Key Vista Nature Park covers 101 acres a;long the Gulf coast just south of Rocky Creek. The park derives its name from the unobstructed view it offers of Anclote Key, which lies about four miles off the coast. From the observation tower you can see all the way from the Anclote light to the north tip of Anclote Island.

Bordered on the east and south by Baillies Bluff Road, the Park has 1,600 feet of frontage on the Gulf of Mexico. The northern boundary is Rocky Creek, and Sleep Lagoon. There are short sections of white sandy beaches along the Gulf side of the park, although swimming is not safe due to numerous oyster beds just offshore.

There are about 1½ miles of easy trails in the Park, divided into several loops. The most interesting hike follows a trail north from the parking area to Rocky Creek, west to the Gulf shore, then north along the beach to the observation tower. Return is via a trail that winds through the forested area of the Park. There is also a trail that leads to a boardwalk across the salt marsh that connects to Anclote Gulf Park ... just to the south of Key Vista. Hiking in the Park is particularly pleasant due to the trails being ninety percent shaded.

Many endangered and threatened species are know to exist in Key Vista Nature Park, most notably a pair of nesting bald eagles. The next is in the middle south portion of the Park. There are no trails in the vicinity of the eagle's nest since a 750 foot buffer area is observed. However, the next may be viewed from Baillies Bluff Road along the south boundary of the Park.

Picnic tables and benches are placed at several different locations in the Park. Restrooms are available near the parking area. There is a three story wooden observation tower near the beach that looks out onto the Gulf of Mexico.Activities & Facilities

Picnic shelterDogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsFishing

• Pasco Parks website for Key Vista Nature Park
• Trail map