The Loop shared-use path
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The Loop shared-use path

4.4
·18 reviews·Tucson, United States

America's #1 recreational trail! 137 miles of car-free paths through Tucson's stunning Sonoran Desert.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the desert heat

CrowdLow
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The Loop shared-use path

The Loop shared-use path

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the desert heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

America's #1 recreational trail! 137 miles of car-free paths through Tucson's stunning Sonoran Desert.

4.4
(18 reviews)

"The bike path gives you lots of options to peel off or extend it to Oro Valley and Marana."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Tucson gets hot! Start your ride early morning to avoid the intense midday sun. :sunwithface:

🗺️ Stay on Track

The Loop is well-marked, but carry a map or use a navigation app for longer rides. :world_map:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 18 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chuck Huckelberry Loop

Chuck Huckelberry Loop

Encompasses Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson

America's #1 recreational trail! 137 miles of car-free paths through stunning desert landscapes.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

North of St. Mary's entrance

A peaceful oasis with beautiful views, perfect for birdwatching and a serene cycling detour.

Suzanne Shields Bridge

Suzanne Shields Bridge

West Side of Tucson

A new, artistically designed bridge offering new access points and connecting more areas of The Loop.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Desert Scenery

The Loop offers a unique way to experience Tucson's desert beauty. Plan for the heat, especially during warmer months. Early mornings are ideal for comfortable biking or walking, avoiding the intense midday sun. TikTok

Navigating The Loop Safely

While generally safe and well-maintained, some sections, particularly near downtown, can have issues with trash and transient individuals. Stick to well-lit areas and consider riding with a companion, especially if you're new to the path. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the desert heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Popular for local recreation
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour desert views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Tucson Loop was voted #1 on USA Today’s 2022 “10 Best Readers’ Choice List” for Best Recreational Trail. #tucson #biketucson #tucsonloop
@karene1119
73 likes • 2.4K views

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Tucson gets hot! Start your ride early morning to avoid the intense midday sun. TikTok :sunwithface:

🗺️ Stay on Track

The Loop is well-marked, but carry a map or use a navigation app for longer rides. Reddit :world_map:

Tucson loop trail #thelooptrail #tucson #biking
@tucson4541
8 likes • 315 views
Bike, walk and discover the breathtaking The Loop shared use path, which winds through the 137 miles encompassing unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson. Enjoy why USA Today named The Loop the number one bike path in America! Repost: @jefe.things I wanted to see the world. Then I changed my mind. Circling my hometown by bike. 54.77 miles 2:57:48 18.5mph avg...
visittucson
809 likes • 25.5K views

💧 Hydration is Key

Bring plenty of water, especially for longer excursions. Water fountains can be sparse. :droplet:

🚲 Bike Rentals Available

Tugo bike share and other rental options make it easy to explore The Loop. Reddit 🚲

Jacqueline Aguilar (@jacquelineaguilartv) is on Tucson's south side, where part of The Loop, a shared-use path that winds through a large chunk of the Tucson area, is being detoured to make room for construction of the new Mosaic Quarter Sports Complex. She'll share what regular Loop users think of the detour tonight on KGUN 9.
kgun9
124 likes • 4.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Tucson gets hot! Start your ride early morning to avoid the intense midday sun. TikTok :sunwithface:

🗺️ Stay on Track

The Loop is well-marked, but carry a map or use a navigation app for longer rides. Reddit :world_map:

💧 Hydration is Key

Bring plenty of water, especially for longer excursions. Water fountains can be sparse. :droplet:

🚲 Bike Rentals Available

Tugo bike share and other rental options make it easy to explore The Loop. Reddit 🚲

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Whether walking or biking, wear comfortable shoes for your desert adventure. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Loop is widely praised as a city investment offering extensive, safe, and scenic car-free paths for recreation. While many enjoy the well-maintained trails and desert views, some users have noted concerns about trash and safety in certain urban sections, particularly for solo female riders. Reddit

"This is one of the cities’s best investments. The bike path gives you lots of options to peel off or extend it to Oro Valley andMarana. Close to town it can be a little sketchy with trash and homeless people. Otherwise, the path is safe and easy to navigate with lots of signs at intersections."

