The best cycling routes in Pima County
4.7
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3,800
riders
235
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Touring cycling in Pima County features a diverse landscape, primarily defined by the Sonoran Desert with its saguaro cactus forests and rugged mountain ranges. The region offers an extensive network of shared-use paths, including the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, which connects various river parks and communities. Cyclists can explore routes ranging from flat desert paths to challenging mountain ascents, providing varied terrain for different skill levels. This environment supports a rich biodiversity and striking geological formations, making it a notable destination for outdoor activities.
Best touring cycling routes in Pima County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Mount Lemmon via Catalina Highway, a 41.9 miles (67.4 km) trail that takes 5 hours 59 minutes to complete. This route offers significant elevation gain through diverse mountain scenery.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Bajada Loop Drive, an easy 6.1 miles (9.8 km) path. This route winds through saguaro forests within Saguaro National Park.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop from Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead, a 54.5 miles (87.7 km) trail leading through the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, often completed in about 4 hours 59 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Pima County is defined by the iconic Sonoran Desert, saguaro cactus forests, and surrounding mountain ranges. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely rides on paved paths to challenging climbs.
- The routes in Pima County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 3,500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Pima County's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
66
riders
67.4km
06:00
2,270m
760m
Cycle the challenging Mount Lemmon via Catalina Highway, a 41.9-mile route with 7,448 feet of gain, offering diverse, stunning scenery.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
9.79km
01:04
120m
170m
The Bajada Loop Drive offers an immersive touring cycling experience through the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where you'll pedal past dense "forests" of giant saguaro cacti. The route is mostly an unpaved, graded dirt road with gentle rolls, providing spectacular views of Apache Peak and other surrounding mountains. It's an easy ride, perfect for soaking in the unique desert scenery and spotting local wildlife.
To make the most of your visit, plan to cycle during the cooler months from October to April, as summer heat can be intense. Remember that Saguaro National Park entrance fees apply, and you'll need to carry all your water, as none is available on the 6.1 miles (9.8 km) loop. The route is predominantly one-way, requiring travel in a counter-clockwise direction, and a gravel bike is recommended for the unpaved sections.
This 1 hour and 3 minutes touring bicycle route, with its modest 403 feet (123 metres) of elevation gain, is considered easy and highly accessible for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. It's notable for its iconic saguaro landscapes and offers access to the picturesque Valley View Overlook Trail and the ancient Hohokam petroglyphs at Signal Hill, providing both natural beauty and cultural history.
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4.7
(3)
12
riders
66.4km
04:28
670m
670m
Experience a challenging 41.2-mile touring cycling route through Saguaro National Park, combining steep desert climbs and smooth, car-free p
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riders
5.22km
00:29
20m
20m
The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve North Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you along 3.2 miles (5.2 km) of paved paths through the Sonoran Desert. You'll pedal past saguaros, mesquite, and palo verde, with the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains framing the horizon, all on a route that feels like a peaceful escape. It's an easy ride with only 52 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, perfect for a quick 28-minute spin.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the preserve is open from dawn to dusk, providing a safe, car-free environment for cyclists, runners, and walkers. The trail system is well-integrated, connecting to numerous neighborhoods via wide underpasses, making access incredibly convenient. This easy route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, offering a gentle way to explore the desert.
What makes this trail truly special is its transformation from a former golf course into a thriving desert habitat and public recreation area. This conservation effort has created an important wildlife corridor within an urbanized setting, allowing you to spot various fauna like quail and bobcats. It's a testament to how nature can reclaim and enrich a community, offering a unique blend of accessibility and natural beauty.
5.0
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157
riders
70.6km
05:24
1,760m
1,760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.2
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95
riders
55.0km
03:08
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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95
riders
35.9km
02:03
90m
90m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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67
riders
76.1km
04:23
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(11)
61
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
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55
riders
63.3km
03:43
310m
310m
The Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Vistoso offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, winding through the Sonoran Desert with constant, beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains. You'll glide over smooth, paved asphalt, crossing steel bridges over the "giant wash" and passing by the unique Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Park with its butterfly garden. This moderate 39.4-mile (63.3 km) route, with 1029 feet (314 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to spend about 3 hours and 42 minutes exploring the area. It's perfect for those who appreciate a car-free ride with scenic desert landscapes.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is part of "The Loop" network, meaning you'll find amenities like water and restrooms conveniently located. While the route is generally flat, be prepared for some gradual climbs, especially when heading northeast. The Oro Valley area is a cycling hotspot, so expect well-maintained paths and a welcoming environment for bikes. Consider an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid the peak desert heat.
What makes this trail truly notable is its integration into "The Loop," a massive network of over 136 miles of shared-use paths across Tucson and Pima County. This connection provides endless possibilities for extending your ride or exploring other parts of the region. The trail's consistent desert scenery, combined with unique points of interest like the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Park, offers a rich experience beyond just pedaling. It's a prime example of why Oro Valley is considered a cycling mecca.
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Popular around Pima County
Tips from the Community
This northern path continues to follow the old golf course, with benches and some spots to rest along the way. As of 2026, there is construction on the east end of this section, so the loop trail is closed and you can only walk it as an out-and-back from the entrance to the west.
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A great cycle path that is made up of several sections and is over 100 miles long in total.
