This trail is part of The Loop, the multi-use trail that has been built around Tucson. We were vacationing in the area and, along with riding the trail as part of the larger loop, we also used it as a great ride into downtown Tucson for lunch. It was nicely paved, not hilly, and there was art staged at various places along the way. There isn't much shade, but that was not a concern in February/March. Some of the signage was difficult to decipher, but we had a printed trail map, and that helped us to navigate the way.

This trail brings us down from Phoenix for a ride! It is a great workout and so beautiful! Can’t help but be happy on this trail.

It is easy to access the Santa Cruz River Park Trail from the Rillito River Trail just west of the I-10. You can access this starting point by parking or riding to anywhere on the Loop Trail system in Pima County. I ride up north along the Santa Cruz scenic riparian habitat, and this is an enjoyable river grade ride returning the same route. Instead of returning as I came, I use the local roads to connect to some of the possible loops. Both Twin Peaks and Picture Rock are pretty going west (though the bike lanes are narrow) to access Saguaro National Park West; I then return via the McCain Loop and over Gates Pass which is a great hill climb with beautiful desert scenery, and gives access back to the Santa Cruz Trail, or downtown Tucson, as you desire. Instead of going west on Twin Peaks or Picture Rock, I can stay on a more level ride going east on Twin Peaks, and continue on Tangerine Rd or Moore Rd at Dove Mountain. There are good bike lanes on these roads, which take you over to the Canada Del Oro bike path near Catalina State Park. This gives a nice return ride to the Rillito River Trail. Depending on where you start on the extensive Loop Trails, and as long as you don't mind mixing in some riding on roads with decent bike lanes, you can do some beautiful loops of 40-70 miles with views of the Santa Cruz River, Catalina's Mountains, and Tucson Mountains.

area was clean, stayed on the north side and enjoyed our views of Tucson. would recommend to anyone!

This section of the Tucson loop has beautiful mountain views to the north and east. It cuts right through the desert with lots of large cactus and no cars or other roads around. It is like a bike freeway. It is part of the entire Tucson loop so you can keep going around Tucson for about 100 miles.

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!

This trail starts right next to the fire station with a little dedication area to the barrio that was there before Tucson urbanized the area. The "trail" is a paved 2 lane walkway with benches and nice landscaping. Once you come upon the old railroad tracks there's another interactive area giving the history of the railroads that ran through the area. As you round the corner, there is a cute gazebo and a mural. This is a nice place to learn some Tucson history.

I love this part of the Loop bike system on the east side of Tucson. It's desolate in a wonderful way and makes for a great ride. A little bit hilly and it connects up to the Julian Wash Greenway if you're westbound. On the eastbound route, you connect to the Rillito River Path. You can stop for a water/bathroom break at Thomas Jay Park where Julian Wash Greenway starts. There are only a couple of areas where you have to cross the road, but really there is minimal contact with car traffic.

I would agree with the other reviewers. This is a lovely ride along the river. I started in the south just off the fwy. The trip up was head and cross winds. The weather started cool and cloudy but eventually cleared. There are many entrances to the trail. Some obvious and some not so obvious. I was not alone on this trail it is quite popular. There are a couple nice clean restrooms along the trail especially in Oro Valley Marketplace across from the Walmart. You’ll need to cross the street to get to it. Also, a couple nice pavilions along the way to rest or have a bite to eat.