With its 130+ miles of paved bikeways, bike lanes, and multi-use paths, Tuson is an excellent city for cyclists. Tucson bike routes pass through the city and the nearby national park, and there are cycling paths for every level of rider, from casual to advanced.
In fact, our city has been rated a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Most people know the Tucson Loop, the city’s most popular cycling and walking path, which is well-known for its circular route around the city and abundant amenities like parks, restrooms, and cafes along the way.
But that isn’t the only place–or way–to go cycling here.
So, we’ve rounded up a few other incredible bike routes in Tucson for every cyclist’s skill level and type of ride.
Bike Tips: The Best Way to Cycle Tucson Bikeways
Before we get into our list of bike routes, we want to share a few important planning and safety tips for cycling in Tucson.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your ride more enjoyable and relaxing.
- Check the temperature and the weather: Tucson summers can be intense, so fall and winter are the most popular cycling seasons. Morning or evening rides are best, especially if you’re a beginner. This step is super important for long climbs where conditions can change quickly.
- Prepare and plan for safety: Wear a helmet, bring plenty of water, and use sunscreen. Have a light on the bike if you’re riding at night.
- Review the route: Plan your journey with the Tucson Bikeways Map or a navigation app, and make a note of bike repair stations or shops near the routes, especially for longer rides.
- Check that your phone is charged: Make sure your phone or other tech has full battery power when you start. This is useful if you get lost or if your bike breaks down.
With that all being said, let’s dive into our favorite Tucson bike routes.
Tucson Bike Routes for Commuters
Some of the best bike routes for commuters and beginners are in the east part of Tucson. These routes emphasize efficiency and safety, and they are ideal for short, fun rides where you might not even break a sweat.
The Loop (Short Segment)
The Tucson Loop is a car-free bike loop made up of lots of convenient short rides that are perfect for commuters. This trail was rated number one by USA Today’s 2022 “10 Best Readers’ Choice List” for Best Recreational Trail. The Loop short segment offers a short, leisurely route that’s ideal for beginner cyclists.
- Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Distance: 8-10 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (under 100 ft)
- Notable Features: This Tucson bike route is popular with both commuters and leisure cyclists and passes by the Rillito River and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park.
Enjoy a leisurely ride on this relaxing, mostly flat bike route, with scenic views of parks and riverside. It’s a safe, paved, multi-use path with no vehicle traffic and access to public restrooms and bike repair stations along the route.
Mountain Avenue Bikeway
Known among Tucson bike routes as the main north-south thoroughfare, this Tucson bikeway is a safe, shaded path that’s commonly used by commuters.
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Distance: 3-5 miles (varies based on commute destination)
- Average time to complete: 20-30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (flat, easy ride)
- Notable Features: This cycling route connects to the University of Arizona campus, popular for students and faculty going to classes. Shade trees and a flat incline make this a convenient, comfortable bikeway.
Starting at the Rillito River Park and ending near the University of Arizona, you’ll see a variety of leisure activities on this multi-use path, including cyclists, pedestrians, dog walkers, and maybe even people on horseback. There are several cafes and convenience stores along this Tucson bike route for a quick stop.
Leisure Rides on Tucson Bike Routes
When you’re not cycling to get from A to B or to check off a big workout, these slow-paced, scenic Tucson bike routes might be just right. Go for a relaxing ride by yourself or with friends and family, with opportunities for stops along the way.
Reid Park Loop
Centrally located downtown, Reid Park has a zoo, duck pond, rose garden, golf course, tennis courts, and a paved, multi-use trail. This 3-mile loop is generally considered an easy route.
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Distance: 3 miles
- Average time to complete: 40-50 minutes
- Elevation Gain: Minimal (flat)
- Notable Features: The shaded picnic areas in Reid Park are a perfect spot for a fun family outing on the weekend.
Along this biking route, there are plenty of grassy spots to rest and enjoy a snack. It’s also lit at night, has water fountains, and has restrooms at the Rec Center near the corner of Broadway and Alvernon.
Sabino Tram Road
On the edge of the Coronado National Forest, the Sabino Canyon Tram Road is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and road biking in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
- Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Distance: 7 miles round trip
- Average time to complete: 2:53 hours
- Elevation Gain: 500 ft
- Notable Features: Sabino Canyon is known for its scenic desert landscape with saguaro cacti and wildlife sightings. This trail also includes bike parking and access to hiking trails if you want to extend your trip.
To avoid the heat, it’s best to ride this moderately challenging route early in the morning or during the cooler months of September through April. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area charges a day-use or weekly parking fee per vehicle, and dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Tucson Bike Routes for Challenging Rides
Cycling routes designed for experienced cyclists and fitness enthusiasts are on another level. We’re talking long-distance routes with serious elevation gain, challenge segments, and stunning views. If you’re confident in your cycling skills, these rides are for you.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Sometimes called “the world’s greatest climb,” this route starts in the Tucson desert at just under 3,000 feet and rises to great heights. At the base, soak up the natural scenery with saguaro cacti, followed by extraordinary hoodoo formations, pine trees, and possibly snow at the top. It’s sure to be an exhilarating experience.
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Distance: 56 miles (round trip)
- Average time to complete: ~8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 6,000 ft
- Notable Features: This is one of the most famous trails in Arizona, with scenic views changing from desert to pine forest. Stop at the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin at the summit for a treat or at Le Buzz for a coffee.
It’s best to ride this very challenging trail early in the morning or during cooler months of the year to avoid heat exhaustion.
Gates Pass McCain Loop
The Gates Pass McCain Loop trail offers a challenging, thrilling bike route for advanced, skilled cyclists. The popular trail has incredible scenery, vigorous terrain, and heart-thumping sections to get your blood pumping.
- Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Distance: 20-40 miles
- Average time to complete: ~2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
- Notable Features: A favorite for endurance training on Tucson bike routes, this scenic loop showcases amazing views of the Tucson Mountains. Steep climbs and fast descents make it anything but monotonous. Be aware there is a fast, narrow descent with some very tight turns coming down the back (west) side of Gate Pass.
On the Gates Pass Loop, you’ll find Old Tucson and the Desert Museum. There is a restroom at the top of Gates Pass located in the scenic lookout parking lot.
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As a coworking space that serves professionals of all types, we know how important it is to incorporate exercise and well-being activities like cycling into daily routines.
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