Biking in Tucson: The Best Rides
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Tucson is rated one of the best places to live and vacation if you love biking, whether it be mountain or road biking. Bicycling Magazine ranked it one of America’s best biking cities. After living in the area for several years, I can see why. There are bike lanes everywhere, beautiful paved biking trails, several prestigious annual biking events, and both flat beginner and advanced mountain terrain suitable for bikers of all skill levels. Plus, the climate is pretty much perfect the entire year for any outdoor recreational activities. While I prefer the jaw dropping hiking trails, sometimes, a leisurely bike ride is a nice alternative.
While living in suburban Oro Valley for several years, I enjoyed many of the fabulous paths scattered around the metro. In this article, I will share a few of my favorite trails, all suitable for beginning cyclists. Also, I will list some great local restaurants and cafes where you can fuel up at prior to your ride!
Canada Del Oro Riverfront Path
Fortunately, I lived in the gorgeous Encantada at Steam Pump apartments which offered direct access to this beautiful path. I hopped on this path before work every morning and never tired of the gorgeous mountain scenery. The benefit of this path over others on this list are the breathtaking mountain views throughout the entire route.
Oro Valley truly is a gorgeous suburb with the Catalina mountains comprising the background. Another benefit of this path is the direct access to numerous restaurants, stores, and the Steam Pump Farmers Market, taking place every Saturday. While you are in the vicinity, I also recommend hiking a short, but incredible trail called the Linda Vista. It’s one of my favorites for seeing wildlife and watching a sunset.
- Distance: 4 miles (paved). For a longer ride, you can connect to the Big Wash Shared use path (~ 2.5 miles)
- Highlight: Spectacular mountain views
- Learn more about this path
- Fuel up: Savaya coffee, a wonderful 3rd wave coffee roaster, is attached to the Encantada apartment complex. Not only is the coffee top notch, but the patio offers a prime view of the Catalinas.
The Rillito River Path
The Rillito aka “the Loop” is the king of Tucson trails. This lengthy 131 mile ride connects various parks and businesses throughout the city and the suburbs. Scenery varies from barren desert, to tree-lined, and includes vistas of parks, golf courses, and even mountain vistas.
There are lots of starting points, so you can go out to your comfort level. My favorite place to begin is at Rillito Park, home to the Heirloom Market, a year round farmers market held each Sunday. This way I can treat myself to a local cup of joe/pastry and pick up some fresh produce either before or after my ride.
- Distance: 131 miles
- Highlight: Lots of detours to parks, restaurants, museums, and shops along the route, most notably St. Phillip’s Plaza.
- Check out The Loop map to plan your ride.
- Fuel up: Sometimes, I grab a cup of coffee at the farmer’s market. Other Times, I sit and relax at Roadrunner, a wonderful local coffeehouse with the best patio.
Reid Park
This beautiful park, located next to the city zoo is one of my favorite places in the city. There are lots of amenities here (sports facilities, picnicking spots, horseshoe pits), plus gorgeous scenery, public art, and a lovely rose garden. The sidewalk loop around the park is around 2 miles. I usually complete about 3 or 4 loops for an energizing (but not totally exhausting) leisurely weekend workout.
Technically not an official bike path, but it can be used for biking, jogging, or skating. It’s super flat, quiet, and very scenic with many trees and pond views along the route. After a lot of rough hikes in the desert, I like taking it easy on this one!
- Distance: 2 mile loop
- Highlight: Gorgeous park setting adjacent to the zoo.
- Fuel up: My favorite place to fuel up prior to exploring this park is Ombre. This local coffee shop is cozy and they serve great food. Even better they are located next door to the most wonderful bakery, Barrio Bread (do pick up a loaf of the best homemade bread in the state).
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
This is one is for serious cyclists only. The intense ride up Mt. Lemmon is super popular with avid fitness enthusiasts. The 28 mile long scenic byway offers a beautiful setting for some serious biking. The altitude rises from 2500 to over 7000 at the summit, so this ride is not for the faint of heart. It is considered a very difficult route so do not attempt this one unless you are in peak physical condition.
Should you choose to complete the ride, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of cacti and desert vistas at the start and pines near the top! For non cyclers, definitely still take the scenic drive! On any given weekend, we saw so many cyclists fueling up at Le Buzz (a great little local bakery and cafe) prior to their cycling adventure.
- Distance: 28 miles
- Highlight: Amazing scenery which switches from cacti to gorgeous green pines. Lots to do at the base including fresh high altitude mountain hikes, chairlift rides, and more.
- Mountain biking: I am not a huge mountain biker, however, Tucson is popular with more adventurous types. Sweetwater Preserve offers easy beginners terrain as well as advanced, while the Starr pass trail system is considered more difficult. Learn more about mountain biking options
- Fuel up: I always stop by Le Buzz for a wonderful pastry or breakfast sandwich, along with a great cup of coffee. The outdoor patio is just perfect for weekend relaxing!
Annual biking events
Tucson Bicycle Classic – Premier road race featuring a challenging 1000 ft climb over the span of 20 miles. Held in February each year (Feb 21-23 for 2025).
El Tour de Tucson – Prestigious annual event held in November each year (22-25 for 2025). Over 9000 cyclists compete in one of America’s top biking events.
Best time of the year for cycling
I pretty much find this city to be great for any outdoor activity most of the year besides hot summer afternoons. The summer heat didn’t bother me much as the air is so dry and morning temps surprisingly pleasant. I prefer biking early as the sun is rising when the temps are in the 80’s and the sun is less intense. You do need to be aware of monsoons which are pretty much daily occurrences.
May-Sept. Daytime highs will be in the upper 90’s-low 100’s. This is also the rainy monsoon season so the air will be more humid. It’s not the ideal time for biking. Be aware that monsoons can be very dangerous.
Oct & Nov. My favorite time to bike. Daily highs in the mid 70- mid 80’s with little chance of rain. Morning temps typically range in the comfortable 65-70 range.
Dec-April. Winter morning temps can be very cold (upper 30’s-50’s). Daytime highs are usually in the 60’s and 70’s with little chance for rain, so this is a good time to plan an afternoon ride.
