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Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Tucson, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Tanque Verde Ridge Trail'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.
Popular, rocky day-hike destination with 11 miles of views & wildlife; some steep climbs required.
What runners say about Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
“Beautiful trail, amazing views, drop the ear buds and listen to the desert and the birds.”
For those who are up to the challenge, this trail offers some of the most spectacular hiking & scenery in the entire region. The first three miles or so require some rather strenuous climbing, so plan accordingly & always carry plenty of water (especially in summer).
We chose this trail specifically to walk at sunset as the NPS website recommended it. At only .25 mile in, the land rises up and gives spectacular views of the setting sun. We got there about 45 minutes before sunset and walked back to the parking area once the sun dipped below the horizon.
Truly a beautiful place to go hiking in the Rincon Mountains in Saguaro National Park East Tucson A beautiful Trail you would want to go on a cool day and on an overcast day would be nice too or at least partly cloudy with a breeze.
First time at saguaro national park. Wife and I tried this particular trail. It was fun actually. Extremely long. We completed a fraction of the trail. We suggest if you are going to make a day of it to start as early as you can and pack snacks. It is a very long trail. I think it can be done in 4, 5 hours maybe.
Trail conditions & character
“Regardless of skill level or distance covered, almost every hiker is sure to fall in love with the changing landscapes & sweeping views along this magnificent trail!”
“Great hike inside the park Easy to find the trailhead (go right at the gate house to the picnic area instead of all the way around).”
“Very rocky throughout so have solid boots or trail runners.”
Plan your run at Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(520) 733-5153
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
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.
Broadway Trailhead
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Douglas Spring Trail
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Pantano Wash Path
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Roy Schoonover Trailhead
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Bear Canyon Trailhead
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Family-friendly trailhead offering various hiking options through scenic terrain.