Trails

The Town of Oro Valley has a dynamic trail system that can be utilized by hikers, bikers, inline skaters, runners, equestrians and other users.  It is comprised of several types of surfaces, including paved paths (shared use paths), “smooth” trails, and more “primitive” trails. 

The shared use paths exist along Lambert Lane, Naranja Drive, La Cañada Drive, First Avenue, and Tangerine Road.  An additional path along the Cañada del Oro Wash (on top of the bank protection) opened in October 2008.  With the exception of the CDO Linear Park shared use path, none of these shared use paths are classified as trails; rather they are considered paths for multiple users.  More information on these shared use paths can be found on the Town’s Bicycling page.

In contrast to the existing shared use paths, many of the Town’s 54.5 miles of trails are dirt trails.  Some are “cultivated” trails; that is, they have been cleared “smooth” by man and may contain decomposed granite as a hiking surface.  In general, these types of trails are those that run through or adjacent to subdivisions.  A prime example of this type of trail is the trail system that runs throughout the Rancho Vistoso development area.

The Town’s “primitive” trails are mainly dirt trails which have been delineated by rock cairns or other natural barriers.  Many of these trails feature steep slopes or other similar rough terrain.  They are usually on the outer edge of the Town’s limits, or within areas that are considered “natural” or “open space” within subdivisions.  Many of these primitive trails follow the course of a wash or run adjacent to it, which may mean that in times of heavy rains, these trails may be impassable or even dangerous.  An example of this type of trail is the trail that is heavily used by equestrians, the trail that runs within the CDO wash itself.

It is the Town’s goal to provide an interconnected trail system that can be used by both recreational as well as more “serious” users.  It is part of a trail system that has been delineated in such plans as the Town’s Oro Valley Trails Task Force Report, the Town's Parks, Open Space and Trails Reports, Eastern Pima County Master Trails Plan, and the CDO Linear Park Plan.

The Town is responsible for approximately 30 miles of the trails within Town limits.  Other existing trails may fall under the jurisdiction of a Homeowner’s Association or of a private developer.  The Town has established an Adopt A Trail program to allow interested residents and groups to adopt portions of trails that are controlled by the Town.