Don't tell anyone, but the best part of the incomparable Loop trail is in Oro Valley, not in Tucson. Pick up the Loop OV spur on Rancho Vistoso blvd just east of the Big Wash (if you hit Innovation Park Dr you've missed it) and ride down the best hill in Tucson to Tangerine. The views of Pusch Ridge at sunrise are incomparable. Then continue for miles of beautiful off-road trail along the CDO wash until you go beneath I10. From there you can go north to Marana, or south to pick up the Rillito or continue south along the Santa Cruz. The OV Loop trails are pretty much all I ride on anymore. You get seriously spoiled not having to worry about getting hit by a car. read more

The Loop - Unique sign - Parks Near Me

The paved path around Tucson is a real gem for cyclists, walkers, jogger and roller bladers. A few years ago I decided I was going to walk the Loop in sections. It took me over two years (two falls and winters) to finish it. There are free parking areas every few miles for easy out-and-back walks. My very first section was the section east of the Tucson Mall. I walked it with my GSD Sadie while in the area and turned around at Campbell Avenue. The path was busy with all kinds of recreationalists, but it also had a large population of homeless people under the bridges. I don't have a particular favorite part. Each section is different. The Rillito River Park has several nice parking areas and water stations and lovely art statues. The parks are lighted at night. The Pantano Wash is more quiet. The section just to the east of the Air Force base is secluded. That is were I was followed by javelina. The ugliest section is the industrial section along the Julian Wash. The wash is full of trash and homeless encampments The section along the Santa Cruz wash that gets close to town is nice as there are places to eat nearby, with benches to rest. I walked a short section again yesterday near the Tucson Mall and noticed at least two walking police teams. The Rillito Wash was trashed again, and the section east of the mall had no trash cans, so people just threw their trash along the wash. Tucson maintains the actual path and will post construction or closures on the Loop's Facebook page. read more

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November 2025 and 2500 miles! On the loop. What a treasure we have in Tucson. You never know what you might see. Today it was Boba Fett! read more

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Do you like biking? Then you will love the Loop around Tucson. The Loop is well maintained. We enjoy riding our bicycles everywhere. The Loop is full paved so the riding is not bumpy. There are elevations throughout but they are not excessive. Benches placed throughout to take a rest. Since the Loop is so long, it is not overly crowded. Many places to enter an exit the Loop. Many of these are marked with signs. You can ride as long as you want. The Loop is 131 miles car free. Now that is a long ride. No matter how far you want to ride it is excellent for bikers and walkers. We enjoy the Loop. I did not feel unsafe any part of our journey. Have a nice ride or walk. read more

The loop is one of those things that I have a love hate with. There are stretches of kelp followed by not so pleasant stretches. But thankfully they are car free and that's what I value. Expect a mix of cyclists of all levels, pedestrians, roller blader, skate boarders, etc. It can get congested so just play nice on the trail. read more

Great bike trail! We get out and ride it every week. Thank you to the City of Tucson for building and maintaining a bike trail that we can safely enjoy for hours at a time! We really are blessed! read more

This is such a plush bicycle trail. Actually, trail is the wrong word. How about parkway or scenic route? Today, I just kept riding and put on 70 miles. I could have done another 30 but I had to stop sometime or I'd still be out there. Be on the lookout for art, too. There are some cool sculptures and murals along the way. The Loop is pretty flat except for when the trail goes underneath roadways. Signage is pretty good, too, so getting lost isn't likely. Fortunately, I downloaded The Loop map to my bicycle computer and it helped immensely. If other cities could do even a portion of what Tucson has done here, they would easily increase biking among their residents. Plush. This loop is plush. read more

The Loop - Parks Near Me

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The Loop is a great resource in Tucson for biking, running/walking, commuting, etc. You can literally take it all the way around Tucson and the terrain and scenery around you changes as you go. Words of caution though! Wildlife can be present, especially in the hotter months. I have come across my share of rattlesnakes, even ON the path. And there can be houseless encampments under the underpasses and near the path if you're close to downtown - I have personally never had an issues, but it is something to be aware of. read more

Extremely addictive and Extraordinary!!! How does one describe a 60 mile loop around the city except to say: it's extraordinary! Who would believe that in Tucson Arizona there is a beautiful bike/walk path with an ever changing scenic venue of clouds, birds, water (yes... water!!!), mountain vistas and more. I live on the north west side of town and there is water in the Santa Cruz River. However, my friend and I have been parking further and further south and walking 6 miles at a time. In fact, as one approaches Ina (heading South) there's an actual waterfall. Cranes and several species of birds are actually nesting there. I often stop and spend time just watching them. I never never grow tired of all the gorgeous scenery and well-maintained path. Bring your bike, bring your dog - - on the leash of course, and bring your body with your Tennies on and come outside and enjoy. read more

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Some parts like the rillito river path are amazing but some sections don't feel safe as a solo female rider.

