re: Cartel has control of New Mexico border area

I have hiked Mt Cristo de Ray several times. Always a little anxious when going around the blind switchbacks that I'd bump into some cartel guys.

First time I saw a guy with a long gun from a distance, almost shite my pants, ended up being a BP agent. He said he would hike to the top every shift to check for illegals.

I figured if I ever got hammered in Mexico and lost my passport that would be where I snuck back into the US. On the Mexican side is a barrio, the US side is a hiking trail.

Great views, the legendary Rosa's Cantina is just around the corner from the parking lot. Makes a great excursion if you are visiting El Paso when our border is secure.