Name: Arroyo Park Loop
Rating: 3.6

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Family Friendly A short trail with variety and near civilization.

Classified by the City of El Paso as a Nature Preserve, no motorized vehicles, and no smoking is allowed. Official hours of operation are: May 1-Sept 30: 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Oct 1-Apr 30: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. though there are no gates at the access points and there appears to be no enforcement of these hours.

Overview

There are sections suitable for all levels in this 60-acre natural preserve in the middle of the city. Beginners can avoid the nice jump line built for the gravity crowd. The trail is mostly uphill heading northeast from the trailhead and downhill on the loop back.

Need to Know

Parking near the trailhead at the El Paso Tennis Club is easy and convenient. The University of Texas at El Paso tennis team practices here and you may catch a good match as parts of the trail look down on the courts. Great restaurants, bars, and a couple of bike shops are about a quarter mile west on Mesa St.

Scenic drive begins just north of Arroyo Park and provides a scenic overlook of the City of El Paso and the neighbor city of Juarez, Chihuahua in Mexico.

Description

You start out on a narrow bit of singletrack through some dense vegetation which quickly opens up to a slightly wider, more open path. There are a variety of loops that can be done within Arroyo Park and this serves as a great preview for longer more remote trails in the El Paso region.

History & Background

Arroyo Park is the southernmost part of Palisades Canyon. The canyon sits on 200 acres and is crisscrossed with old mining roads, the northern trails of this canyon beckon the more seasoned riders with moderate to difficult biking and hiking routes while Arroyo Park in the south is more family friendly and provides challenges for all abilities.