Rio Vista Natural Resource Park: A Desert Oasis
Explore Tucson's natural side at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park: trails, wildlife, and Rillito River views await!
Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, nestled in Tucson's Rillito Bend neighborhood, is a unique 40-acre space where natural desert landscape meets urban recreation. Once considered for a golf training center, the park was preserved as a natural resource through community advocacy and now offers trails, wildlife viewing, and a connection to the Rillito River.
A brief summary to Rio Vista Natural Resource Park
- 3974 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, Rillito Bend, Arizona, 85716, US
- +1520-791-4873
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; over 140 species have been recorded in the park.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best chance to see wildlife.
- Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the park's dirt trails.
- Explore the labyrinth for a moment of peace and reflection.
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of N 1st Avenue and E River Road, head east on River Road until you reach N Tucson Blvd. Turn right onto N Tucson Blvd and continue south. The park entrance will be on your right, just past the Hitching Post Stables at Gentleman's Acres. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. There is no cost for walking.
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Public Transport
From downtown Tucson, take the Sun Tran bus route 15 or 16 towards the Rillito River. Get off at the stop closest to N Tucson Blvd and E River Road. Walk south on N Tucson Blvd for a short distance; the park entrance will be on your right. A single ride on Sun Tran is free.
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Taxi
From Tucson International Airport (TUS), a taxi or rideshare to Rio Vista Natural Resource Park will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Tucson start at $7.00 for the first mile and $3.00 for each additional mile. Expect to pay around $25-$35 for the trip.
Discover more about Rio Vista Natural Resource Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Labyrinth
0.4 km
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The Jacobson House
3.2 km
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Ball-Paylore House
3.9 km
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Paul Bunyan Statue
4.3 km
A towering Tucson landmark since 1964, the Paul Bunyan Statue is a beloved cultural icon featured in films and cherished by locals.
Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson
4.3 km
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Coit Museum of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
4.7 km
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Children's Memorial Park
4.9 km
A serene Tucson park offering memorial gardens, play areas, and recreational facilities for quiet reflection and family enjoyment.
San Pedro Chapel
5.4 km
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Postal History Foundation Inc
5.7 km
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Las Saetas
5.8 km
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Old Fire Station #2
5.8 km
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University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory
5.8 km
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The SlaughterHouse
6.1 km
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The Historic Y
6.2 km
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Happiness is Submission to God House
6.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Valley of the Moon
0.6 km
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Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
1.8 km
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Rillito River Park
3.0 km
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Limberlost Family Park
3.0 km
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Funtasticks Family Fun Park
3.3 km
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Will You Escape?
3.9 km
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The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
4.0 km
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Tucson Botanical Gardens
4.3 km
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Madaras Gallery
4.4 km
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Himmel Park
5.1 km
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University of Arizona Museum of Art
5.3 km
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Center for Creative Photography
5.3 km
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Steward Observatory (University of Arizona)
5.4 km
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Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
5.4 km
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Turtle Pond
5.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Union Public House
1.0 km
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Sullivan's Steakhouse
1.4 km
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Le Rendez-vous
2.8 km
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Blue Willow Restaurant & Gift Shop
3.0 km
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Culinary Dropout
3.2 km
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Kingfisher Bar & Grill
3.3 km
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Bobo's Restaurant
3.4 km
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The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol
3.6 km
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Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge
3.7 km
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Contigo Latin Kitchen
4.1 km
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Azul Restaurant and Lounge
4.2 km
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Wild Garlic Grill
4.6 km
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Vivace Restaurant
4.9 km
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Feast
5.2 km
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Chef Alisah's Restaurant
5.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
St. Philip's Plaza
1.0 km
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Adobe House Antiques
2.2 km
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American Antique Mall
3.4 km
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Arizona Gifts
3.8 km
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FUEGO / ATTIC SALT
3.8 km
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Earthbound
3.9 km
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Just Cause Thrift Shop
4.6 km
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Grant-Stone Shopping Center
4.9 km
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Rain Crow
5.0 km
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Creative Kind
5.0 km
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Miller Curio Co
5.0 km
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Midtown Mercantile Merchants, LLC
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AntiqueModern Tucson
5.1 km
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Tucson Handmade
5.1 km
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Sunny Days Gifts, Decor & More
5.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Danny's Baboquivari Lounge
1.8 km
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The Depot Bar
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Nancy's Boondocks
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Bay Horse Tavern
3.3 km
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Postino Grant
3.4 km
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Mint Bar
3.7 km
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Short Rest Tavern
4.0 km
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The Shelter Bar
4.3 km
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Tommy’s Saloon
4.4 km
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Brodies Dark Horse Tavern
4.7 km
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina
5.0 km
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Dirtbag's
5.0 km
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North Italia
5.1 km
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Brother John's Beer Bourbon & BBQ
5.3 km
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The Jackrabbit Lounge
5.5 km
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