Why did the Old Spanish Trail take a much longer route between Santa Fe and Los Angeles than necessary?

A. The longer route was chosen to avoid treacherous terrain and hostile Native American tribes along a more direct path.
B. The Old Spanish Trail intentionally meandered to allow for easier access to water sources and grazing areas for livestock.
C. The longer route was a result of navigation errors made by the Spanish explorers who established the trail.
D. The Old Spanish Trail followed established trade routes and paths used by indigenous peoples, contributing to its circuitous route between Santa Fe and Los Angeles.