TRAIL INFORMATION
Trail Etiquette
Wildlife of the
Paso del Norte Trail
Immerse yourself in the vibrant biodiversity of the Paso del Norte Trail, located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert, Franklin Mountains, and Rio Grande River. This diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of animal species, including 70 species of mammals, 72 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 361 species of birds. Serving as a vital habitat, the trail provides wildlife with essential resources such as water, shelter, and vegetation for nesting and foraging. The trail’s landscape incorporates native and pollinator-friendly plants, attracting bees, bats, birds, and butterflies.
Texas Parks and Wildlife and High Desert Native Plants partnered in February 2020 to construct and install wildlife habitats along the Playa Drain Trail and at Vocational Pond Park. These installations include bat houses with space for up to 1,200 bats and two burrowing owl habitats designed to support nesting mothers and their families.
​
As you explore the Paso del Norte Trail, remember to be safe and respectful towards any wildlife you may encounter. While wildlife sightings are possible, they are not guaranteed. Should you come across any wildlife, remember to be kind to wildlife and do not disturb them. Feel free to share any pictures of wildlife you see on the Paso del Norte Trail by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.
Pallid Bat
Mexican Free Tailed Bat
SMALL MAMMALS
Cooper's Hawk
Chihuahuan Raven
BIRDS
Great Tailed Grackle
Burrowing Owl
Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail
Collared Lizard
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
Box Turtle
Painted Turtle
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Water Harvesting
Water harvesting, commonly referred to as “green infrastructure,” involves the capture, storage, and utilization of stormwater on-site, deviating from conventional stormwater management methods that channel runoff into curbs and culverts.
Bioswales
​Bioswales are an important component of a water harvesting system and act as shallow depressions or basins. These structures are crafted to capture and retain stormwater, offering flexibility in shape and size to accommodate site limitations. These features are strategically integrated into parkways, areas prone to flooding, roadways near ditches, parks, roadside medians, roundabouts, and other public spaces.
​
Bioswales effectively mitigate such issues by employing techniques to slow, spread, and sink stormwater.
​
Incorporating native and desert-adapted plants and landscaping elements, bioswales utilize captured stormwater for irrigation purposes. Thoughtful placement of plants within the bioswale and along the berm ensures proper water distribution, with plants positioned higher along the berm receiving less water compared to those located towards the bottom of the bioswale.
For maintenance issues, please contact:
-
City of El Paso
Playa Drain Trail
Rio Grande River Park Trail, Country Club Road to Borderland Road
-
El Paso County
Borderland Road to New Mexico State Line