Faithful trek up Mount Cristo Rey

With canes, staffs, sandals or sneakers, borderland faithful snaked up Mt. Cristo Rey in Sunland Park this Good Friday.

Some pilgrims began their trek before dawn, lighting the way with flashlights.

The hike has become a tradition in our region for more than a decade. Art Garcia, Cristo Rey Restoration Committee member told ABC-7 about 10,000 showed up last year.

Good Friday marks one of holiest days on the Christian calendar, the day Jesus was crucified. For many, it is a time of quiet reflection. Others sing prayers on the base or atop the mountain, at the feet of the 29-foot limestone statue of Christ. And some just take the chance to enjoy the hike with fitness in mind.

The two-and-one-half mile walk to the top of the mountain is at times steep, and offers spectacular views of two countries, three communities: El Paso, Texas; Sunland Park, New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico. The gates will remain open until 2 p.m. Friday, Garcia said.