Paso del Norte Trail Master Plan

Sites completed a comprehensive master planning effort for the Paso del Norte Trail in El Paso, Texas. Based on the mission of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, this effort was undertaken to create a trail that will become a regional attraction connecting communities, celebrating El Paso’s history and culture, highlighting the Rio Grande, promoting health and active living, and catalyzing economic development. Serving as a continuation of New Mexico’s proposed Rio Grande Trail, this ambitious 60-mile-plus trail project, once completed, will extend from the New Mexico/Texas border to the Southeast corner of El Paso County, and will include spur trail connections to UTEP, the Franklin Mountains Open Space, and various communities and points of interest in El Paso’s Mission Valley, as well as a loop trail through Juarez, Mexico. The theme for this trail centers around the international flavor of the area and will include historic references to El Camino Real, the agricultural areas along the Rio Grande, and the missions themselves, represented through both design themes and interpretive opportunities. The trail system features various trail types, ranging from paved multi-use paths to unpaved ditch and levee roads, as well as an urban component comprised of sidewalks and enhanced bikeways through the city of El Paso.
As part of the ongoing implementation of the Paso del Norte Trail Master Plan, Sites has been actively involved in supporting several local engineering firms with the design and development of several key trail segments, including the Playa Drain Trail and the Border Highway Trail. These projects represent important steps toward creating a more connected, accessible, and walkable El Paso. The trails introduce thoughtfully designed pedestrian paths that include site furnishings such as benches, trash receptacles, and pet waste stations to improve user comfort and convenience. The landscape design incorporates new trees and drought-tolerant shrubs that not only enhance visual appeal but also provide shade and ecological value along the route. By transforming underutilized corridors into inviting, multi-use spaces, these projects encourage community engagement, promote healthy lifestyles, and support long-term regional connectivity.