As you probably already know, Tucson is the winner of numerous awards related to bicycling, running, hiking, and the outdoor lifestyle. Our city is a place of endless sunshine, wide open spaces, and many months of potential leisure activities. Tucson also boasts over 130 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes, which connect the entire city. These paths are part of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop (or "The Loop," for short).
The Loop provides a car-free way to get around the city, enjoying nature and magnificent mountain views as you get from here to there.
New to The Chuck Huckelberry Loop? This guide will provide everything you need to know to start biking, walking, jogging, running, skateboarding, or horseback riding around town.
Jennifer Brown and Sandy Ballis ride their horses along the The Loop as it runs along the Rillito River between La Cañada and La Cholla on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015.
Children play in the splash park at Brandi Fenton Park on June 28, 2016.
Photo of people using the Loop along the Rillito River.Photo of people using the Loop along the Rillito River.
Pima County recently completed 3.2 miles of a new asphalt pathway along the Harrison Greenway section of the Loop.
The Loop runs along the Cañada del Oro River Park into Oro Valley, and crosses over the CDO wash.
The Santa Cruz River near Paseo de las Iglesias.
Joining Hands was installed in 2011 and created by Chris Tanz.
The Loop extends 131 miles through unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson.
There are over 50 parking lots around the loop. Parking is free in most of these lots. You can print a PDF copy of a map to the Chuck Huckelberry Loop here.
The entire loop is open from dawn to dusk. Use of The Loop during nighttime hours is not permitted.
This is one of the best aspects of The Loop! Hop on your bike or grab your running shoes...and you'll be able to get to parks, splash pads, restaurants, hotels, shopping areas, libraries, entertainment venues - perhaps even your workplace or school!
Here is a very brief list of some of the places you can access from The Chuck Huckelberry Loop:
You can view numerous destinations - as well as restrooms, ramadas, and benches along the route - in Pima County's Interactive Map.
Absolutely! Bicycling is probably the most common use of The Chuck Huckelberry Loop, although you will also find runners, joggers, and horseback riders enjoying the paths.
Cyclists are advised to yield to pedestrians, to keep their speed at a reasonable level, and to announce their passing with a bell or other signal. Cyclists should ride two abreast (at most) and, as is the case with all trail users, ought to stay to the right of the centerline at all times except when passing.
Yes! You will want to be sure that your horse will be comfortable around whizzing bicycles, families with strollers, and groups of joggers.
Of course! Prepare for a perfect day in the Tucson sunshine with light layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water.
Yes!
Yes. Pets are permitted, but please be sure to properly clean up and dispose of any waste. Note also that pets must be leashed (less than 6 feet) and may not cross the centerline, staying to the right at all times.
No. The Loop is reserved for pedestrians. Please leave your motorized vehicles at home.
The entire trail is marked via GIS mapping on the Pima County-Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Loop Interactive map.
This map has many fields and features including mile markings down to .25 miles. Part of the problem with physically marking all stretches of the Loop is the fact it follows several water courses (Santa Cruz, Rillito, CDO, Julian Wash, Pantano, etc.) in several jurisdictions (Marana, Oro Valley, City of Tucson, City of South Tucson, Pima County). Likewise, many sections of the path are only on one side, not both sides, of the riverbed. The Loop Advisory Committee meets several times a year and has continued to debate the topic of marking the path.
Common guidelines are that you should "stay to the right" and "pass on the left" - regardless of your mode of travel. Note that you should not walk, bike, or run to the left of the centerline unless you are passing someone ahead of you. If you are enjoying the outdoors with a group, be sure not to crowd the path and stay to the right of the centerline.
Yes. There are 15+ restrooms along the path, as well as 20+ parks along the route with facilities.
Yes. You will find trash cans at numerous stops and trails along the route. Be sure to properly dispose of all trash in these containers and do not litter along the paths. Together, we can keep Tucson clean and beautiful!
Camping is not permitted along The Chuck Huckelberry Loop.
No. The City of Tucson and Pima County do not allow any commercial activity along the Loop unless a special permit is granted.
Chuck Huckelberry is a civil engineer and the current County Administrator of Pima County. He has been an advocate of The Loop since the 1980s. The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted in 2018 to name The Loop in his honor.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you go:
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