Big Wash Connector Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail starts at a new trailhead which is still being developed by the town of Oro Valley. Access to the trailhead is from the south side of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, just north of the Big Wash bridge. If you are approaching on Rancho Vistoso Boulevard from Oracle Road, you may need to pass the trailhead entrance and make a u-turn.

The access road to the trailhead parallels Rancho Vistoso Boulevard for around 100 yards as you head south back toward Big Wash. Currently (as of early Dec 2017), the trailhead parking area is not paved, but there are parking stalls and directional arrows marked. The trail starts from the southeast corner of this parking lot.

There is not a lot of significant up and down along this trail. It's mostly a slow, steady climb as you criss-cross the wash. The biggest drops and climbs are when entering and leaving the very sandy streambeds, which you cross often on this trail, and these ups and downs are all less than ten feet. This trail doesn't require a lot of technical skill, but the prevalence of sand in the wash will pose a challenge for novice riders.

Around 1.3 miles in, you reach the end of the Oro Valley portion of this trail. You can continue on the physical trail by passing through a gate in a fence, crossing onto Arizona State Land. Be sure to close it after you pass. At this point, the trail is mostly on harder ground, and there are some cholla gardens that require a bit of precision. If you continue, this section of the trail will get you into the Tortolita trail system.