Santa Cruz River Park Trail
Can be accessed at several points along the Santa Cruz River

Stretching 9.5 miles along the banks of the Santa Cruz River is the Santa Cruz River Park Trail which offers a mostly flat, paved, trail for cyclists, walkers, and joggers.

This trail located just West of I-10 is often considered one of the best-kept secrets in town. The Santa Cruz River Park Trail offers a scenic tour along the Santa Cruz River. It gives the feeling of having left Tucson entirely! In addition to the river bed, the trail also passes by a wetlands project, And an open-pit mine. You can also see the largest tree in Tucson.

The Santa Cruz River Park Trail begins at the Santa Cruz River Park just north of 29th St. and Silverlake Road. It runs all the way up to El Rio Park just North of Twin Peaks Road. It is assessable anywhere it crosses a road along the West side of I-10. But, there is also parking available at the Santa Cruz River Park, at Ontario St. and Riverside Rd., off Riverview Blvd., at Christopher Columbus Park off Silverbell Rd., at the ball fields off El Camino Del Cerro, at CrossRoads Park at Cortaro Farms, and at El Rio Park at Twin Peaks.

There are a few drinking fountains along the Santa Cruz River Park Trail, but not a lot. So be sure to bring water with you. Also, pets are welcome, but due to the large amount of cyclist activity it is important to be alert. There is also an area that offers concessions at about the halfwaypoint, so bring a few dollars for snacks.

Go ahead and grab those walking/jogging shoes or your bike and head on over to the Santa Cruz River Park Trail. It’s a great place to enjoy some outdoors time and get in some exercise!