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Print Friendly MapThe Rillito River Park Trail runs along both sides of its namesake river, from N. Craycroft Road to under Interstate 10, where it links with the Santa Cruz River Park Trail. The trail is fully paved, with a parallel soft-surface path for equestrians and joggers also available for much of the route.
Lots of shops are conveniently located on either side for quick pull-offs. You'll also find plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains, as well as exercise stations along the trail. From the western endpoint, seamlessly continue on the Santa Cruz River Park Trail to reach points both south and north. Both trails are also part of a larger trail network called The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, spanning more than 136 miles throughout Tucson and Pima County.
You can park near the trail in several places along its route. There is a small parking lot on the eastern terminus just west of N. Craycroft Road. Other parking areas can be found just west of Swan Road, at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (off Alvernon Way), off Campbell Avenue just south of the river, by Children's Memorial Park just south of Edgewater Drive, at the end of River Fringe Drive, at the end of Shannon Road (south of the river) and off Camino de la Terra just south of River Road.
We parked at the western trailhead on River Road. When we returned to our vehicle it had been broken into. Sad that we have to be victimized like this.
Started from Tucson Mall (off of Oracle Road) and rode west on the southside of the river bed to the end of trail as shown in this trail description. However, the trail continues on many more miles as part of the Huckleberry loop. The trail is wide and smooth. With lots of trail users out and about. Good signage. We did the other end of the trail last time in Tucson and enjoyed that section also. Highly recommend this trail.
Worth the drive from Phoenix to do this. Got off at Ina and left from the first parking lot. Went all the way to Craycroft where we thought the trail ended (it looks like it) don’t be fooled go up, cross over and it keeps going and going. We went 20+ and turned around. Delightful! Enough bathrooms. Options for lunch if you go off path and go to a main road. Seating areas in the shade for a break. Lots of cyclists on a weekday hot morning.
I have logged literally 1000s of miles on this path both day and night, from Craycroft to Marana and have always felt safe. Gorgeous views and friendly people.
From La Cholla to the interstate you will find, nearly every day, people sleeping or evidence of them living on or nearby the path, specifically the bridges. I found and documented over 2 dozen tents in the river itself in this stretch. Mostly harmless people I'm sure but its enough to feel defensive and threatened.
area was clean, stayed on the north side and enjoyed our views of Tucson. would recommend to anyone!
Back in February of 2014 we completed a weekday morning ride from the Rillito River Park Access parking lot to trails end at Craycroft Road and then back.
Great Arizona winter weather, beautiful mountain vistas, artful bridges, and a fairly flat, smooth trail made this ride a delight (although we did notice it seemed ever so slightly downhill which made for some easy pedaling on the way to Craycroft Road).
The trail was especially popular with walkers, joggers, and roadrunners, so be alert.
It didn't take us long to complete the loop, so for a couple of tourists from SoCal we used the afternoon to visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum!
On the south side of the Rillito the new overpass (It's steep with a sharp turn at the top!) is open over N El Camino de La Tierra. It's been open for more than a month now. The trailhead on the west side of the street (restrooms, hand washing facilities) has been repaved as well. CAREFUL==> As you pull back onto the trail be extra careful. It's a T intersection and cyclists maybe coming down the steep bridge going fast, and from the west cyclists may me building up speed to climb the steep overpass. Be extra careful and watch for traffic!
We started at the park off of Craycroft road. Traveled by bike 8 miles to the west on the north side of the "river". Path is very nicely paved with wide and narrow sections. Some of the bridges are also narrow but have plenty of signage warning in advance. Only one street crossing required, with the rest going under the main crossing streets. As title states, lots of bike riders, walker/joggers and a few horse riders on the trail. Still was a nice ride and a smooth surface. Most of the folks passing did give warning but not everyone was so courteous.
Well kept and great for running!
The trail was nicely paved the entire way with a few gentle sloping hills. Very little debris. More importantly, the path is wide. There's plenty of room for walking, biking and skating. Along the way, you'll find plenty of rest stops, water, bathrooms.
The path will get you to farmer's markets, several parks, grocery stores and event centers. It is paved all the way and very smooth but there is also a dirt path most of the way for mountain biking. There are always at least a few people on the trail walking, riding and running so it feels safe for lone riders. Very nice and the wash (river when it rains) and mountain views are beautiful.
We just got off the trail. Great ride, it isn't a difficult ride but fun.
The description says it isn't full paved. This is incorrect it is paved all the way.
It was a great paved trail or there are a bunch of sand trails if you wanna walk or ride your mountain bike. Traffic was minimal and the scenery was awesome!
I'm sure this was the trail that allows you to loop at any distance. I found it to be very nice smooth ride.
A perfect trail for a morning ride! Great views and traffic on the trail is very manageable.
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