Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
Trail Information:
Name: Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
Parks agency: Oro Valley Parks and Recreation
Contact: 520-229-5050
Location: 955 W Vistoso Highlands Dr., Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Parking fee: Free
Trail hours: Dawn to Dusk
Transit: None
Trail length plus more: 6.2 miles, or two 3.1-mile loops, Grade 70’, Elevation 2900’
Trail surface: Paved, with some cracks and erosion
Description:
Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is a work in progress. The 202-acre space was founded as a golf course in 1985. It was closed by ownership in 2018, and due to an extraordinary effort by passionate locals, the land was donated to the Town of Oro Valley in 2022.
Today, the Preserve is a scrubby grassland with scattered mesquite trees and cacti, serving as a wildlife corridor within a dense urban development. The 10-year master plan envisions a different image for the Preserve, including a constructed wetland, shade ramadas, wildlife viewing blinds, and a repurposed pond.
The Preserve’s 6.2-mile trail is a paved cart path that follows the traces of fairways, a driving range, sand traps, and a water feature. The trailhead is easily accessible and offers numerous parking spaces. Two accessible restrooms and three wide underpasses are nicely maintained for the hikers, bikers, runners, and birders who frequent this open space.
The paved trail is probably wheelchair accessible, though it does show signs of disrepair such as cracks, erosion, and 2-3″ lips along edges. It can be navigated as either a 6.2-mile loop along the circumference of the entire property, or as two 3.1-mile loops along the north and south halves of the Preserve.
The Preserve is situated perfectly for panoramic views of both the Tortolita and Santa Catalina mountains, and an unobstructed view of the spectacular Pusch Ridge. Along the trail, hikers have a chance to see 100s of vegetation species and a variety of fauna, including quail and bobcats. Benches along the trail encourage hikers to take a meditative moment to enjoy the smell of creosote bushes and the calls of mourning doves.
The Preserve has not achieved its recreational potential, but it nonetheless offers an easy hike along a flat, paved loop with a good chance to view wildflowers and wildlife. Repeat hikers will witness the slow transition from an extremely disturbed ecosystem to a sustainable desert recreation area. Credit goes to the Friends of Vistoso Trails, The Conservation Fund, and the Town of Oro Valley for their foresight to preserve this hidden gem.
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
An unsigned fork in the trail splits the hike into the north and south loops.
The trail passes through a dense stand of mesquite trees near a majestic saguaro.
Cyclists share the trail with hikers.
A family enjoys the trail with scooters and skateboards.
An underpass lets hikers avoid road traffic.
A sign directs hikers to a path at a confusing trail/sidewalk intersection.
Several packed-earth paths diverge from the paved trail into the desert.
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.