Walkers, runners and bicyclists now can travel a continuous five-mile segment of The Loop recreational trail in Oro Valley — all the way from La Cañada Drive to Tangerine Road.
That’s possible because construction of a 0.7-mile stretch of new trail has eliminated a previously existing gap in the route. The new connection was officially opened in March.
The Loop — a network of trails extending some 100 miles around metro Tucson with links to Marana, Oro Valley and South Tucson — eventually is to total 131 miles when additional connections are completed.
“It’s a fantastic trail system,” said Paul Keesler, director of development and infrastructure services for Oro Valley. “We’re presently working with Pima County to connect (the Oro Valley segment) into the main loop system.”
Keesler said the town’s trail segment, which passes near the large Oro Valley Marketplace shopping area, is popular because “distances between points of interest are relatively short.”
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Amenities along the trail include a picnic ramada and a detailed information sign.
Views include lots of native vegetation, birds and craggy ridges of the Catalina Mountains.
Lots of cyclists use the trail for training and recreational rides. It also offers a pleasant nonmotorized route for those seeking a slow-lane journey to the Marketplace.
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