Feliz Paseos Park
Trail Information:
Name: Feliz Paseos Park
Parks agency: Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation
Contact: (520) 724-5000
Location: 1600 N Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85745
Parking fee: none
Trail hours: 6:30am – 6pm, daily
Transit: none
Trail length plus more: 2 miles over 57 acres, Gain 70’, Elevation 2500’
Trail surface: Sections paved and rugged natural surfaces
Description:
Feliz Paseos Park offers a unique hiking experience in the Tucson Mountain foothills. It was developed in 2006 with the express goal of “enabling people with physical challenges to enjoy natural open space.” The park provides a 2-mile network of paved and gravel trails through 57 acres of the Sonoran Desert. The stroll along this desert mesa allows panoramic views of both the surrounding mountains and the nearby city of Tucson. Shady ramadas are situated at key points in the park to provide up-close views of geology, plants, and desert wildlife. Dogs are allowed on leash on all trails.
The park is located along the Camino de Oeste Wash which is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Tucson. The trailhead has ample parking, an accessible restroom, drinking fountains, and an information sign to get hikers off to a good start on the trail. The hike begins with a short 0.2-mile paved loop, connecting to longer gravel trails, and leading eventually to the outermost reaches of the park. Signs along the trails identify each loop by name and give a detailed trail description including slope, width, and obstacles. Dozens of interpretive signs along the trails describe the interesting plants and animals that have adapted to this challenging desert ecosystem.
In addition to the natural beauty, the park displays architectural designs inspired by the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Massive ramadas and stylish benches are built with mosaics of local stone. Paths are lined with large boulders and a variety of rocks that were displaced during trail construction. Hand-placed stones form colorful rock rivers and make pedestrian traffic circles along the hike. The park is truly a place where art imitates nature.
This park is not heavily visited despite being so close to town. At any time of day, you may find yourself strolling solo with only the sounds of birds and the wind rustling through the trees.
The Spanish name Feliz Paseos aptly translates to Happy Wandering in English. That is, hikers can immerse themselves in the Sonoran Desert while feeling safe, serene, and in one word, happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails, consider their abilities, and assume all risks from trail use. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.
AllTrails Map
Plaques on the wall at the trailhead provide a history of the park’s development.
A 0.2-mile paved loop is the start of the park trail network.
Trail slopes are mild as the trail circumvents the desert mesa.
Dogs are allowed on all the trails while on a leash.
A sign describes the burrow and habits of a tarantula.
A sign describes the growth and flowering of the pincushion cactus.
Artistic rock benches and saguaros are common features of the park.
Find other things to do nearby using our Heritage Experiences Map!
Content provided by Tucson AccessTrails. Their trail reviews are created from the perspective of users with various disabilities or ability levels to provide relevant information to determine applicable use. For more information about this trail and others, please visit the Tucson AccessTrails website.