Maria Thi Mai

"If you’re looking for a great place to ride with minimal exhaust fumes, the loop has always been awesome.
Occasionally, you may experience a drugged zombie or two down by Congress and the downtown area. Heading towards Riverfront or a valley or Marana is awesome. A lot of open pavement."

gary zimnoch

"do not go. it's not as beautiful as the comments and reviews make it out to be. me and my friend (female) went biking there because we saw the good reviews and from the pictures it looked beautiful, but the amount of homeless people is crazy. it was super unsafe for us being 2 females. do not recommend we were scared for our lives the whole ride was not enjoyable. avoid at all costs. and not as nice as the pictures make it out to be. also the neighbourhood around that area are super unsafe as well."

simmie dharnia

What People Like

Extensive car-free paths
Beautiful desert scenery
Great for biking and walking

What People Dislike

Trash in urban areas
Safety concerns in some sections
Inconsistent signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Loop has numerous access points throughout Tucson and surrounding areas like Marana and Oro Valley. Popular entry points include near St. Mary's Hospital and Sweetwater Wetlands Park. Reddit Many neighborhoods also offer direct access, making it a convenient amenity. TikTok

Yes, many access points have dedicated parking lots. Check local park facilities or trailheads for available parking. TikTok

While direct bus routes to specific trailheads might be limited, some routes can get you close to access points. It's best to check the Sun Tran bus schedule for routes near your desired entry point. 🚌

The Loop is a paved, shared-use path designed for various users, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. TikTok

Neighborhoods like Rita Ranch offer direct access, making weekend bike rides and walks a routine part of life. TikTok Areas in Oro Valley and Marana also connect to the larger network. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Loop is a public, shared-use path and does not require any tickets or admission fees to access. It's free for everyone to enjoy! 🎟️

The Loop is generally open from sunrise to sunset, but specific access points might have park hours. It's recommended to check local Pima County Parks and Recreation or city park hours for specific areas. :clock1:

There are no fees to use The Loop itself. If you rent a bike, there will be rental costs. Reddit

Yes, The Loop is a multi-use path and is also suitable for horseback riding in designated areas. TikTok :horse_racing:

While many find it safe, some users have reported feeling unsafe in certain areas, particularly near downtown due to increased homeless populations. Reddit Riding during daylight hours and in busier sections is advised. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll experience beautiful desert landscapes, with opportunities to see native plants, wildlife, and scenic mountain views. TikTok+3

The Chuck Huckelberry Loop is approximately 131-137 miles long, offering extensive options for exploration. TikTok+2

It's perfect for biking, running, walking, rollerblading, and even horseback riding. TikTok+2

Restrooms and water fountains are available at various parks and access points along The Loop, but they are not continuous. It's wise to carry your own water. :droplet:

While The Loop itself is paved, there are often connecting trails or areas nearby that are popular for mountain biking. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Direct dining options directly on the path are limited. However, many access points are near restaurants and cafes in Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley. TikTok

Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea! There are many scenic spots along the path where you can stop and enjoy your meal. :sandwich:

While not directly on the path, areas near access points in Tucson offer a variety of dining choices. Exploring neighborhoods like those near the Rillito Race Track can lead to local eateries. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The desert flora, mountain vistas, and unique bridge architecture (like the Suzanne Shields Bridge) offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok+1

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the desert's beauty. TikTok+2

Look out for the artistic flair on bridges and overpasses, as well as the natural beauty of the desert plants and mountain ranges. TikTok

Yes, the wetlands and desert areas can offer chances to spot birds and other desert creatures, but always maintain a safe distance. :camerawithflash:

A versatile lens for landscapes and potential wildlife shots, along with a wide-angle lens for expansive desert views, would be ideal. Don't forget a polarizing filter for those bright desert skies! 📷

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