Best Dog Walk
Rillito River Park
South of River Road, between Campbell and First avenues
READERS' PICK: Everywhere our four-legged pals go, they're
faced with signs banishing their presence, cars threatening to
run them down, and miles and miles of hot concrete to wreak havoc
on their paws. But there's a sliver of land in the center of town
where dogs can briefly relive the by-gone days of canine glory:
Rillito River Park. Civilized city dogs can amble along
the mesquite-lined pedestrian paths, sharing the road with bikers,
joggers and other walkers. But those who yearn for an unfettered
walk on the wild side can descend the embankment ramps and experience
the true beauty of the park: the dry riverbed itself. Of course,
it's illegal to have a dog unleashed anywhere in Pima County;
but the wash's natural barriers and absence of people sound an
irresistible siren's call: "Here boy, here!"
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque
Verde Road
