Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Julian Wash Greenway showcases the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert as it travels from a junction with the Santa Cruz River Park Trail to S. Rita Road in southeastern Tucson. The trail offers views of distant mountains and connects several parks, including the Julian Wash Archaeological Park, which interprets the history of the Hohokam people that once lived in the region.
For much of its route, the main paved trail is paralleled by a soft-surface path for equestrians and joggers. The greenway is also part of a larger trail network called The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, spanning more than 136 miles throughout Tucson and Pima County.
Parking and drinking fountains are available at the parks along the trail, including: Sam Lena Recreation Area (3400 S. Country Club Boulevard), Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park (5432 S. Bryant Avenue), and Thomas Jay Regional Park (6465 South Craycroft Road). A trailhead parking lot is also located at 7501 S. Kolb Road.
We stayed at the Tucson KOA and you can ride out the back of the KOA and get on the trail. About the middle of the trail. First day we headed west for 7 miles. The trail flows into the Santa Cruz Trail so you could go a long way if wanted. It’s ok. Has two kind of confusing street crossings. Not particularly scenic. 2nd day went east for 10 miles where Julian wash flows into another section of the loop. This was a workout ride. You don’t realize it but it is a slight steady uphill and we had a good headwind. So a workout! No shade and not particularly scenic.
Path is easy with beautiful landscaping along the way. Started at the trailhead (I think). The only problem was when we got to the busy intersection where the China Express was. Didn't know where to go from there. Better signage would have helped. So we turned around and went back. Picked up the Santa Cruz River Park trail.
Sure, it’s not the most scenic, but it’s in good shape and separate from auto traffic for the most part. A few homeless encampments along the western half of the trail, but they left us alone. Plenty of friendly cyclists on the trail, but it never felt crowded. There’s an odd part at Ajo/6th where the trail runs along the major streets for a couple blocks. I took off one star for that segment.
The Julian Wash Greenway is one of five sections of the 56-mile continuous multi-use path around Tucson. I have been walking the Loop in sections for almost two years. I should be done by year's end.
While the path itself is in good shape, the big flaw to this section is its many homeless people, especially on its western part nearing downtown. People live in the culverts, the overpasses, under thick shade trees in the washes. They don't bother me because I always walk with at least one dog by my side, but the trash they leave behind can get overwhelming.
This is also the industrialized part of Tucson. The eastern part goes south of the Davis-Monthan Air Force base, where new homes are being built along the interstate.
There is very little shade along this stretch. Water is available in the parks along the way, with flush toilets.
There are two blocks where the path is the actual street, east of the Los Ninos Park.
This is the least-used section of the Loop.
The trail was very nice, but go with caution. Lots of homeless living along the trail.
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, as noted, is part of what is called "The Loop" that is being developed by Tucson. It will eventually be 131 miles. They even have "The Loop" jerseys, arm warmers and leg warmers for sale! I stuck to the Julian Wash Greenway, but could have easily caught connecting parts of the trail. A woman who rode with me for a bit had already been riding 30 miles on the trails. I started riding at Thomas Jay regional park and went west. It goes about 9 miles west. The first parts are fairly scenic, passing 2 or 3 more parks, but then it gets a bit urban - having to cross several major intersections. However - the trail is very well marked, and the intersections are at traffic lights, so the crossings are safe. I then came back and went about 2.5 miles east. This again, was a bit scenic but not much. The pavement is awesome, it is nice and wide, with lots of friendly cyclists on the trail. Thanks to Tucson for doing this!!!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
