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Rillito River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,356 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rillito River Park'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.
This riverside park with exercise stations & equestrian access features soft & hard trails.
What runners say about Rillito River Park
“This place is awesome for great views, hanging out with the family or by yourself reading the Bible.”
“The trail is plenty wide enough for bicycles to pass without interference to pedestrians and the trees and landscaping are pleasing to look at and provide some shade.”
I have been going to this path for 25 years! I can assure you it’s one of the most serene places to be at. Whether you like walking, jogging, riding your bike. This is a great place that can begin at Orange Grove all the way to Sabino Canyon and further. Over the years, they have developed more asphalt on it.
I stumbled across this great path while out exercising a friend's dog. The trail is plenty wide enough for bicycles to pass without interference to pedestrians and the trees and landscaping are pleasing to look at and provide some shade. There are a few water fountains and benches along the way for rest stops too.
I enjoyed how people are friendly enough to say hello, good morning, or even just a smile. I like how the road is nicely paved and also has good directions on where you are as well as how far the next exit is. I also like that, I found free parking in different entrance spots.
Fantastic place for outdoors cardio activities!! Two different roads - the first one is paved for bicycling and paved running, another one is for trail running. No matter which road you prefer you will enjoy scenic views of Sonoran landscapes!!
Trail conditions & character
“This place is awesome for great views, hanging out with the family or by yourself reading the Bible.”
“I like how the road is nicely paved and also has good directions on where you are as well as how far the next exit is.”
“I stumbled across this great path while out exercising a friend's dog.”
“The trail offers a rest area by the park and drinking fountains on both sides of the bridges.”
“The trail is plenty wide enough for bicycles to pass without interference to pedestrians and the trees and landscaping are pleasing to look at and provide some shade.”
“Proceeded west on north side trail to La Cholla Rd and back on south side trail east bound to the Shamrock Trailhead.”
Plan your run at Rillito River Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewebcms.pima.gov
- Phone(520) 724-5000
Hours
| 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 |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Rillito River Park at La Canada
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Park with a disc-golf course and trails for walking and biking, plus a public restroom.