We are so fortunate to have such a bike path in Tucson. This is one of the best features of our fair city. I have ridden most of The Loop. I live 2 minutes away from access to the Rillito River Path, which I have traversed completely east to west. I've done the Julian Wash Greenway, Harrison Greenway, Santa Cruz River Park, the parts of Pantano Park that are completed (and roads where it isn't), and the Canada del Oro Wash. Exceptional ride. Did a 44 mile ride from my house up past the Oro Valley Marketplace and had breakfast at the Sahuaro Café (see my review). I really enjoy the quality of the path. Nice lanes, nice pavement, nice bridges (they recently completed a HUGE one over Camino de la Tierra). Along Rillito River Park there are many water stops, restrooms, parks, even a bike repair station with air and some tools. There are not as many such amenities along the other paths, but the quality ride is still there. You are still within close range of any businesses should any need arise. I also enjoy how the new Rillito River Park Disc Golf Course is now only a 15-minute bike ride away along this path. On this Saturday that I went up the Canada del Oro Wash, there was a Saturday farmer's market at Steam Pump Ranch, right along the bike path. Of course I stopped and got the most amazing apple turnover I've ever tasted, Arizona mesquite bee honey (the most amazing honey I've ever tasted), and tasted the most amazing marinara from Lasagna and More (see reviews of his brick and mortar restaurant). The Julian Wash takes you right by the Sam Lena Recreation Area, another disc golf course. I love the part of this path that is in between I-10 and the Benson Highway and it is just nature with no sounds of cars in the early mornings that I ride to work. The Santa Cruz River Park Path is also very enjoyable and a fun ride. Of course, it also takes me to another disc golf course. There are some interesting parks along this path. All of these paths are worth the extra miles if you are a commuter and want to avoid the worst drivers in the country. It is always a pleasant ride and avoids a ton of traffic lights. Enjoy Tucson--enjoy riding your bike! 5* = A top favorite. Mind-blowing good. I will definitely return and I will go out of my way to go here. Worth every dime of my money. 4* = Outstanding. Tucson-top-tier. Some elements not quite as good as it gets, but it still is worthy of my regular business. 3* = Good experience. I might do repeat business if it is convenient, the only option, the only one in its category, or on a whim, but would not be among the first thing to come to mind. Would definitely recommend you trying it to get your own take on it. 2* = Not so good. Would not recommend at all. Waste of money. 1* = How are they still in business? Stay away at all costs! read more

Tucson's car-free bicycle loop is absolutely amazing. If you are a bicyclist you MUST ride in Tucson. The path is well maintained, well marked and just awesome. Learn why Tucson has earned a GOLD MEDAL from the American Association of Bicyclists ‍ ... you won't regret it. Thanks Tucson for making bike path as awesome as you did. read more

I've only ridden on portions of the loop, but at some point soon I plan on doing the whole 55. The loop recently completed connectivity and opened as a complete loop to the public a few months back. The trail along the Santa Cruz and Rillito are absolutely beautifully maintained and great for a nice smooth and easy ride. The Santa Cruz is still being discovered but the Rillito portion of the loop is a high traffic area especially around St. Phillips Plaza so be cautious of pedestrians and runners alike. Tucson has really stepped up when it comes to making the city a very bike-friendly city. One of the areas we actually rank in the top 5!! Here is some more detailed information taken from their website: "The Loop is 55 miles of car-free paths being developed around metropolitan Tucson, with links to Marana and Oro Valley, for Pima County residents and visitors on foot, bikes, skates and horses. If it doesn't have a motor, it's good to go on The Loop. The Loop connects the Rillito River Park, the Santa Cruz River Park, the Julian Wash Greenway, the Harrison Greenway and the Pantano River Park. The Loop will connect to parks, trails, bus and bike routes, workplaces, schools, restaurants, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and sports and entertainment venues." Quite worth a few hours of riding to get the full feel of Tucson and it's bike friendly atmosphere! Tucsonans love their biking!! read more

The Loop - Complete map of Tucson's urban loop. - Parks Near Me

The Loop is a an experience, a community, a lifeline, a workout. I have been transformed by the loop. The road carves thru some of the most stunning landscape Tucson has to offer. read more

I absolutely love the Loop! I seem to be out almost every weekend lately, and have ridden the full 55 miles. It's in a constant state of change, and is always receiving new upgrades. There are many places along the route to use bathrooms, get water, get air for your tires with the built in pumps. There is a bike shop along the Western part of the route where you can get a snack, or minor repairs or grab a Loop map. There are beautiful parks and memorials along the route, and it goes past the Rillito and St. Phillips farmers markets, where you can grab a bite on the weekends, past the Mercado San Agustin, where you grab coffee, pastries, or tacos. There is beautiful artwork on the bridges, and elsewhere. It is well-marked with signs, so you know where you're going and what streets are coming up. There are plenty of benches to stop for a rest with shaded trees. It really allows one to see a large part of the surrounding Tucson area. It's used by cyclists, runners, people walking their dogs and children. It's Tucson's playground! So glad to have this as part of our community! read more

