Arroyo Del Tajo Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views

While short, the Arroyo Del Tajo Trail is well worth the visit, and the hike can be readily extended.

The trailhead is adjacent to a windmill and water tank, and a 0.3 mile singletrack segment connects from here to the Arroyo Del Tajo watershed. The trail is unimproved and unmarked from here. The pictograph site is increasingly worn by weather but still visible to on the marked rock wall on the north side of the arroyo. After respectfully inspecting the pictographs, continue east to entrance to the impressive rock-faced slot canyon.

The mapped trail can be extended by climbing up through the slot canyon and following the unimproved arroyo watershed. Exploration up the slot canyon is highly recommended, though appreciably more technical so some caution is recommended. Beyond the slot canyon, an abandoned rock dwelling approximately 1 mile upstream makes for a natural turn-around spot, though some people hike well past the Quebradas Scenic Byway which you would cross in another mile further east.

If hiking up the arroyo, turn around no later than 1.25 miles past the Scenic Byway to remain on public lands.