The Loop

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, with some short segments of buffered bike lanes. 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.  

The 8 miles of Loop paths in Oro Valley (with ~4 more miles within OV’s General Plan, Planning Area) are typically asphalt surfaces with dashed lines for two-way traffic. These routes exist along CDO and Big Wash edges atop existing bank protection. Stakeholders during the public outreach process described the Loop as “pretty,” “safe,” and “scenic,” and reported that it “goes to meaningful places.” The Tucson Loop Authority describes the Oro Valley portion of the Loop as the most scenic section, and also states that it is “the least congested, and very family friendly,” making it one of the best starting points to access the Loop network.   

Strava is a popular fitness monitoring app; approximately 25% of survey respondents reported using it to track their outdoor fitness routes. Examining Strava data of users within Oro Valley reveals frequently used routes and hot spots of current paths and trails, as well as popular current sidewalks or “desire paths” that could be formally incorporated into OV’s  paths and trails network. While not perfect and not a complete picture of every user, the data is a helpful guide.  

Strava Data:

• Pedestrian Map(PDF, 14MB)
• Bicyclist Map(PDF, 15MB)

The data shows how truly heavily utilized the Loop is, as well as potential multi-use path segments that can help add more connections to the Loop. The Loop was the top area visited by pedestrians within Oro Valley (15,375 trips in 2024—nearly three times the visits of the second highest area) and the second most frequently visited area by cyclists (8,835). The data also reveals how extending it in the future and adding trailheads can increase access to other destinations and paths/trails, and allow more residents to easily utilize it. 

View Pima County's interactive map of the full loop here: The Loop Interactive Map  

The Loop extends beyond the Oro Valley Town boundaries and through the OV General Plan, Planning Area (per map) to connect to existing Loop segments, starting near the intersection of W Ina Road and N Thornydale Road and running along the Cañada del Oro Christina Taylor Green Memorial River Park. Along this stretch through the Town to the north, the Loop goes past many casual dining options and coffee shops, hotels, big-box stores like Home Depot and Target, grocery stores, and the Steam Pump Farmer’s Market.  

The Loop also connects to Catalina State Park, containing Sutherland Wash, Montrose and Alamo Canyon, group areas and campgrounds, and the Ranger Station and gift shop. Farther south, the Loop ties into Steam Pump Ranch and Cañada del Oro River Park. The route along Innovation Park Drive runs adjacent to the Oro Valley Marketplace (which contains multiple dining and shopping options, medical offices, Walmart, and a cinema), and connects to the Oro Valley Hospital and an assisted living center. 

The newest segment, added in 2023, extended the existing pathway farther north to connect to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, separating users from the road along Big Wash and allowing for more direct floodplain management and monitoring. 

Along the way, users encounter five trailheads (one Level 1, one Level 2, two Level 3, and one Level 4) with various amenities and parking availability.  

The trailhead classifications are as follows:  

• Level-1: Restroom, Water, Parking, Amenities, and Info 
• Level-2: Parking, Amenities, and Info
• Level-3: Parking and Info
• Level-4: Amenities and Info  

Community engagement was a major part of the OV Trails Connect process. Full public outreach results from the online survey, Trail Side Chats, and meetings with stakeholder groups and regional agencies can be found in the Public Outreach Summary(PDF, 10MB). 

Many comments within the stakeholder groups and Trail Side Chats asked for increased maintenance and accessibility (both to connect to even more residents and destinations/trail networks, and to avoid crossing busy roads to get to where they need to be). Many residents praised the Loop as an asset for the Town, both in natural beauty and a connection to the desert and in getting residents around town to valuable destinations. Stakeholders also praised the safety component for cyclists especially. During outreach in OV’s Path Forward, 60% prioritized improving sections of the Loop with shade, public seating, and recreational opportunities.

Some key findings from the OV Trails Connect public outreach process regarding the Loop were as follows:  

•  Of survey respondents, 37% report using the Loop at least once a week (or more!). 
• Surface conditions, connectivity, wayfinding, and availability of maps were all ranked as “important” and “very important” topics to respondents. Most online survey respondents during the public outreach process reported existing surface conditions to be “okay” (30%), “good” (47%), and “excellent” (17%). Performing preventive upkeep and regular maintenance is by far the most important improvement priority for respondents. There were some comments made from stakeholders about greater maintenance needs (picking up litter and sweeping sand off the path) and too many bumps in their ride due to thermal expansion repairs. 
• After preventive upkeep and maintenance, connectivity to more places/destinations as well as other paths/trails were ranked as the second and third highest priorities for improvement. With the majority of respondents saying that connectivity was okay or better, and 92% saying that proximity of access is okay or better, residents who utilize (or want to utilize) the Loop would love increased opportunities to use it even more.
• 83% of respondents reported that etiquette and courtesy of other users was “okay” or better, but 68% reported that wayfinding signage and surface markings were “okay” or worse.
• Of respondents, 92% described aesthetic amenities along the Loop as “okay,” “good,” or “excellent.” Aesthetic amenity improvement was ranked lowest on the improvement priority list, with the most neutral responses. This reveals that the need for aesthetic amenities along the Loop is being mostly met and other improvements can be prioritized.

