Arroyo Loop

Wider, smoother, and easier to manage, Arroyo Loop is a mile-long sidetrack on the eastern side of Tortugas Trail. On its southern end, it splits off from Tortugas right where the latter turns from a dirt road to singletrack. After a brief descent away from A Mountain, the trail turns left at a fork just before reaching an arroyo. From here, it's an easy, mostly flat hike along the side of the arroyo, turning back to slowly merge into Tortugas Trail after passing the intersection with Turtleback Trail. The path is sandy and generally free of rocks, like the southwestern segments of Tortugas. Because of this, it's a much easier hike, though advanced hikers may be disappointed in the lack of a challenge. Nice views of the western foothills and Organ Mountains can be had along the way. The trail ends about a tenth of a mile from the connectors to the Monte Vista parking lot.