Hiking Hotspot: Linda Vista trail in Tucson

Hiking amongst the tall Saguaro cacti is an experience like no other. Fortunately, in Tucson, there are more than enough beautiful places to see these magnificent plants native only to the Sonoran desert. The Sonoran truly is a spectacularly exotic place, lush with desert scenery which you will not get to see anywhere else in the world. I highly recommend all nature lovers and hikers to visit southern Arizona to take in this truly one-of-a-kind ecosystem, beginning with the short & incredibly scenic Linda Vista trail.

While living in suburban Oro Valley for several years, Linda was my go-to weekday hike when I didn’t want to drive too far. It was minutes from my apartment and took no longer than 30 minutes to an hour to complete the loop.

I absolutely fell in love with the desert landscapes and gorgeous mountain ranges (there are 4) surrounding the city especially the beautiful Catalinas which are featured in the background of this trail. Even when the temps soared well past 100, I tried to get out there early to beat the heat. I don’t recommend hiking much during the summer months due to the oppressive heat and threat of monsoons, but Linda is one of the few exceptions if you get up early enough to beat the sun.

What I loved most about hiking in this area is the diversity of trails. While there are some tough all day adventures, many of these trails are short enough to be enjoyed by everyone. In an insanely hot, sunny climate, like that found within the Sonoran, keeping hiking to a minimum is crucial. When you want to explore the desert without going all out, there are still tons of options. I basically hiked the entire year, keeping my hikes under 2 miles during the summer.

The Linda Vista hike is located in Oro Valley, a gorgeous suburb located about 30 minutes north of the city. The grand Santa Catalina mountains provide an incredible backdrop for recreation. Of all my favorite hikes in the Tucson metro (and there are many), this is one of the most picturesque, and fortunately, also one of the shortest. I was so lucky to live just down the road and be able to hop over in 5 minutes.

A short & beautiful trail suitable for all fitness levels

There are 2 trails here, a ~mile long inner loop and a 2.2 mile outer loop, so perfect for anyone seeking an easy nature trek without sacrificing the spectacular mountain vistas. Here, you can explore the exotic desert plant life up close, take in breathtaking mountain scenery, and get in a little workout, all without risking heat exhaustion and dehydration.

I’ve read many reports of hikers being hospitalized due to dehydration so please stay hydrated and keep it simple. If you are hiking during the cooler months, I recommend hiking the full 2.2 mile outer loop to explore nature a bit longer. In the summer, opt for the inner loop.

This trail the perfect place to soak in the desert scenery in a tranquil, tourist-free setting. Most of the tourists head over to Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon. These places are both great, but sometimes I like to explore the desert in a more solitary environment. If you are seeking something a bit more local, this is a great pick.

Wildlife watching: Be on the lookout for bobcats!

To date, this trail is one of only 2 Tucson area hikes (the other being Hidden Canyon) where I have seen a bobcat upclose. I saw this bobcat literally less than 10 feet from me on the trail. Despite being located in a suburban environment, it is not unusual to see wildlife here, especially during the early morning or evening hours.

While it is exciting to see any wildlife in person, please keep your distance. Bobcats have on occasion attacked both people and pets. I have heard of several attacks during my years living here (mostly children). Although attacks are rare, it is always a possibility. View from afar!

Also, his trail is located within the Pusch Wilderness Bighorn Sheep Management area of the Coronado National Forest. According to park rules, hikers must stay on the path from January 1st-April 30th due to protect lambing sheep. I have not personally seen any, although they tend to camouflage with the rocks.

A gorgeous sunset destination

Seeing a cactus silhouette is one of the more memorable and photo worthy experiences you will have in the desert. This is one of my favorite sunset hikes because it is short enough to perfectly time your visit. The trail is always quiet and the views are even more tremendous in the evening.

Plus evening hikes offer the added bonus of slightly cooler temperatures. As someone who hates being in direct sunlight, hiking minus the harsh desert sun in my face is definitely a bonus! After one too many hikes with the sun blasting in my face, I always enjoy an evening hike!

Fuel up before your hike

Tucson is a wonderful foodie city. There are so many great local restaurants and coffeeshops. Before your hike swing by for a coffee at local roaster Savaya, located just a few minutes down the street. They serve fantastic single origin, fair trade coffees which you can sip on a beautiful patio facing the Catalinas. This is the perfect place to relax before or after your hike, all while still enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

It’s located in an apartment complex (the beautiful Encantada which I actually lived at for 2 years), but open to anyone. I absolutely love sitting on the patio here and being surrounded by gorgeous palo verde trees. These trees bloom the most gorgeous yellow flowers every spring. Sitting in the dry air, looking at the mountains with a perfect made cup of coffee – does it get any better than this?

Where to grab a bite after your hike

Unfortunately, most of the dining in the immediate area consists of chains, although I will admit the Panera Bread and Chipotle in the plaza right next to the trailhead offer some incredible views via their patios. In terms of local restaurants nearby, Beyond Bread is a decent local Panera Bread-esque local chain. Here, you can treat yourself to a sandwiches made with homemade bread, a cup of soup, and a fantastic housemade pastry.

Also, a new location of Seis Tacos opened in Oro recently. Unfortunately, they do not serve their amazing breakfast burritos and tacos at this location. However, you can enjoy tasty chimichangas, fajitas, taquitos, and tacos. Plus, they offer complimentary chips and fire roasted salsa with each meal. I haven’t tried their dinner menu yet, but I’ll report back when I do. I am sure its’ fabulous if it’s’ anything like their breakfast food.

Hiking details

Location: 730 E Linda Vista Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. The lot is small although typically not overcrowded. Parking is free. The hike begins next to the Canyons at Linda Vista apartment complex.

Distance: A little under a mile, with options to extend the hike.

Difficulty: Easy

Pet policy: No dogs allowed because the trail crosses into bighorn sheep territory

For more easier hikes for the summer season, you can check out my Tucson summer hiking guide. I have included my favorite short and scenic hikes which you can hike early in the morning before the real heat sets in. During the summer months, temps will likely be above 80 right after sunrise.

Also, I recommend taking a look at my Arizona Travel Guide where I cover more great hikes and attractions I’ve epxlored in my 5 years living in the state. While the natural wonders and hikes are all fantastic, there are also wonderful historic sites, ghost towns, museums, old pueblo ruins, scenic drives, and national parks to check out.