🇺🇸 Chamizal | Up Close with the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall in El Paso

If you’re traveling from inland Texas to El Paso, the U.S.-Mexico border wall might be an interesting spot to check out. Built under the previous administration, this hundreds-of-miles-long steel wall stands 5-10 meters high, separating El Paso from Ciudad Juárez across the Rio Grande. For the best close-up view near El Paso, check the location at the end of this post. But first—let’s start with the national park. 🏞️ Chamizal National Memorial, located in downtown El Paso, is part of the National Park System. From here, you’re already close enough to the border to see the “Welcome to Mexico” sign and the immigration checkpoint, though the actual wall and the Rio Grande are still separated by two highways. The park commemorates a historical territorial exchange between the U.S. and Mexico. After the Mexican-American War ended in 1848, a treaty was signed that cost Mexico half of its territory and established the Rio Grande as the border. However, the river’s path shifted over time, leading to growing disputes between the two nations. The conflict was finally resolved peacefully in 1964. Both sides agreed to build a concrete channel to stabilize the border, preventing future changes in the river’s course. This project resulted in a swap of territories, and each country established a park named “Chamizal”—Spanish for a type of shrub common in the area. 📍 For a spot where you can get right up to the border wall near El Paso, I visited Sunland Park (which is actually just inside New Mexico). Coordinates: 31.7846, -106.5693 Though there are “Private/Government Property – No Trespassing” signs 🚷, I didn’t see anyone enforcing them when I visited. Another group was even doing an artistic photoshoot there (you can spot them in ). At the end of the wall, Mexican soldiers were stationed , and a CBP helicopter flew over but didn’t pay me any attention. As I walked along the wall, a few people on the other side greeted me with “¡Hola!” 👋😅 If I weren’t so nervous, I might’ve tried using the few Spanish words I know. I originally wanted to walk all the way to where the wall meets the mountain, but after seeing armed guards and “No Entry” signs, I decided to play it safe and left. I’ve actually seen posts online of people chatting and taking photos with patrol officers here… but I figured, why push it? 😬 There’s also a scenic overlook nearby on the mountainwhere you can see panoramic views of both cities: Scenic Drive - Overlook Scenic Dr, El Paso, TX #ElPaso #Texas #NewMexico #BorderWall #USMexicoBorder #TravelDiary #UrbanExploring