Honey Bee Canyon Park is located on the Northwest side of Tucson, Arizona. It is specifically in the Town of Oro Valley at 13880 N. Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. Offering a short hike to see Historical land marks and take a step back thousands of years to see Petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people. The northern part of the trail leads to the Petroglyphs, while the southern part of the trail forms a short loop offering somewhat of an easy hike, ideal for children and older hikers alike within physical limitation. The trail is also friendly for four legged friends, although a leash is required for your dog, and it is advised to practice caution do to possible wildlife and potentially harmful plants. The park is open from Sunrise to 10:00 PM 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Honey Bee Canyon Park trail is a very popular trail and you are likely to see many persons walking and hiking.
The trail is considered an urban hiking area, although it is somewhat a preserved location away from all the nearby residences. The location is rocky desert terrain, and it does come with some hazards that are associated with the Sonoran Desert. You are likely to encounter wildlife on this trail. Such wildlife includes but not limited to: snakes, spiders, scorpions, javelina, coyotes, deer, desert tortoises, birds of prey, bob cats and mountain lions. Plants in Southern Arizona are not very friendly in some cases and can cause severe pain if touched. These include: Saguaros, Barrel Cactus, Cholla, Ocotillo, and several other cactus and succulents. There is also the element and terrain hazards to consider. This includes the blistering summer heat which can reach up to 115˚ F, and drop in the winter months into the 20’s. There are many persons that visit the trail, you are likely to run into several other hikers. The trail is mostly located in a wash area, and you will find a couple of structural dams on the north and southern ends of the trail. Due to the fact, most of the trail is in a wash, the hike involves navigating through wash bed sand, and the risks of encountering flash floods. Flash floods occur mostly during the Monsoon season (June 15- September 30), although Flash Floods can occur any time of the year when heavy precipitation is involved. Flash floods can be deadly and advisory placards are located throughout the park and trail.
Out of respect for the historical value along with visitors of the park, it is requested that you do not touch or disturb any of the petroglyphs you may encounter or any other type of ruins. There are picnic tables near the entrance of the park, bathrooms, and water fountains. It is recommended that you bring water and proper hiking attire. If you do plan on bringing a lunch or snacks, pick up and dispose of your waste properly in the receptacles. Oro Valley Police Department patrols the park lot on a regular basis and citations for littering may include a hefty fine. The park is maintained by the Town of Oro Valley Department of Parks and Recreation. Violations may be reported to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Criminal damage can be reported to the Oro Valley Police Department. It is highly recommended that you bring extra water, although it is a short trail. The hot and dry weather of southern Arizona is far more unforgiving than some of the mountain area hiking.
The points of interest are the petroglyphs locate on the northern part of the trail which were created by the Hohokam people. These people occupied the area over 1000 years ago. Ranchers also left their mark on what is now Honey Bee Canyon trail. There are several structural dams which were created by cattle and sheep ranchers towards the end of the 19th Century.
