Hey, Tyler Ford here, Tucson, Arizona with EXP Realty. In my late teens and early twenties, I started cycling and fell in love with the sport. I eventually left for college at NAU (Northern Arizona University) in Flagstaff—another great place for cycling in Arizona—and that is where my passion for riding really took off.
I’ve seen Tucson evolve over the years into a thriving cycling community, and it only continues to get better. Here is why so many people choose to ride here:
Professional Training: Many professional cyclists and pro-triathletes come here during the fall, winter, and spring to train.
Winter Homes: It has become such a “Mecca” that many pros actually own homes here to winter and train before their competitive season begins.
Destination Vacations: If you are a cyclist coming here for a vacation, Tucson is a premier destination.
In this post, I’m also going to talk a little bit about the best places to stay to make the most of your cycling trip!
One of the primary reasons Tucson is such a world-class cycling community is Mount Lemmon. It is home to one of the most iconic and epic road climbs in the United States.
The Climb: A steady 30-mile ascent.
The Road: The pavement is in great shape with a generous shoulder for safety.
Elevation Change: You start in the desert at 2,500 feet and top out near 10,000 feet at the summit.
Especially during the summer, Mt. Lemmon is the place to be for locals. By getting an early start, you can escape the desert heat—within the first hour of riding, you’ll already be in significantly cooler mountain air.
Sunday is the big day on the mountain.
The Staging Area: Cyclists typically park and gather at the Safeway Shopping Center on the corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway.
Fuel Up: Most riders meet at Le Buzz Caffe, a local favorite for breakfast and coffee, before staging for the climb.
The Crowd: While people ride the mountain every day, Sunday is when you’ll see the largest groups and packs making their way up.
One of the most common questions is: “Is it rideable in the winter?” Yes, it certainly is! * Winter Conditions: If there has been heavy rain in the valley, there is often snow at the top. However, as long as the roads are clear, it’s a fantastic winter ride.
Layer Up: Temperature swings are dramatic. Even in the summer, it gets chilly at the top.
The Descent: After working hard and sweating on the way up, you’ll want an extra layer for the 30-mile descent. Most riders keep their layers on at least until Windy Point Vista (the halfway mark), where the air begins to warm up again.
Mount Lemmon is a must-do for any cyclist visiting Tucson, Arizona.
Tucson is home to many group rides, but none are as legendary as The Shootout. This ride has been a staple of the community for over 30 years and is widely recognized as one of the largest and fastest group rides in the country.
Intensity: This is a super-fast, hard, and challenging ride. It is designed for serious cyclists with strong bike-handling skills.
Pack Size: Expect large groups ranging from 60 to over 100 riders.
Distance: The standard loop is approximately 60 miles, typically finished in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Due to its massive popularity, the ride eventually split into two groups to better manage the size of the pack on the road:
The Old Man Shootout: Despite the name, this is still an incredibly fast and “awesome” ride. It is the preferred choice for many experienced riders over 50.
The Main Shootout: The traditional high-speed hammerfest that follows shortly after.
The Shootout happens every Saturday, though start times shift based on the season to account for the Tucson heat:
Summer Schedule: * Old Man Shootout: 5:45 AM
Main Shootout: 6:00 AM
Winter Schedule: * Old Man Shootout: 7:15 AM
Main Shootout: 7:30 AM
Know Your Skills: If you aren’t comfortable riding in tight, high-speed groups, this ride might not be for you.
Go Long: If 60 miles isn’t enough, many riders tack on an extra climb to Madera Canyon to turn the day into a full century.
More Info: You can find detailed maps and community discussions by looking up The Shootout on Biketucson.com.
If you’re a hardcore cyclist visiting Tucson, The Shootout is the definitive Saturday morning experience.
Start of Shootout bike ride
One of the best things Tucson has ever done for the community is the creation of The Loop. It is a massive, paved trail system that allows you to explore the city without ever having to worry about traffic.
Tucson is surrounded by the Catalina and Rincon Mountains. When it rains or the snow melts, the runoff creates large “washes.” While these aren’t year-round rivers, the city converted their banks into a world-class paved trail system.
Total Distance: There are now approximately 131+ miles of paved paths connecting the entire city.
The Main Circle: Many cyclists take on the “actual” loop, which is a popular 60-mile circuit.
Safety First: Because it is separated from the road, you don’t have to deal with traffic lights, cars, or intersections.
The Loop isn’t just for casual rides; it’s a strategic way for serious cyclists to navigate the city. Depending on where you are staying, you can use The Loop to safely reach the start of The Shootout or the base of Mount Lemmon without ever sharing the road with a car.
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master this trail system.
👉 View our full resident guide to The Loop in Tucson Arizona
You can also watch my video tour of the system by clicking the video embed above!
Whether you are visiting for a cycling destination vacation or planning a permanent move, choosing the right home base is key. While there are great spots all over the city, I’m a firm believer that one area stands above the rest.
I’ll admit I’m biased—I grew up here and live here now—but from a purely cycling standpoint, the Eastside is the place to be. Here’s why:
Proximity to Mt. Lemmon: You are “out the door” and at the base of the mountain in minutes.
The Loop Access: The Loop has made it so you rarely have to put your bike in a car. You can jump on the trail and connect to almost any major riding route in the city.
The Best Summer Ride: This area gives you direct access to Saguaro National Park East.
This is easily one of my favorite rides, especially in the summer.
The Route: It features an iconic 8-mile paved loop (Cactus Forest Loop Drive).
The Experience: It’s a hilly, beautiful circuit. Many locals will do multiple laps to get their miles in.
Access: You do need a pass to enter. I recommend getting the annual pass if you plan on riding it frequently.
Learn More: You can check out Saguaro National Park’s official site for current entrance fees and safety tips.
If you are looking for an Airbnb or a permanent home, focus your search on Northeast or East Tucson. It offers the best “ride-from-your-front-door” experience in the entire valley.
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