Notes about de Anza historical trail along Santa Cruz wash

85713 Along the Santa Cruz river runs a paved - and - dirt pathway that probably traces the route Father Kino rode along as well as its namesake, Juan Bautista de Anza.  The trail in Tucson is a segment of a much longer historic path that includes maintained trail segments in Green Valley, Marana, and Tubac.

Exercise equipment, public art and some playgrounds make this trail an attractive family excursion.  The playgrounds are between Broadway and 5th, and our favorite piece of art is the blue tile wall just north of 22nd st, right across from A mountain.  This wall is a cool piece of recent community history, with names of barrios, quotes from Chinese philosophers, names, handprints, even actual tools and kitchen implements all under a beautiful deep blue glaze.  Not to mention the giant horned toads (ok, lizards) climbing the rock tower next to it.  

There's not one authoritative URL but here are a few with more info:

http://www.nps.gov/juba/planyourvisit/tucsonandlocalarea2.htm

http://www.therapure.com/anza-trail