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Sunland Park, New Mexico: Sierra de Cristo Rey, Christ of the Rockies

Impressive. In the past this has been a sometimes-risky place to visit, but in recent years there have been no reported problems.

Visitor Tips and News About Sierra de Cristo Rey, Christ of the Rockies

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Sierra De Cristo Rey - Vague Recollections

My grandparents live in El Paso and my mother and her 3 sisters spent some time there growing up. Sometime in the 1960s, they decided to walk up to this statue. On the way up they were accosted by a small boy asking for money or food or some such thing. Of course, my grandmother gave it to him. They got to the statue okay, but on the way down they were approached by the same boy and a couple of of his older and much larger friends. These men attempted to jump my grandfather and tell my grandmother to give them her purse, etc. Well...my grandfather had brought a pistol along with him and as soon as he pulled that sucker out and pointed at those men, off they ran. I guess it just goes to show that the more things change, the more things stay the same.

Of course, none of us grandkids have ever been allowed to go near that thing.

[Aimee Jameson, 12/28/2002]
Sierra de Cristo Rey

UPDATE on the dangers of going up to see Super-Savior. Last week local radio station KTSM announced more warnings about this mountain climb. Seems there is a bandito from Mexico who has robbed three people this month, and they cannot catch him. The police advise going in large groups, or better yet, not going at all.

[Heidi Crabtree, 08/26/2002]

Mt. Cristo Rey's robed Jesus and cross.

Sierra de Cristo Rey, Christ of the Rockies

Just outside El Paso, Texas, across the Rio Grande into New Mexico, is one of the few monumental Christ figures in the United States. It was carved from Austin, TX limestone by the Catalonian sculptor, Urbici Soler, from 1938-1940. This mountain-top Cristo is the same mountain that the Conquistadors circled in order to ford the river they called "Rio del Norte."

[Paul Daniggelis, 03/24/2000]

We left this 53-ft. tall Super Savior out of Mega-Messiahs due to concerns about safety. A 1992 db note warns that "the parking lot is a mile or so below the statue, but the hill is a haven for Cholo gangs, and a sign: do not go up alone. People are routinely chased down, or beaten." A visit in 1993: "No directions, no signs until you are at the entrance. The road is pitted and unpaved. Signs warn you against leaving cars unattended." 1995 tourism lit: "Not recommended to climb except during Pilgrimage last Sunday in October." Safety in numbers. Has this place improved?... Paul Daniggelis responds: "NO."

Sierra de Cristo Rey, Christ of the Rockies

Address:
Cristo Rey Rd, Sunland Park, NM
Directions:
I-10 exit 12. Drive west on Sunland Park Drive for two miles. Turn left onto Hwy 273/McNutt Rd and drive one mile. Turn right onto Cristo Rey Rd, drive to the end, park, and hike the trail to the top of the hill.
Admission:
Free
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Rosa's Cantina: Marty Robbins TributeRosa's Cantina: Marty Robbins Tribute, El Paso, TX - 1 mi.
World's Largest Man-Made Illuminated StarWorld's Largest Man-Made Illuminated Star, El Paso, TX - 4 mi.
Boy and the BootBoy and the Boot, El Paso, TX - 4 mi.
In the region:
La Posta de Mesilla, Billy the Kid Jail, Mesilla, NM - 37 mi.

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