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Tracks and Trails Mural, 2023. Artists: Jessica Gonzales and Rock Martinez. Overview: The vibrant painting depicts the relationship between wildlife, vegetation and humans in the desert ecosystem. Viewed from left to right, the mural reveals a typical day in the desert, starting at dawn and ending at night. Designed with elements of optical illusion, the mural creates a dynamic visual experience for viewers traveling the path across the wash, shifting and revealing new perspectives as they move past the artwork. The expansive mural not only enhances the landscape but also reflects the artists’ shared vision and their engagement with the surrounding community. Best viewed from the other side of the wash.
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Nature of Movement, 2015. Artist: Joshua Wiener. Overview: The sculpture expands your attention by changing as you move through the space. As you approach, it has an inverted cone on one side and a series of vertical lines on the other. As you move past the piece, the cone unravels while the other side becomes a cone. Understanding how we inhabit the land and what our perspective does to our experience will help us be more perceptive.
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Subaerial Embrace, 2021. Artists: Zach Lihtash and Troy Neiman. Overview: The artists were inspired by hoodoos and rock formations near Windy Point in the Catalina Mountains. The sculpture, that you can move through, is made of steel and concrete stucco and provides protection for a bike/pedestrian counter.
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Sun Circle, 1994. Artists: Paul T. Edwards, Susan Holman, Chris Tanz. Overview: This circular structure built of concrete block and flagstone features eight interrupted curving walls create a kiva-like circle. Six of the walls have small ports oriented toward sunrise and sunset at the summer and winter solstices, and the spring and fall equinoxes.
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Batty Biker Family, 2016. Artist: Stephen Fairfield. Overview: This whimsical steel sculpture of bats on bikes pays tribute to the Campbell Avenue bridge where bats roost.
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Extreme Batty Biker, 2017. Artist: Stephen Fairfield. Overview: This playful steel sculpture of a bat on a mountain bike is the third in a series showcasing the role of roosting bats under the bridges along The Loop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Pima County?
Pima County offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 220 options documented on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including more than 90 easy rides, over 90 moderate challenges, and around 40 difficult trails for experienced cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Pima County?
Touring cycling in Pima County primarily features the iconic Sonoran Desert landscape, characterized by saguaro cactus forests and rugged mountain ranges. You'll find extensive paved, shared-use paths like the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, as well as routes with significant elevation changes through diverse mountain scenery. The terrain varies from flat desert paths to challenging mountain ascents.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Pima County offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A notable option is the Bajada Loop Drive, an easy 6.1-mile path winding through saguaro forests within Saguaro National Park. The Chuck Huckelberry Loop also provides extensive paved, car-free sections ideal for leisurely rides.
What are some natural features or attractions I can see along the touring cycling routes?
Pima County's routes offer stunning natural features. You can cycle through saguaro cactus forests, explore rugged mountain ranges like the Santa Catalinas and Tucson Mountains, and discover vital riparian areas. Specific attractions include the Maiden Pools, Seven Falls, and Tanque Verde Falls. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Colossal Cave Mountain Park are also nearby attractions enhancing the outdoor experience.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes in Pima County?
Yes, Pima County features several long-distance touring cycling routes. For example, the Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop covers 54.5 miles (87.7 km) through the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. Another substantial ride is Mount Lemmon via Catalina Highway, a challenging 41.9-mile route with significant elevation gain.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Pima County?
The best time for touring cycling in Pima County is generally during the cooler months, from late fall through spring (October to April). During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making long rides more enjoyable. Summers can be extremely hot, so early morning or late evening rides are recommended if cycling during those months.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Pima County are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your path. Examples include the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve North Loop, the Babad Do'ag Viewpoint – Molino Basin Campground loop, and the Owl at Sweetwater Wetlands – Rollito River Path loop.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about Pima County?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Pima County, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, from the unique saguaro cactus forests to the challenging mountain ascents, and the extensive network of well-maintained shared-use paths like the Chuck Huckelberry Loop.
Are there any routes that offer significant elevation gain for a challenging ride?
Absolutely. For a challenging ride with significant elevation gain, consider Mount Lemmon via Catalina Highway. This 41.9-mile route climbs over 2,200 meters through diverse mountain scenery. Another demanding option is the Gates Pass and The Loop, which includes a substantial climb.
Where can I find information about parking for touring cycling trails in Pima County?
Many trailheads and access points for the Chuck Huckelberry Loop and other routes offer designated parking. For specific information on parking facilities and accessibility, you can often find details on the Pima County government website, which provides resources for cyclists. Check The Chuck Huckelberry Loop page for more information.
Can I access touring cycling routes using public transportation in Pima County?
Pima County has a public transportation system, Sun Tran, which offers bus services. Some routes may provide access to areas near cycling paths, particularly within Tucson and its surrounding communities. For detailed information on bus routes and bike-on-bus options, it's best to consult the Sun Tran website or Pima County's general transportation resources, such as Bike There.
Are there any less crowded touring cycling routes in Pima County?
While popular routes like sections of The Loop can see more activity, Pima County's extensive network means you can often find quieter paths. Exploring routes in less central areas or during off-peak hours can lead to a more serene experience. Routes like Cañada del Oro River Trail – Cañada del Oro River Park loop might offer a more tranquil ride.
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