Horseback trail riders turn back after taking the west loop along the Linda Vista Trail near Pusch Ridge in Oro Valley, Ariz., on April 13, 2017.
Tale of the trail
The first thing to know is that the trail lives up to its name — which means “beautiful view” or “lovely vista” in Spanish.
Next thing: The trail, on the western edge of the Catalina Mountains, is an easygoing kind of route with only a bit of uphill here and there. It’s a good place for a family hike and people just getting the hang of hiking.
The Linda Vista Trail lends itself to short out-and-back jaunts on a main segment that’s a little more than a half-mile in length. Linking that segment with others — which range from about a third of a mile to 1.5 miles in length — allows hikers to concoct custom-designed loop routes with the help of a map posted at the trailhead.
Sights to see
Lush Sonoran Desert vegetation — everything from huge patches of prickly pear to tall saguaros stabbing at the sky — would be enough scenic bounty in its own right to recommend the trail.
People are also reading…
Add the fact that it’s set against the backdrop of rugged Pusch Ridge and you’ve got a “don’t forget the camera” destination.
Try a trek in the hour or two before sunset to get the best of low-angled light painting the ridge in hues of gold.
Get to the trailhead
Take North Oracle Road to Linda Vista Boulevard in Oro Valley. Turn east on Linda Vista and drive 0.2 of a mile to a trailhead and parking area on the right.
