The Loop

Ah, the Loop.
Of course, I have not been on the full loop, and there is still a lot I have left to experience here. But, I have lived in two apartments here– right next to the Loop and have used it frequently. I have used the Santa Cruz River Path, just off I-​10 from Grant to Congress frequently. I also currently use the Rillito Park River Path almost daily from 1^st Ave to Alvernon. I am SO glad to have a nice, quiet path that I often feel I have all to myself. It is so beautiful, no matter where I have been on the Loop. People are friendly and the Rillito Park Heirloom Famer’s Market is two steps off the path on Saturdays & Sundays… there is also now a bathroom near the market and water fountains located on the path. I LOVE the Loop. :)

I’m very thankful for the loop. I ride this bad boy at least 4 days month, specifically, the Rillito River Path and the Santa Cruz. There is ample parking along the way, in addition to bathrooms, drinking fountains and other places for pitstops! On a weekday, you’ll see quite a few serious cyclists and runners as well as couples and families out for morning or evening walks. On the weekends, both the Rillito and the northern part of the Santa Cruz are full of families, walkers, runners, rollerbladers, cyclists and everything in between!
The city has actually really tried to take care of the Loop. As I type this, they are working to expand and smooth out the portion between Campbell & La Cholla (on the River path). The expansions and fixes were not necessarily imperative, but it really will improve the quality of my ride as well as the safety of the path.
The loop is a great way to see the city, and can actual connect you to different parts of town! Be sure to stop by the bike shop/​trailer on the Santa Cruz near… Miracle Mile? (not entirely sure) — they have pancakes on saturday mornings, and the guys that hang out there and run the trailer are some of the nicest around! You’ll see wildlife along the way, as well as equestrians. It’s a great addition to Tucson and I really think adds to our livability rating!

Today being the first week of August and only 75 outside overcast and a slight drizzle. I couldn’t think of anything better than going for a ride. The recently completed southern leg of the Tucson Loop; conveniently connected to my neighborhood took my 15 mile trek to Rita Ranch and then back to the Power Plant. What I found surprisingly impressive was along the route was many break points with Tucson history and facts about the desert life and it’s inhabitants. And none of this is accessible by car because the trail is literally in the middle of the desert 3 miles from any crossroad. Props go to Tucson Parks and Recreation and their future completion of the 150 mile loop.

The Loop is one of my favorite places to do my long Saturday runs. I usually start at Craycroft on the Rillito River path and head West, enjoying the scenery along the way.
Things to note:
1) Cyclists, unfortunately, have really bad etiquette on this path (not all of them, but there are enough to ruin the experience) It’s posted numerous times that they need to yield to pedestrians, but I’ve encountered several who believe otherwise and have told me as much. You’ll get an «on your left!» from one out of every 10 cyclists you encounter, so be careful if you run with tunes– you won’t be able to hear them coming up on you.
2) There are ample bathrooms and water fountains along the Rillito path, and it’s wonderful!
3) The posted hours of the loop are dusk to dawn, so if you’re riding on the path in the early morning before the sun comes up, you might get «pulled over» by a sheriff who will tell you that you’re trespassing.

I’ve only had my bike for a few months & today was my first big outing. I was meeting friends at Rillito Park Race Track & wanted to really enjoy nature. A few clicks on my map app & a plan was born. Tucson really is a bike friendly town. I was able to safely ride from Yoga class to the where Tucson Blvd intersects with the bike path. I was a little concerned when I saw the end of road barriers at the end of Tucson Blvd. Then I thought that’s for cars ding-​a-​ling. So, I threaded my way barriers to be greeted by a wonderful park. Then I turned on the path. There was lots of room & the center line was clearly marked. Fellow bikers & walkers were very friendly. A big thanks to the lady who helped me turn on the correct bridge.
I’d subtract one half star because the bridges aren’t marked. There was a huge map at the trail head but at that point I didn’t need no stinking map.

I’ve only ridden on a very short section (roughly between Stone and Campbell) but it was pretty awesome! Two lanes and very smoothly paved. It rides right up against the river for a bit and there is a section that is lined with green trees. That part was especially relaxing.

I’ve only ridden on portions of the loop, but at some point soon I plan on doing the whole 55. The loop recently completed connectivity and opened as a complete loop to the public a few months back. The trail along the Santa Cruz and Rillito are absolutely beautifully maintained and great for a nice smooth and easy ride. The Santa Cruz is still being discovered but the Rillito portion of the loop is a high traffic area especially around St. Phillips Plaza so be cautious of pedestrians and runners alike. Tucson has really stepped up when it comes to making the city a very bike-​friendly city. One of the areas we actually rank in the top 5!
Here is some more detailed information taken from their website:
«The Loop is 55 miles of car-​free paths being developed around metropolitan Tucson, with links to Marana and Oro Valley, for Pima County residents and visitors on foot, bikes, skates and horses. If it doesn’t have a motor, it’s good to go on The Loop.
The Loop connects the Rillito River Park, the Santa Cruz River Park, the Julian Wash Greenway, the Harrison Greenway and the Pantano River Park.
The Loop will connect to parks, trails, bus and bike routes, workplaces, schools, restaurants, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and sports and entertainment venues.»
Quite worth a few hours of riding to get the full feel of Tucson and it’s bike friendly atmosphere! Tucsonans love their biking!