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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.
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!!!
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