Danny Lopez Park
Trail Information:
Name: Danny Lopez Regional Park
Park’s agency: City of Tucson Parks and Recreation
Contact: (520) 791-4873
Location: 4300 N. Silverbell Rd., Tucson AZ 85745
Parking fee: None
Trail hours: Regional Park: 6:00 AM -10:30 PM. Dog Park: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (closed Wed 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Transit: None
Trail length plus more: 1-mile loop, Gain 10’, Elevation 2200’
Trail surface: Sections paved and rugged natural surfaces
Description:
Danny Lopez Regional Park is a unique urban water park that offers boating, birding, fishing, and much more in two large Tucson lakes. The 13-acre Silverbell Lake is used for both recreational boating and community fishing. The smaller Archer Lake is reserved exclusively for remote-controlled model boats. The lakes are filled with reclaimed water from the nearby Sweetwater treatment facility. The cool, clear lake water attracts a variety of birdlife, from wintering ducks to great blue herons.
The park entrance is marked with a large sign along the Santa Cruz riverbed, easily visible from Silverbell Road. After driving into the park, the leftmost driveway leads to the main parking lot, which includes restrooms, drinking fountains, and information signs. This is also the location of the primary boat launch. The parking lot and many picnic tables are shaded with large arrays of solar panels.
The main attraction of the 230-acre grassy park is the 1-mile hiking trail around Silverbell Lake that is ideal for picnicking and birding under mature shade trees and spacious ramadas. The trail begins with a paved sidewalk that merges smoothly into a flat natural surface that circles Silverbell Lake.
Hikers can take a gentle stroll along the lake with up-close views of waterfowl and long-distance views of mountains in all directions. Park flora offers a wide variety, ranging from native desert habitat to aquatic plants such as rushes and willows. At one point, the park trail links with Tucson’s Chuck Huckleberry Loop, which is a popular cycling path along the Santa Cruz River.
Other park attractions include a circular airfield for remote-controlled model aircraft, a 1-acre lighted dog park with a fountain, a scrambling area, and a shade ramada. These park assets have the drawback of noise associated with barking dogs and gas-powered motors. The park is a busy outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages, interests, and abilities.
This Tucson park, formerly Christopher Columbus Park, was renamed Danny Lopez Park in 2025 to honor Lopez, a Tohono O’odham elder who dedicated his life to cultural preservation and education. Learn about significant cultural influence that Danny Lopez had within the community here.
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
A tall sign and a saguaro mark the entry to Danny Lopez Park.
Hikers have a choice of paved or natural surfaces at times along the lakeside route.
A sign shows that the park is part of the Juan Bautista De Anza National Trail along the Santa Cruz River.
The Silverbell Lake attracts a variety of ducks along the shore.
Fisherman in a powered watercraft.
A dog enjoys a pool at the dog park with the scrambling area and a ramada behind.
Visitors kayaking at Silverbell Lake.
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.