HomeArizonaTucson › Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead

Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicFlat & fastMile markers

Nature preserve with trails for walking and biking amid a desert landscape.

What runners say about Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (147 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“If you need some peace and solitude in a beautiful setting this is it.”

🪧 well-marked 4 mentions

“The trails are very well marked and navigating is really easy.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Accessible from multiple points, allows dogs on leashes, easy trail walking, free parking.”

Great place to go for an easy little hike and get lost for a bit. Butts up against the golf course so you're able to peek over at the water while still being in the desert. Came across 1 javelina, 1 bike and 2 one wheel scooters. Everyone we came across was friendly and said hi.

★★★★★ — Tanya , Sep 2022

I love this underused trail so much that I'm reluctant to share this review being tempted to keep it to myself. If you need some peace and solitude in a beautiful setting this is it. American Coyotes, American Kestrels, Purple Martins, and many of the usual suspects of birds can be seen here.

★★★★★ — Charlie , Aug 2021

Fun short hike. Flat and very easy to walk. Really great assortment of cacti. A whole ton of bats came out at sunset and I saw one coyote dart in front of me into the bushes

★★★★★ — Foodtruck , Jan 2021

Love this "desert sanctuary" or nature preserve. I live near here so it's super convenient and I'm so happy people had the foresight to save this area from development. The views are great and I've taken some wonderful photos of the Tucson mountains here.

★★★★★ — Anon , Apr 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 147 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“The views are great and I've taken some wonderful photos of the Tucson mountains here.”

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📏 Mile markers 4 mentions

“The trails are very well marked and navigating is really easy.”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“also good mountain biking (if you like mostly flat terrain.”

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Plan your run at Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitewebcms.pima.gov

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–6 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–6 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–6 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–6 pm
Friday 6:30 am–6 pm
Saturday 6:30 am–6 pm
Sunday 6:30 am–6 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary Trailhead

9101 N Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85742

Get directions

Running trails near Tucson

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

The Loop Trail

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West Lambert Lane Park

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LoopScenic

Park featuring well-maintained trails, scenic views, benches, and a kid-friendly hike.

3.3 miles away

Tangerine Sky Community Park

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Ample park for families featuring a zip line and climbing equipment.

3.4 miles away

Milonius K. Entwhistle Memorial Bike and Pedestrian Bridge

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Canada del Oro Riverfront Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 688 reviews

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LoopShadedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly spot for playing baseball as well as soccer and basketball at outdoor courts.

4.8 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.