Unpaved Trails

Oro Valley boasts about 45 miles of natural trails that provide escapes into nature, linkages to parks and neighborhoods within Town, and connect to larger trail/path networks beyond Town such as within Catalina State Park and the Coronado National Forest. They provide key access into the desert for residents to enjoy, allow for habitat space for animals and the natural ecosystem, and offer fitness, wellness, and educational outlets for residents. 

Interestingly, unpaved trails seemed to have the most barriers to entry and reasons that have prevented respondents using them in the past, ranking higher than all other trail/path types on the following issues: surface conditions, insufficient parking at trailheads, inadequate access for a person with ADA accessibility needs, amount of wayfinding signage and surface markings, personal safety, and availability of published maps. Some of these are a factor of being a more rugged outdoor trail type that is more impacted by weather (especially poorly defined routes), the elements, slopes, and a remote nature.  

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 Strava data shows the popularity of routes into larger open spaces such as Catalina State Park, Pima Canyon, and Coronado National Forest, as well as the multi-use path and sidewalk network throughout Town. Linda Vista trailhead and Big Wash trailhead were highlighted as very popular connection and access points. Naranja Park area and Big Wash Trail were the fifth and sixth most frequently visited areas within OV (2,913 and 2,610 trips within 2024, respectively) by pedestrians. The Big Wash Trailhead area was the most popular area for cycling (10,715) with Naranja Park area in sixth place with 2,720 trips in 2024. 

The data also highlights many of the “desire paths” residents are utilizing where routes cut through desert or wash space but are not formally maintained and recognized by the Town. The frequently utilized desire routes are incorporated into the proposed new unpaved trails below. 

Unpaved trails exist throughout Town, often winding through desert space between home developments, and at the Town’s boundaries where they connect to larger networks. 

Notable routes include: 

• Linda Vista Trailhead (Level-3) and trail loop
• Big Wash Trailhead (Level-1) and associated trails into State Land and Pima and Pinal Counties
• Honey Bee Canyon Park Trailhead (Level-1) and Trail, and Honey Bee Canyon Trail
• Catalina State Park Trails and Bridle Trailhead (Level-1) 
• Iris Dewhirst Trail through Pima Wash and Pima Canyon
• W Calle Concordia and N Calle loma Linda, connecting the Loop and Oro Valley Aquatic Center/James D. Kriegh Park 
• Between The Villages of La Cañada and Cañada del Oro 
• Within West Lambert Lane Park and Level-3 Trailhead
• Within Naranja Park and Level-1 Trailhead
• Through the wash between Monterra Estates and Hills, Coyote Ridge, Sunset Ridge, and Vistoso Village
• Through the open space just west of N La Cholla Boulevard
• Through the wash near N La Cañada Drive and W Tangerine Road
• From N Rancho Vistoso Boulevard east to the wash
• Through open space east of N Vistoso Park Road
• Through the wash north and south of E Palisades Road 

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  

   

Public outreach 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). Some key findings from the OV Trails Connect public outreach process were as follows:  

• When asked how users tended to utilize the Town’s path and trail network, 81% reported walking, 53% reported hiking, and 24% reported mountain biking. Of online survey respondents during the OV Trails Connect public outreach process, 38% said that they utilized unpaved trails at least once a week.
• Of respondents, 61% said that surface conditions had prevented them from using trails in the past, though 87% of respondents rated unpaved trails’ surface conditions as “okay” or better. 
• Navigating may be a challenge. Over 40% of survey respondents rated wayfinding signage as “not good” or “terrible,” with 42% stating that published maps and guides were the same. Having clear wayfinding signage (66% of respondents) was marked as top importance, and a lack of maps was marked as a barrier to use for 69% of respondents.
• When asked to rank 10 choices for unpaved trails improvements, 57% of respondents chose the same number one choice: performing preventive upkeep and regular maintenance. This is a solid directive from the public that residents appreciate and want to continue to utilize existing routes for years to come, and expect a certain level of quality conditions.
• Many stakeholders and Trail Side Chat participants praised the unpaved network and diversity of trails and opportunities to get outside, from “What I like best are trails in close proximity to my home,” to “What I like best about trails is that they are typically away from roads and traffic, so it’s a more quiet and peaceful experience.”  
•  Many asked for more clear mapping and signage, with better clarity over what routes are “real” public routes managed by the Town and more clear information about dog-friendly areas. 
• A number of comments also desired greater connectivity and access to other trail networks, especially State Lands north of Rancho Vistoso. During the OV General plan outreach process, 58% of residents also prioritized increasing the number of trails.

Future trail routes should consider pedestrian, cyclist, and equestrian safety, weigh potential issues of land ownership and/or management, provide convenience of access and connection for users, and aim to protect the delicate desert environment they will flow through. Extra sensitivity will be required to ensure safety of archeological and culturally significant sites. The Town will need to coordinate with Pima and Pinal Counties, Arizona State Land Department, Catalina State Park, US Forest Service, and HOAs to maximize success.  

