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Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve

The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve presents the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, teeming with wildlife. The existing 6.2-mile, eight-foot-wide concrete path winds through the property providing visitors with views of the Catalina and Tortolita mountains, examples of varied desert vegetation, and the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife. Located in north Oro Valley, Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve provides residents and visitors a new location to connect with the natural world. The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk and temporary parking is located at 945 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr.

Arizona Illustrated did a great story on Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve it can be viewed by clicking here.

The Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the selection of Sites Southwest as the consultant team to guide the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Planning project. This project was included in the FY22/23 budget and will be the framework for future site improvements, land-use management, and visitor experience to name a few. This web page will include information about the Master Planning process to include schedules, timelines, community engagement, and completed documents.

Project Timeline

November - December 2022

Site research and data gathering
Stakeholder meetings
In-person meetings and workshop, questionnaire
Findings report

January – March 2023

First Master Plan Draft presented to community via Community Workshop and Meeting (January)
First Master Plan Draft presented to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (February)
First Master Plan Draft presented to Town Council (March)

May – June 2023

Final Master Plan Draft presented to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board May 9
Final Master Plan Draft presented to Town Council June 21

February – March 2024

Presentation to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board regarding the most recent surveys and changes to the Master Plan Draft February 20
Presentation/Study Session with Town Council on March 20 regarding the most recent surveys and changes to the Master Plan Draft March 20

At the April 17, 2024 Town Council Meeting, the following motion was made:

“I move that we express appreciation for the work that has been done by Sites Southwest on the Vistoso Nature Trails Preserve Master Plan and release them from further work on this project. The plan provides valuable public input and information to the Town to begin addressing safety issues and restoring the property back to the Sonoran Desert. We do not adopt the plan in its entirety, but provide further direction as follows:
- The Town shall secure the services of a consultant with detailed landscape design and successful landscape restoration experience in an arid/ semi-arid environment and a proven track record of identifying and securing grant funds. At the appropriate time, engineering and design work shall also be performed for the property.”

Funding priorities to move forward on this project in the following in order:
- Cart path repairs and rebuilding not to exceed $43,470 without Council approval.
- Safety Signage not to exceed $2,700 without Council approval.
- A desert garden in the former pond area including design, contingency, and permitting not to exceed $950,000 without council approval. The phase one scope of work shall include bulkhead removal, bermuda grass treatment, grading, reseeding, and planting. Designs shall be reviewed by Council.
- Restoration work on tees, greens, fairways, and the driving range to include design, contingency, and permitting. The scope of work for this shall be limited to Bermuda grass treatment and reseeding based on remaining funds from the Council allocated $2 Million dollar budget. Prioritization of areas receiving treatment will be recommended by the consultant and approved by the Council.

Next Steps:
- As of August 2024, the consultant has begun working on the design and will be presenting to Council in September. Restoration work is anticipated to begin in 2025.