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If you’re looking for places to ride recreationally, here are a few popular spots around town for both mountain biking and road cycling. We recommend checking out the Tucson subreddit for more suggestions from local cyclists. Plus, don’t forget to check out Tucson’s interactive bike map.
Keep in mind that these spots vary in distance, elevation and difficulty!
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, nicknamed The Loop, is exactly what it sounds like — a giant loop of paved pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. The entire Loop is over 100 miles, but riders don’t have to complete all 137 — you can hop on and off at any time.
Check out The Loop’s interactive map to find artwork, bike repair stations and restrooms along the route. The Loop is open from sunrise to sunset and there are around 50 parking lots around the route. Motorized vehicles and devices are prohibited. See more Loop guidelines here.
Tucson Mountain Park
With our stunning mountains in Tucson, it’s not surprising that mountain biking is just as popular as road cycling. I mean, how could you not appreciate our beautiful surroundings?
Tucson Mountain Park on the city’s west side has numerous routes and trails throughout its roughly 20,000 acres. Currently, the park has around 62 miles of “non-motorized shared-use trails” that are open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers, according to Pima County’s website.
Some of the more popular trails in Tucson Mountain Park include the Sarasota, Mockingbird and Little Cat trails, according to Trailforks. Other popular routes include Brown Mountain, David Yetman and the Starr Pass trail system which connects to Tucson Mountain Park.
Many trails in Tucson Mountain Park (and other local mountain biking spots) stay maintained with the help of local nonprofit Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists.
Gates Pass
If mountain biking isn’t your thing and you’re looking to stick to the streets while on the city’s west side, go for a ride through Gates Pass. There’s plenty of beauty to see along the way and you’ll even pass by Old Tucson and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Like many routes in Tucson, use extra caution while riding through Gates Pass — the stretch is a main road that attracts many vehicles.
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon offers the best of both worlds — road cycling and mountain biking. (Not to mention the change of scenery when you ascend up the mountain as it transforms from a warm, dry desert into a cool, lush forest.)
Most of the trails up, down and everywhere in between on the Lemmon are pretty advanced compared to other local trails. Think we’re exaggerating? The ascent is over 7,000 feet. 😬 But if you’re an experienced cyclist or are in good physical shape, it could be a fun experience.
Popular trails on Mount Lemmon include Bug Springs, Molino Basin and the Aspen Meadow and Draw trails. Plus, here’s a list of 10 other things you can do while on Mount Lemmon. 😎
Catalina State Park
So far, this list has included lots of spots on the west and east sides of Tucson. But what about the north side? We have you covered there, too.
Cyclists love riding through Catalina State Park and the 50-Year Trail. The trail is around 8½ miles surrounded by stunning desert scenery, the occasional animal and bright wildflowers in spring.
Note: To ride in the 50-Year trail system, you'll need an Arizona State Land recreation permit, according to Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists. The permit costs $15 through the Arizona State Land Department’s website. It's also recommended to avoid the area after heavy rain.
Fantasy Island
Not all of Tucson’s bike trails are for advanced riders. The Fantasy Island bike routes on the city’s southeast side are beginner- and kid-friendly.
There are over 20 trails throughout Fantasy Island. The main trail, known as the Lone Cactus Trail, is a little over 6½ miles and is the Island’s longest trail. If you complete all the trails, the total distance is about 28 miles.
Note: An Arizona State Land recreation permit is required to ride through Fantasy Island. The permit costs $15 through the Arizona State Land Department’s website.
Sweetwater Preserve
The Sweetwater Preserve on Tucson’s west side is an 880-acre preserve where you'll find around 15 miles of trails for riders. The trails are good for beginner and intermediate levels, too.
The Sweetwater Preserve trail system is the eighth-recommended route in Arizona, according to the MTB Project.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park on Tucson’s east and west sides offers two kinds of biking experiences.
Saguaro National Park East’s Cactus Forest Loop Drive gives riders more of a road-biking experience with its paved loop over eight miles. Saguaro National Park West offers a six-mile gravel loop.
Note: Through the National Park Service, there's a $15 entrance fee for bicyclists. If you’re a frequent rider through the parks, consider purchasing an annual pass for $45.
You can also ride at night but headlights and rear reflectors are required, per the park’s rules and regulations.
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