Proposed improvements include segments that bridge gaps in the existing network, expand and extend well-loved loops and routes, and provide new outlets into the natural landscape. Others will formalize trails that have sprung out of use rather than planning, and were revealed through the examination of Strava data. Trailheads have also been proposed to bring more users to the trails, provide parking and comfort amenities, and direct users to the proper entrances to the network.  

(Hyperlink: Unpaved Trails Implementation Table)  

As trails get extended and developed throughout Oro Valley and surrounding areas, opportunities should be fully researched and developed as potential routes are optimized. Care should be taken to preserve sensitive desert habitats and specimen plantings, plan for safety and management with multiple user groups using one network, and maintain the beloved trails the Town already has. Examining and master-planning future segments as opportunities develop, and planning long-term care and funding plans, will be key. 

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.

With such a strong and singular response from the public that preserving and maintaining the existing trail system should be the number one improvement priority for the future, the Town plans to ensure proper staffing, funding, and monitoring to continue to provide a quality unpaved trails network and experience for users. Most public commentary about maintenance was positive. Responding to resident-reported problems like graffiti or washed-out trails after rain could be more of a targeted, reactionary approach, while general maintenance and upkeep for usability and safety will be an ongoing planned effort. Invasive plant inventory and mitigation will be an ongoing challenge, but will help preserve Oro Valley’s natural habitat and lands.

This plan proposes adding the following unpaved trail segments in the future (see map for full graphic representation of proposed segments here: (Hyperlink: Proposed Unpaved Map): 

•  Extend trails loop within Honey Bee Canyon Park  
•  Extend trails south from Big Wash Trailhead and connect with Loop and multi-use paths
• Extend trails northwest from Big Wash Trailhead to connect to other trails and E Rancho Vistoso Boulevard 
• Extend trail winding around N La Cañada Drive north to Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and beyond, near Leman Academy, and south to Naranja Drive 
• Extend the trail near Vistoso Village to connect to Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve’s proposed trailhead 
• Develop trails in the open space south of Panorama Trails Park
• Connect the Loop to existing unpaved trails and Cañada del Oro Riverfront Park
• Formalize the routes between The Villages of La Cañada, Vista Del Oro Estates, Monterra Hills/Estates, Coyote Ridges, the Overlook, and Vistoso Hills (three segments)
• Formalize routes near Painted Sky Elementary School 
• Connect Moore Loop to Honey Bee Village Archaeological Preserve
• Create trails through the open space south of Rooney Ranch Shopping Center across Oracle Road
• Connect Linda Vista Trailhead to Pusch Ridge golf course and tennis courts
• Develop trail along N Calle Buena Vista between W Linda Vista Boulevard and W Calle Concordia 
• Connect Iris Dewhirst Trail to the multi-use path located to the southwest
• Develop trails near Rams Canyon 
• Connect Catalina State Park trailhead to proposed multi-use path
• Connect Tangerine Road and Canda del Oro River Trail around the east side of Catalina Shadows 
• Extend unpaved trails north past the Oro Valley Town Boundary and through the OV Planning Area and beyond, connecting routes on State Land into Pima and Pinal Counties as well as Marana via the Tortolita Mountains (creating multiple loops, and proposing three Level-2 and one Level-4 trailheads) 

40% of respondents ranked amenities along unpaved trails as “not good” or “terrible.” Providing additional comfort amenities such as benches, shade, ramadas, restrooms, water, and lighting will be key at heavily trafficked trail entrances. Improvements can make it easier for young families, the elderly, and other groups access trails more comfortably. 

This plan proposes a Level-2 trailhead expansion at Linda Vista trailhead, a new Level-4 trailhead at E Palisades Road, and three Level-2 and one Level-4 trailheads in the greater planning and state land area. These additions will make unpaved trails more accessible, both by increasing comfort for more groups of users, and allowing more users to actually reach the trails by vehicle. While many residents reported frequent use at trails closest to their homes, adding trailheads and parking allows many more residents (and visitors) to share the trails and experience Oro Valley’s natural beauty.  

During the public outreach process, residents asked for signage within the Big Wash, Honeybee, and Innovation trail systems specifically. Sign types needed include habitat and educational signage, orientation/wayfinding signage, etiquette and regulatory signage (especially regarding dogs, horses, and speed limits) and mile markers. With so many respondents rating signage/wayfinding and mapping poorly, this is a major opportunity for improvement to trails function, safety, and user satisfaction. Equestrians, hikers, cyclists, and e-bike users all share these trails; etiquette and speed limit signage help the system function better for all.  

Mile markers and wayfinding signage will help users track their fitness goals and allow first responders better ways of finding lost hikers, educational signage would provide cultural value, and regulatory signage could help multiple types of users utilize the same trail peacefully. Improved signage will also make it more clear to users which trails are Oro Valley managed (vs. “cow paths” or “desire paths” formed organically that are not rated or maintained) and where their entrances are located. Adding phone-friendly mapping resources (for the approximately two-thirds of survey respondents who use apps or mobile devices to track their outdoor activities) as well as clear maps at trailheads and key points will improve user experience.