HomeArizonaOro Valley › Big Wash Trail Head

Big Wash Trail Head

4.6 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in Oro Valley, Arizona · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Big Wash Trail Head yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

Relaxed hiking and biking spot with desert trails that connect to Honeybee Canyon and the CDO Bike Path.

What runners say about Big Wash Trail Head

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (39 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“The rattlesnake we ( me and my dogs) encountered gave us plenty of notice that we should be careful when hiking in this beautiful desert.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“This trail is fairly level and well maintained, so sufficient for all levels of experience.”

Such a fun trail, right off from Ranchos Vistoso. This trail is fairly level and well maintained, so sufficient for all levels of experience. You will see some mountain bikers, in addition to other hikers. Lots of parking on a spacious trailhead area.

★★★★★ — Sam , Mar 2024

Love the epic cross-country desert riding out of here! Trail forks can be confusing here though so be sure to have Trailforks loaded and ready for navigating... (Stravas trails are inadequate here)

★★★★★ — Kris , Nov 2019

Pristine trail with plenty of desert plants and birds and beautiful views of the Catalinas.

★★★★★ — Jill , Feb 2019

Perfect location to start a ride for connecting to Honeybee and also the CDO bike path if you don't mind some sand. The entrance to the parking lot has changed but it is still a great parking area. You will have to find an alternative spot for a restroom though.

★★★★★ — John , Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 10 mentions

“The current construction that's going on makes it rather unpleasant at the trailhead but you soon leave the noise and dust behind.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“The rattlesnake we ( me and my dogs) encountered gave us plenty of notice that we should be careful when hiking in this beautiful desert.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“You will have to find an alternative spot for a restroom though.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“There is construction going on, but it is currently accessible.”

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Plan your run at Big Wash Trail Head

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Where to find Big Wash Trail Head

Oro Valley, Arizona

Get directions

Running trails near Oro Valley

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Honeybee Canyon Loop

4.8 ★★★★★ 30 reviews

Catalina, AZ

LoopNatural surface

1.3 miles away

Honey Bee Canyon Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 452 reviews

Oro Valley, AZ

LoopMixedScenic

Canyon, petroglyphs and cacti dotting this park boasting views, a dam and hiking trails that range from easy to rugged.

1.3 miles away

Woodshade Trail

5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews

Oro Valley, AZ

1.7 miles away

Honey Bee Canyon Petroglyphs

4.5 ★★★★★ 55 reviews

Oro Valley, AZ

Scenic

Park featuring trails leading to petroglyphs plus an old dam.

1.8 miles away

Wildlife Ridge Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 105 reviews

Oro Valley, AZ

MixedShadedLitScenic

Baseball field, a playground and clean grassy areas, plus a sand volleyball court.

2.1 miles away

Hohokam Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 107 reviews

Oro Valley, AZ

MixedShadedDog-friendly

Dog-friendly basketball, playground-equipped park with picnic tables, tennis courts and volleyball. Swings and slides also feature.

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Oro Valley, AZ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.