You’re driving down Silverbell Road, past the rolling hills and the saguaros, and suddenly there’s this massive splash of blue in the middle of the desert. That’s Silverbell Lake. Most people call the whole area Christopher Columbus Park Tucson AZ, though if you haven't been in a while, you might notice the signs look a little different. In early 2025, the city officially renamed it Danny Lopez Park to honor a beloved Tohono O’odham elder. But let’s be real—locals have called it "Columbus Park" or "Silverbell" for thirty years, and old habits die hard.
It’s a weirdly wonderful place. You’ve got guys in camouflage fishing for trout while, literal yards away, someone is buzzing a high-end drone over a specialized landing strip. It shouldn't work, but it does.
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What’s Actually at Christopher Columbus Park Tucson AZ?
If you're heading out there, don't just expect a few swings and a slide. This place is huge. It covers a massive footprint on the west side, tucked between El Camino del Cerro and Grant Road.
The heart of the park is Silverbell Lake. It’s about 13 acres of water that the Arizona Game and Fish Department keeps stocked with more fish than you'd expect. Honestly, the fishing here is the big draw. Depending on when you show up, you might pull out:
- Rainbow Trout: Usually stocked during the winter months when the water isn't boiling.
- Channel Catfish: The summer staple.
- Largemouth Bass: They’re in there, but they’re smart. You’ll need some finesse.
- Bluegill and Sunfish: Perfect for kids who just want to see a bobber go down.
You do need an Arizona urban fishing license. Don't skip that. The rangers do circle around, and a ticket will ruin your Saturday faster than a flat tire.
The RC Scene is Next Level
Most parks ban drones and remote-control planes. Christopher Columbus Park Tucson AZ does the opposite. There is a dedicated Model Airplane Field (the Danny Lopez Field) that is basically the Promised Land for hobbyists.
It’s not just for kids with $20 toys. You’ll see serious pilots with gas-powered scale models that cost more than my first car. There are asphalt runways, pit areas, and a community of "old timers" who are usually happy to give you advice if you’re struggling with your trim. Just north of the main lake is Archer Lake. That’s the spot for RC boats and those tiny UMX (ultralight) aircraft. It’s surprisingly peaceful to watch a scale-model tugboat ripple across the water while the sun sets over the Tucson Mountains.
The Dog Park Situation
If you have a dog, you’ve probably heard of the Christopher Columbus Dog Park. It’s about an acre of fenced-in space, divided into sections for the big bruisers and the "littles."
Here’s the honest truth: it’s a dirt park. Well, mostly dirt and pea gravel. If it’s rained recently (a rare Tucson miracle), your car is going to get muddy. But the dogs don't care. There’s a "Fido Fountain" for water and a scrambling area with some obstacles.
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One thing to watch out for: the lights. For a while, the park was known for being "lighted," but there have been issues with the solar panels being stolen or damaged over the years. People usually clear out once it gets properly dark. If you're looking for a midnight run for your husky, check the current status of the lighting before you drive over.
Recent Renovations and the Big Rebrand
The city has been pouring money into this place. We're talking millions. Through the "Tucson Delivers" program, they’ve been adding:
- A New Splash Pad: Finally! Tucson summers are brutal, and this is a game-changer for parents.
- LED Lighting: Upgrading the Little League fields so the games can actually happen after the sun stops trying to kill everyone.
- Restroom Overhauls: Much needed. The old ones were... well, they were park restrooms.
- New Playgrounds: With actual shade structures. Because plastic slides in 110-degree weather are basically frying pans.
Why the Name Change?
You’ll see "Danny Lopez Park" on the new maps. Danny Lopez was a massive figure in the Tohono O’odham community—a teacher and storyteller who spent his life making sure the O’odham language didn't vanish. Given that this land is part of the ancestral home of the Tohono O’odham, the city felt it was time to move away from the 1990 "Christopher Columbus" branding.
Whether you call it Columbus, Silverbell, or Danny Lopez, the vibe is the same. It’s a blue-collar, family-oriented park where the scent of mesquite charcoal from the grills is always in the air.
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Practical Stuff You Should Know
- Hours: The main park is open 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. The dog park usually closes at 10:00 PM.
- Maintenance: Heads up—the dog park is closed every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for cleaning. Don't be the person showing up with a hyper Lab only to find the gates locked.
- Boating: You can put a boat on Silverbell Lake, but it has to be small (under 14 feet) and no gas motors. Electric trolling motors or good old-fashioned oars only.
- Location: 4300 N. Silverbell Rd. It’s easy to find, but the entrance can sneak up on you if you’re looking at the mountains instead of the road.
If you’re looking for a spot that feels like "Old Tucson"—before everything got paved over with luxury condos—this is it. It’s a bit rugged, a bit dusty, and totally authentic.
Grab a fishing pole, bring some extra water for the dog, and maybe a chair to watch the RC planes do loops. It’s one of the few places in town where you can actually forget you're in the middle of a desert city for an hour or two.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Before you head out, check the Arizona Game and Fish stocking schedule online to see if they've recently dropped a fresh batch of trout or catfish into Silverbell Lake. If you're planning on using the RC field, make sure your AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) membership is current, as some of the organized clubs on-site may require it for use of the paved runways.