The Basics

1. Provide amenities to support a broad spectrum of users

A. Add bicycle racks and support amenities like bike repair stations to highest use and appropriate trailheads

B. Add restroom facilities and drinking fountains to highest use and appropriate trailheads

C. Add benches and points of respite along appropriate trails and paved paths 

D. Increase shade opportunities where appropriate to encourage year-round use 

E. Attract complementary businesses (e.g. cafes) near paved path routes 

F. Encourage provision of cellular/Wi-Fi coverage along all paved path routes 

2. Maintain high-quality trails and paved paths: 

A. Assess trail and multi-use path surface conditions and prioritize improvement and repairs such as pavement cracks 

B. Implement a preventive maintenance schedule  

C. Implement a program to routinely monitor trail and multi-use path conditions and upkeep 

D. Coordinate trail maintenance on Pima County land within Oro Valley 

3. Ensure resources and funding are available to maintain and improve trails and paved paths: 

A. Support consistent funding to provide for maintenance and incremental improvements and expansion  

B. Seek federal, state, and regional grants and partnerships 

C. Formalize and promote a formal volunteer program to help maintain trails 

D. Create a volunteer program to clean and report issues 

E. Partner with businesses and external groups for maintenance, monitoring, and fundraising opportunities 

F. Create and market the ability to provide donations for site furnishings and amenities like benches, etc.  

G. Work with resorts, the OV Tourism Board, and Town Council to promote paths and trails in the tourism plan

4. Provide increased opportunities for local and regional connectivity: 

A. Prioritize connections to trails and paths from neighborhoods  

B. Ensure connections to trails, schools, parks, and places of interest (e.g., cafes, restaurants, shopping, resorts) 

C. Plan connections between existing trails and paths 

D. Engage with local (homeowners association [HOA]), regional, state, and federal land owners to identify and create an interconnected network  

5. Uphold the scenic beauty and natural environment: 

A. Maintain scenic views along major trail corridors

B. Ensure development along trail and paved path corridors that conserves scenic views and the adjacent trail environment with appropriate buffer areas 

C. Educate trail and paved path users on their surroundings and the natural habitat 

D. Identify wildlife corridors and natural washes to prioritize sensitive placement of new unpaved trails and paved path alignments within open space conservation areas  

E. Provide and maintain trash receptacles in appropriate locations 

F. Provide wildlife sign notice to users when entering habitat areas 

G. Identify and address unauthorized trails, especially in areas with significant habitat or cultural resources

6. Secure new trails for all users of all abilities 

A. Identify and implement Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking and unpaved trail loops at key trailheads 

B. Engage with Arizona State Land Department in coordination with Pinal County, Pima County, and Town of Marana to identify and secure formal trail easements in the Arroyo Grande area, prioritizing existing high-use trail corridors in the Big Wash, Honeybee Canyon, Edwin Road, and Badlands areas 

C. Coordinate with and assist Pima County to expand County trails to create more opportunities for regional connectivity  

D. Prioritize adding trails where easements already exist and secure pending easements  

7. Ensure a safe trails and paved paths network and educate users on trail and path etiquette

A. Improve safety and etiquette through design, policies, standards, and rules, including the use of e-bikes 

B. Ensure rules address the safety of the diverse spectrum of users 

C. Clearly communicate policies, rules, safety caution areas, and etiquette through signage 

D. Investigate how the Town and Pima County should enforce adopted rules through programs such as a volunteer bike patrol 

E. Facilitate emergency response efforts by adding locational mile markers 

F. Host an annual campaign to educate residents and promote trail and path etiquette, leash laws, safe speeds, etc.  

G. Consider lighting in isolated, high-traffic paved path areas in a sensitive manner to conserve dark skies 

H. Seek provision of cellular coverage along all paved path routes 

8. Ensure accessible parking and access to trails and paved paths 

A. Establish clear points of access and associate signage to trails 

B. Coordinate with Pima County, other government agencies, and private landowners as appropriate to ensure sufficient parking at designated trailheads 

C. Ensure ADA accessibility at key trailheads and all paved paths 

D. Ensure adequate parking for equestrian use where applicable  

E. Work with businesses and shopping center owners to enable parking adjacent to paved paths 

F. Acknowledge that e-bikes increase accessibility for all ages and abilities and pedal-assist e-bikes should be accommodated accordingly 

9. Sign and clearly designate trailheads and paved path access 

A. Ensure signage lends itself to the clear designation and formalization of trails 

B. Add wayfinding signage and surface markings to assist in trail and paved path navigation 

C. Balance need for signage with desire to maintain natural environment setting 

D. Add signage that clearly delineates policies, rules, safety caution areas, and etiquette 

E. Signage design should be clean, concise, and oriented toward a first- time visitor or resident user 

10. Provide a variety of map resources for all users  

A. Provide map resources for all users 

B. Provide electronic map files for download into popular apps 

C. Map amenities, slopes, surface types, and di=iculty level for user reference 

D. Erect ground-mounted maps at key trailheads and other heavy-use areas 

E. Increase access to digital maps by providing QR codes on signage 

F. Promote trail and path network information and digital maps by reaching out to area businesses and resorts 

G. Integrate maps with networks beyond Oro Valley limits in concert with adjacent regional, state, and federal jurisdictions  

Oro Valley’s extensive 30 mile network of multi-use paved paths offers residents and visitors a safe and scenic way to explore the area's natural beauty. These pathways are designed to accommodate a variety of activities, including walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading, making them accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

These primarily asphalt paved paths wind through picturesque landscapes, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert flora, and typically run along roadways with a vegetated buffer between cars and users. They connect key parts of the community, linking neighborhoods, parks, recreational facilities and other key destinations, and providing a seamless travel experience without the need for motor vehicles.  

Multi-Use Path Map

The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, often simply referred to as "The Loop," is a renowned multi-use pathway system that spans over 138 miles throughout Pima County, Marana, Tucson, South Tucson, and Oro Valley. The Loop offers a network of mostly paved multi-use paths perfect for cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and horseback riders. Winding through scenic landscapes, river parks, and urban areas, it connects key regional destinations and provides a safe, enjoyable way to experience the diverse natural beauty of the region. 

Loop Map

The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is a 200+ acre park with over six miles of eight-foot-wide concrete paths in north Oro Valley. The improved paths are open to walkers/hikers, dog-walkers, strollers, and bikers from dawn to dusk. The former private golf course now acts as a nature corridor for native wildlife to move through and provides visitors stunning views of the Catalina and Tortolita mountain ranges and desert flora. Pedestrian tunnels beneath roadways offer safe crossings for trail users on former cart paths. A conservation easement was placed on the property to ensure its permanent protection as open space, habitat space, and paths, and keep it safe from development. 

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Map

The Town’s 45 miles of unpaved trails immerse users in the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, offering a more natural and adventurous experience for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrian enthusiasts. Many of the more “groomed” unpaved trails are within natural spaces adjacent to housing subdivisions or remote public lands.

The more “primitive” trails are natural dirt trails that can contain rocks, steep slopes, and rough terrain, and run along washes or through the Town’s natural open space. These trails link parks and neighborhoods within the Town and connect to larger trail networks beyond. 

Unpaved Trails Map