Exploring Tucson on foot gives you a unique perspective of the city’s quirks and secret spots.
This week in our ongoing series we are showcasing an area south of the University of Arizona. You’ll begin and end at the shops and food of the Lost Barrio and meander through a multi-use path along new detention basins at the Arroyo Chico Wash, created by the city, county and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2012.
1. You’ll find the Lost Barrio off Park Avenue and Broadway. (If you get to Euclid Avenue, coming from the east, you’ve gone too far.) Park near Tooley’s Cafe. Tooley’s, 299 S. Park Ave., is a breakfast and lunch oasis, perfect for a post- or pre-walk treat. Call or check its Facebook page for hours.
2. Head east on 13th Street to the Arroyo Chico multi-use path. You’ll find it at the end of the street. Head south on the path. You’ll come to a piece of public art called “High Ground” by John Davis and a plot of grass for kids, pups or picnics. The retention basins are full of wildflowers and wildlife right now after the rains and we saw at least five species of butterflies on our walk.
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3. Cross Highland Avenue and continue on the path. You’ll see — and perhaps hear — the goats at the Highland Free School across the street.
4. Continue on the path until you reach Cherry Field. Walk up Cherry Avenue to 13th Street and walk west through the Miles Neighborhood until you reach the path again. Take the loop back to your starting point and explore the antiques and local art shops in the Lost Barrio.
