Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona and is about 120 miles south of Phoenix. Located in Arizona’s Sonoran desert, Tucson is surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains, Tortolita Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and Mount Lemmon. The highlights of running in Tuscon take advantage of the stunning desert scenery. The Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a series of paved multi-use paths that form a 131-mile circuit around Tucson and the surrounding suburbs. Pro Tip: Catch the wildflowers in spring!
Right downtown, there is some decent running around the large University of Arizona campus and downtown streets. Just north of Tuscon, the Rillito River Park Trail runs for 12 miles. There are also 14 miles of multi-use paths along both banks of the Santa Cruz River. For a challenge, run the roads up Sentinel Peak & Tumamoc Hill.
Some of the best places to run in Tucson are in the desert & mountains nearby. Saguaro National Park, which is divided into eastern and western sections, has some wonderful trail running, with terrain for all abilities. For more modest trail running and an opportunity to enjoy the area’s mountain views and desert scenery, we recommend Sabino Canyon and the trails in the Starr Pass area. Picacho Peak Park is also a worth-it destination run for desert scenery & wildflowers (in season).
Runner Notes: Be aware of the desert heat & plan accordingly. The university campus, downtown, and the convention center are all within a two mile radius. Moreover, the restored mansions of El Presidio Historic District and the adobe row houses of Barrio Historico, reflect Tucson’s nineteenth-century beginnings. Major suburbs of Tucson include Oro Valley and Marana, which are located in the Northwestern part of the city. Major communities south of the city are Sahuarita and South Tucson.
With hot summers and temperate winters, Tucson has a desert climate that’s great for running except in the hottest summer months.
