Cañada del Oro River Park Trail
Cañada del Oro River Park Trail
4.9
(4245)
12,987
hikers
09:44
37.9km
120m
Hiking
The Cañada del Oro River Park Trail offers a difficult, long-distance hiking experience, stretching 23.5 miles (37.9 km) with an elevation gain of 394 feet (120 metres). You can expect to spend around 9 hours and 43 minutes exploring its diverse landscapes. As you hike, you will transition from classic…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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7.92 km
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
11.1 km
Highlight • River
Tip by
35.0 km
Highlight • Other
Tip by
37.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
35.1 km
2.75 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
24.9 km
9.60 km
2.69 km
687 m
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Elevation
Highest point (840 m)
Lowest point (670 m)
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Weather
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Friday 22 May
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16°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
The Cañada del Oro River Park Trail is generally considered easy. It features a mostly flat profile with no significant obstacles, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including beginners and seniors. While Komoot's overall rating for the full route might be 'difficult' due to its length (~37.8 km), individual sections are very accessible.
The trail primarily consists of smooth pavement, with convenient undercrossings where it meets roads. You'll also find sections paralleled by improved dirt paths, offering some variety. It follows the Cañada del Oro waterway, often through a wash, and some parking areas may be gravel.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Cañada del Oro River Park Trail. It is part of the public park system. For more information, you can check the Pima County website: pima.gov.
Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
The best time of year to hike the Cañada del Oro River Park Trail is typically during the cooler months, from fall through spring (October to April). Summers in Tucson can be extremely hot, making early mornings or evenings the only comfortable times to be on the trail.
You can expect scenic views of the Catalina Mountains and characteristic desert landscapes. The trail also features riparian areas with willows and cottonwoods, especially where it borders the Omni Tucson National Resort's golf courses. This diverse environment offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various birds, deer, and potentially wild burros in some sections.
The trail is integrated into the larger Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a vast network of trails. A significant feature is the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial River Park section, which includes a shaded plaza, a bronze statue, a butterfly garden, and botanical trails. You'll also find various art installations and sculptures along the way. The trail itself is part of the Cañada del Oro River Park.
Yes, the Cañada del Oro River Park Trail is a key part of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a 136-mile network of trails. It connects to other paths like the Santa Cruz River Park Trail and also passes through sections of the Cañada del Oro trail and the Ina/Skyline/Sunrise trail.
There are several parking areas along the trail, often gravel, providing convenient access. Specific trailhead parking can be found at various points along the route, particularly where it intersects with major roads in the northern Tucson suburbs.
Yes, the trail offers convenient access to urban amenities. You'll find retail establishments in Oro Valley and the Pima Community College's Northwest Campus nearby. These areas may offer options for cafes, restaurants, and other services.
Absolutely! Given its generally easy and mostly flat terrain, the trail is very suitable for families with children. The paved sections are great for strollers, and the various art installations and the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial River Park section offer engaging points of interest for younger hikers.