Rillito River Park, Saguaro National Park Travel Guide

4.6 (1295)

Explore Tucson's Rillito River Park: a scenic trail for recreation, art, and history along the heart of the city.

The Rillito River Park is a 12-mile linear park in Tucson, following the Rillito River's north and south banks. Part of the larger Chuck Huckelberry Loop, it offers paved paths for recreation, exercise stations, and equestrian access, all within a desert landscape.

A brief summary to Rillito River Park

Tucson, Arizona, 85712, US
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Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rillito River Park.

Go early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the desert heat.
Bring water, especially if you're walking or cycling long distances.
Be aware of other trail users, including cyclists and equestrians.
Visit the Heirloom Farmers Market at Rillito Park on Sundays for local produce and cuisine.

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Explore Rillito River Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Rillito River Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Rillito River Park using public transportation, take Sun Tran bus routes 6, 15, 34, 61, 103X. These routes have stops near the park. From the bus stop, you may need to walk or bike a short distance to reach the park. A single ride fare is $1.75.
Car

If you are traveling by car, head towards the intersection of N Campbell Ave and E River Rd in Tucson. From there, head east on E River Rd. Continue for about 1.5 miles. Rillito River Park will be on your right. Parking is available near the park entrance and is free. Parking is also available at 4210 N Campbell Ave, but there are few spaces, no restrooms, and a difficult entry off a busy street.
Biking

Rillito River Park is accessible via the Rillito River Path. If you are staying in central Tucson, you can bike north on Campbell Ave until you reach E River Rd, then turn east. The park is well-connected with bike paths, making it a great destination for cyclists. Tugo Bike Share offers bike rentals across Tucson, with stations near the Chuck Huckelberry Loop.

Discover more about Rillito River Park

Rillito River Park is a unique recreational space that stretches for 12 miles along the usually dry Rillito River bed in Tucson, Arizona. This linear park forms a significant part of the 137-mile Chuck Huckelberry Loop, a shared-use path encircling the city. The park's development began as a flood control measure in the 1980s, transforming into a valued recreational amenity.The park offers paved trails for walking, running, and cycling, with a parallel soft-surface path for equestrians. Exercise stations are located along the route, and amenities like restrooms and water fountains are available. The Rillito River Park also serves as an ecological corridor, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for roadrunners, swallows, swifts, and bats.Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous public art installations along the Rillito River Park, including murals, sculptures, and tiled bridges. The "Tracks and Trails" mural, completed in 2023, is the city's largest, depicting the desert ecosystem and the relationship between wildlife and humans.The Rillito River Park also has historical significance. The Rillito Racetrack, established in 1943, is known as the birthplace of modern Quarter Horse racing. The Binghampton Rural Historic District, established in 1898, was the first Mormon agrarian settlement in Tucson.