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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!

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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

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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Rio Vista Natural Resource Park

Rio Vista Natural Resource Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the heart of Tucson. This 40-acre park, located in the Rillito Bend neighborhood, stands as a testament to community efforts to preserve the area's natural desert environment. Originally, the land was untouched by Tucson's rapid expansion, offering views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rillito River. In 1987, the city purchased the land with initial plans for a golf training center or an urban ballpark. However, local residents voiced their desire to keep the area natural, leading to the park's designation as a natural resource park in 1999. Today, Rio Vista Natural Resource Park features a mix of developed and undeveloped areas. The west side includes a parking lot, playground, restrooms, and a grassy area, while the remaining 85% of the park is preserved as natural open space. Visitors can explore informal trails winding through mesquite, palo verde, and creosotebush, and observe native wildlife. The park is a popular destination for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. Rio Vista also offers a glimpse into the area's history. Some of the park's land was once part of Gentleman's Acres, a horse ranch. The park also features a labyrinth for meditation and reflection. Recent improvements include water harvesting basins and revegetation efforts to support native plants and reduce erosion.

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