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I'm very thankful for the loop. I ride this bad boy at least 4 days month, specifically, the Rillito River Path and the Santa Cruz. There is ample parking along the way, in addition to bathrooms, drinking fountains and other places for pitstops! On a weekday, you'll see quite a few serious cyclists and runners as well as couples and families out for morning or evening walks. On the weekends, both the Rillito and the northern part of the Santa Cruz are full of families, walkers, runners, rollerbladers, cyclists and everything in between! The city has actually really tried to take care of the Loop. As I type this, they are working to expand and smooth out the portion between Campbell & La Cholla (on the River path). The expansions and fixes were not necessarily imperative, but it really will improve the quality of my ride as well as the safety of the path. The loop is a great way to see the city, and can actual connect you to different parts of town! Be sure to stop by the bike shop/trailer on the Santa Cruz near... Miracle Mile? (not entirely sure) - they have pancakes on saturday mornings, and the guys that hang out there and run the trailer are some of the nicest around! You'll see wildlife along the way, as well as equestrians. It's a great addition to Tucson and I really think adds to our livability rating! read more

The Loop is one of my favorite places to do my long Saturday runs. I usually start at Craycroft on the Rillito River path and head West, enjoying the scenery along the way. Things to note: 1) Cyclists, unfortunately, have really bad etiquette on this path (not all of them, but there are enough to ruin the experience) It's posted numerous times that they need to yield to pedestrians, but I've encountered several who believe otherwise and have told me as much. You'll get an "on your left!" from one out of every 10 cyclists you encounter, so be careful if you run with tunes- you won't be able to hear them coming up on you. 2) There are ample bathrooms and water fountains along the Rillito path, and it's wonderful! 3) The posted hours of the loop are dusk to dawn, so if you're riding on the path in the early morning before the sun comes up, you might get "pulled over" by a sheriff who will tell you that you're trespassing. read more

Ah, the Loop. Of course, I have not been on the full loop, and there is still a lot I have left to experience here. But, I have lived in two apartments here- right next to the Loop and have used it frequently. I have used the Santa Cruz River Path, just off I-10 from Grant to Congress frequently. I also currently use the Rillito Park River Path almost daily from 1st Ave to Alvernon. I am SO glad to have a nice, quiet path that I often feel I have all to myself. It is so beautiful, no matter where I have been on the Loop. People are friendly and the Rillito Park Heirloom Famer's Market is two steps off the path on Saturdays & Sundays... there is also now a bathroom near the market and water fountains located on the path. I LOVE the Loop. :) read more

Today being the first week of August and only 75 outside overcast and a slight drizzle. I couldn't think of anything better than going for a ride. The recently completed southern leg of the Tucson Loop; conveniently connected to my neighborhood took my 15 mile trek to Rita Ranch and then back to the Power Plant. What I found surprisingly impressive was along the route was many break points with Tucson history and facts about the desert life and it's inhabitants. And none of this is accessible by car because the trail is literally in the middle of the desert 3 miles from any crossroad. Props go to Tucson Parks and Recreation and their future completion of the 150 mile loop. read more

The Loop - Only 75 outside overcast and a slight drizzle. I couldn't think of anything better than going for a ride. - Parks Near Me

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I've only had my bike for a few months & today was my first big outing. I was meeting friends at Rillito Park Race Track & wanted to really enjoy nature. A few clicks on my map app & a plan was born. Tucson really is a bike friendly town. I was able to safely ride from Yoga class to the where Tucson Blvd intersects with the bike path. I was a little concerned when I saw the end of road barriers at the end of Tucson Blvd. Then I thought that's for cars ding-a-ling. So, I threaded my way barriers to be greeted by a wonderful park. Then I turned on the path. There was lots of room & the center line was clearly marked. Fellow bikers & walkers were very friendly. A big thanks to the lady who helped me turn on the correct bridge. I'd subtract one half star because the bridges aren't marked. There was a huge map at the trail head but at that point I didn't need no stinking map. read more

I visit my daughter who plays soccer for UofA every now and then. I heard that Tucson was a bike friendly town. They're more than that! This is a must for any bicycle enthusiast. I rode over 50 miles of paved bike route, that's right, you read that right, over 50 miles of bike route. There were a lot of runners in the loop, but it was super bicycle friendly. I loved it so much that I almost want to leave one of my bikes at my daughters house just so I can ride every time I'm out. read more

This is one of the coolest aspects of the North Tucson area. A wonderful paved path with bike tire air pumps and trails that go in and around roads around different wash areas. I wish more places would have something similar to help people be more active in the area. This is easily 5 stars and hope that others get out and use this! read more

I've only ridden on a very short section (roughly between Stone and Campbell) but it was pretty awesome! Two lanes and very smoothly paved. It rides right up against the river for a bit and there is a section that is lined with green trees. That part was especially relaxing. read more

I love walking this path. It is fairly easy but still lets you get in some great exercise. It also has differing types of areas along its route so it's not a boring walk. You can go for a short walk or a fairly long one if you choose to. It's in town and easy to get to. read more