The great state of Arizona has many hidden gems. One of them is the breathtaking town of Oro Valley, which means “Valley of Gold” in Spanish, dating back to when prospectors were in search of their fortune. This family-friendly, laid-back vacation destination, located in the western foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, is the epitome of beauty.
Kristy Diaz-Trahan, Director of Oro Valley Parks & Recreation, and Chris Cornelison, Oro Valley Assistant Town Manager, joined YurView’s Arizona Living to show us some of the town’s wonderful attractions. Watch the video above or see the transcript below, lightly edited for clarity.
Golfing in Oro Valley
Kristy Diaz-Trahan (00:03) – When you first arrive in Oro Valley, you are going to be in awe of the Catalina Mountains, the wide open spaces. Everything and anything outdoor, adventure, and laid-back is here. The avid golfer – this is golf mecca. You can play 36 holes in one day at one property.
For the family golfer, you can come out and play at the El Conquistador golf course. Spectacular views, wide fairways. You can get a great golf experience regardless of your skills.
Chris Cornelison (00:38) – When someone is golfing, they’re going to see these huge Catalina and Pusch Ridge Mountains that just tower over Oro Valley.
Biking Trails
KDT (00:54) – If you’re coming to the southern Arizona region to bike, Oro Valley should be your home base. The trails and paths include 54 and a half miles. And that’s the paved trails. So you can bike, if you’re on a tricycle, or if you’re learning how to bike. We also have mountain biking for that extreme junky. We also have the natural trail system for the traditional hiker.
Oro Valley Hiking
CC (01:23) – We have trails that will provide something for everybody. Grandparents love to come out. They walk with the littles on all the variety of different trails. You want to take your three-year-old daughter, like my wife and I do almost every weekend. Or you’re wanting a real challenge to go up and find some water features.
There’s always something for everybody. And that’s a staple of our community. The Oro Valley trail system is hooked into the Chuck Huckelberry Loop which just received a designation from USA Today for Best Recreational Trail in the Country.
Other Activities
CC (01:56) – Oro Valley is a must-visit destination because we offer so many activities outdoors, whether it’s concerts, 5Ks. You can shoot archery at our archery range, and walking course. Or go to our multi-use fields that host Major League Soccer teams. You can swim at our aquatic center that hosts state and national championships. There’s a lot of cultural activities. We have Steam Pump Ranch.
KDT (02:20) – Steam Pump Ranch is home to wine tastings, historic tours, farmers market, live music, daytime and nighttime. It’s also easily accessible from the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. Steam Pump Ranch is one of the premier destinations. There’s no other place in the country that has a Steam Pump Ranch.
CC (02:43) – There is something for everyone. You’re going to experience that sense of community, that welcoming. You’re going to enjoy it and you’re going to never want to leave.
KDT (02:51) – Come visit us. I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
For more information, visit orovalleyaz.gov.
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