On the weekends and occasionally during the week, I have the opportunity to run on the Pat O’Rouke Memorial Trail along Resler Road. From the corner of Helen of Troy Road to roughly the Highway 375 (Transmountain Road) interchange is 4.5 miles. After that, the trail turns toward the mountain and goes up for a least another mile. The terrain in mostly level with slow incline running toward Transmountain Road. This trail is the perfect place to run. It truly is.
The surface is made of asphalt and is wide enough to comfortably pass people along the route. There is a barrier of about three feet on the road side of the trail, lined with trees; I am never bothered by the traffic that passes. Most of the time, I ignore it or observe the traffic as a mere distraction. The only problems with the trail are the two road crossing along the first mile of the route—but those are necessary evils. One of these has a crossing signal and the other is a simple four way stop.
I am convinced that every community should have a trail like this one. Along Transmountain Road, there have been several pedestrian deaths that I have heard about where people have gotten killed trying to bike or run up the mountain. Understandably, some of those deaths could have been self-inflicted or accidents other than physical fitness. However, the truth is—this trail is safe. One would have to purposely walk into the street to get killed.
The trail is also a place where it is enjoyable to run or walk with a great view of the mountains are visible along most of the trail. Many people use it, for I see cars lined up all day long, and it seems to get much more use than a city park would. This is one way to encourage a healthy society.
The Pat O’Rouke Memorial Trail is definitely a great place to workout in El Paso, even if you must drive several miles to get there. I think it would be worth the trip.