The plan proposes a continuation northward from where the Loop currently terminates near E Innovation Park Drive. A new Level 2 trailhead with parking, amenities, and path info would sit just west of E Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. Town staff and regional agencies continue to explore alignments, with a proposed path crossing underneath Oracle Road and continuing past the Oro Valley Town boundaries all the way to W Edwin Road and into Pinal County. The proposed routes being explored include right-of-way along Oracle Road, as well as portions of Catalina State Park.

(Hyperlink: Loop Implementation Table) 

Expanding the Loop path within and outside of Oro Valley would involve working with Pima County and coordinating with Pinal County at its termination point to the north. The proposed route runs through wash land, so working within easements or with future developers would not be required at this time.

A proposed alternate route would run along Oracle Road through Catalina State Park, Pima County, and ADOT lands, and would require significant coordination with those other agencies.  

As part of a partnership with Pima County, and along the Big Wash where segments are co-managed with the Pima County Regional Flood Control District (Flood Control District), the Loop network within Oro Valley requires collaboration with other agencies for maintenance, monitoring, and funding.  

For trailhead development, a site-specific master plan will be created to optimize access and parking points. New Loop segments in the future should follow the Town’s standard multi-use path section and include all necessary signage for both the Town and County. 

The implementation table includes timelines for work as follows: 

•  Short-Term goals and actions should take place within 1-3 years, and would address safety goals like installing signage and maintaining areas, quick wins like mapping an inventory, trailheads, path/trail conditions, minor amenities, and new easements.
• Mid-Term goals and actions should take place within 3-6 years, and would address larger maintenance actions, implementing new trails and paths, installing restrooms and water fountains, and implementing a staff position. 
• Long-Term goals and actions should take place in 6-10+ years, and would include long-term goals such as maintenance and new trails and paths.  

Goals and corresponding actions may shift between timelines and categories based on changing needs and funding priorities of an evolving community. Priority rankings are based on a blend of community input and priority levels, “quick wins,” and funding level required (1 being the highest priority, and 10 being the lowest). The plan is heavily dependent on volunteer coordination and participation. 

Comments from stakeholders highlighting these current issues included, “Fix the roads and make it smooth,” and “the area on the business side of the bike path needs to have the litter picked up much more often.” Monitoring and maintenance will be vital to the future of the Loop. Regular upkeep like pavement repairs and replacement, removing debris and litter, and monitoring for potholes or cracking will be important. Asphalt upkeep and ensuring hazards like tree limbs, root heaving, sand washout, and potholes are addressed quickly will help ensure safety on the pathways.  

Making existing routes more comfortable for users is key. Seating nodes with shade and water were frequently requested during the public outreach process, and lack of comfort and aesthetic amenities were reported as potential barriers to use. Adding an additional trailhead and examining spots along the Loop where a few comfort amenities could be added without a formal trailhead will improve comfort for all users.

See the proposed segments graphically represented here: (Hyperlink: Proposed Loop Map) 

Extending the Loop path north all the way to the Town Planning Boundary increases connectivity for the community inside and outside Oro Valley, allowing residents to more easily access new outdoor spaces, and bringing visitors into Town. The addition of a new trailhead also allows users to use vehicles to get to an access point, which lets more residents and visitors other than those who live nearby or bike/hike long distances easily access the Loop.  

The expanded route would run past Sun City and could entice more users from that neighborhood, and would cross one proposed multi-use path, one existing unpaved trail, and multiple proposed unpaved trails. These connections bring greater access and connectivity across Oro Valley and the region as a whole.  

The alternate expansion which would run along Oracle Road and through Catalina State Park, Pima County, and ADOT lands is being currently discussed by regional partners, and is seen by the County as being more of a realistic potential route than heading north along Big Wash. This route would be subject to many agreements and work with multiple agencies to bring to fruition, but would bring more connectivity to an extremely popular route and area with major benefits for the community. 

A frequently praised factor about the Loop pathways is that it is separated from the road with a vegetated landscape strip—this adds to the visual aesthetic, feeling of natural immersion, and safety to have a buffer from speeding cars. Loop extensions in the future should take care to continue to keep users separate from the roadway while providing natural buffer along sensitive areas like washes, helping to protect important wildlife areas at the same time. At key points where users cross heavily-utilized roads, planning for pedestrian bridges or grade separated crossings, traffic signals, or flashing beacons is important to keep users safe.

Mile markers do not exist in many areas along the Loop as a whole; these can help improve both user experience and overall safety for residents and visitors. Etiquette signage especially geared toward cyclists could make the Loop experience feel safer for everyone. Increased safety signage (speed limits, mile markers, rules and regulatory explanations) and informational signage (educational content about flora and fauna or the site’s history) would improve the user experience. Etiquette and speed limit signage, as well as highlighting which areas are appropriate and accessible for e-bikes, would help the community have improved safety and communication on multi-use paths. 

The entire Loop system is captured in the Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Loop interactive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map. Town maps online and digital data that can be shared with hiking apps will help create better standardization and usability.