, it is larger than the one in the Andes Mountains by 1 foot. The project was begun on 29 Oct 1933, and completed 6 years later on 29 Oct 1939. Books and information are available at the trailhead on pilgrimage days. Trailhead: From the junction of I-10 and Sunland Park Drive, take Sunland Park Dr West down the hill 0.50 miles to Doniphan Dr. Turn left on Doniphan Dr, go 0.55 miles to Racetrack Dr. Turn right on Racetrack Dr, cross the Rio Grande, go 0.95 miles to NM-273. Turn left on NM-273, go 0.60 miles to the dirt road entrance. Watch for the large green sign. Follow the dirt road over the tracks to the parking area. The trailhead is the yellow gate. NOTE: Due to an intermittent problem with bandits in the area, it is not recommended to hike this mountain alone. Going in groups, or hiking on one of the several days each year the mountain is patrolled and open for touring is a safer option. (Lat:31.79191 Lon:-106.54203) Trail Guides for Sierra Del Cristo Rey: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Eric E. Ernst. (505) 522-1931 sierradecristorey@yahoo.com Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Michael P. Olbrisch, who has posted 54 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Paul on 5/18/2008 This is where the 2 Border Patrol Agents shot the Illegal in the butt and got prison terms for protecting our borders. None the less it's a great hike. Go with a buddy!
Reviewed by Saundra A on 5/3/2008 It would be nice if there was something placed out there with the HISTORY of the cross and nicer paved parking and of course more security so more tourist would feel free to visit the site
Reviewed by Brian on 12/31/2007 We went with the guarded Christmas event and had a wonderful hike! I heard gun shots from the city below on the mexican side, but they were far away and I doubt they were aimed at us. The mountain has many high caliber bullet holes on all sides however so take note of the safety precautions mentioned. Very nice hike!
Reviewed by Richard on 10/7/2007 On 6 October 2007 our group of 13 hiked to the top of Mt. Christo Rey. The group aged from 7 to 72 years. My brother, my wife and I were the only repeat hikers of this hike. The other ten first time hikers said this was a nice hike on a very well maintained trail with a spectacular view at the top. The hike was sponsored as part of the Celebration of our Mountains and security was provided by some great people who we spoke to on our way up and on the way down. They were very informative and even though this was my fourth trip, I learned something new about how the artist created the statue of Jesus and the cross. I didn't know he actually lived near the base of the mountain in a stone house that you pass on the way up. 
Reviewed by lj on 7/29/2005 Warning needs to be more prominent.danger has increased...even groups have been attacked...safe to hike only on designated days when police are present....this is much nearer El Paso than Las Cruces and is right on the Mexico border-- hence the bandits Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Dona Ana County Hiking, Dona Ana County Trails, Dona Ana County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||