Soda Springs Loop

The route starts in Diablo Canyon where you have great views of the rock walls and climbers. But then you're heading north in the soft sand of an arroyo for about 3 miles, which is easily the worst part of the hike. Make a sharp left turn on a forest road that meanders southwest, not far from the Rio Grande. At about mile 5.5 you make another sharp left at a sign that says, "Soda Springs Loop." From here, there's a steep climb for about 1.5 miles with switchbacks and great views. Head along a forest road for about 0.5 miles, and at mile 7.5, take a sharp left onto a trail that's very easy to lose. The trail is a bit more remote (you could call it off-trail hiking at times) but it's currently (2023) marked with white posts. After another 0.5 miles, you'll begin the steep descent back into the arroyo, where you started. Head back on the arroyo for about 1 mile, and you're done!