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Tortolita Preserve Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · Running trail in Marana, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Tortolita Preserve 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.
Desert preserve featuring a 9.5-mile loop for mountain biking and hiking with scenic views.
What runners say about Tortolita Preserve Trailhead
“Runnable path that is well marked and gorgeous desert views .”
“The well-marked paths and peaceful atmosphere made for a wonderful walk.”
Walk counterclockwise so that you can see the bikes coming. I highly encourage you to not bring dogs to this particular location as there’s just a ton of bikes and it would be challenging to not have your pup in the way.
Hiked. Courteous Mtn Bikers and evidence of a horse recently on the trail. One of the more beautiful and lush areas of desert.
For runners considering the full loop, my Garmin recorded 9.64 miles and 584 ft total ascent. I recommend running clockwise (west first instead of north towards the Tortolitas) so you can see the bicyclists coming at you, as they all seem to go counterclockwise.
Well maintained and marked trails. Beautiful views of the city. Stay hydrated and enjoy.
Trail conditions & character
“Runnable path that is well marked and gorgeous desert views .”
“Has some nice, flowy, slightly downhill sections, but the first and last thirds of the loop are at a gradual incline.”
“You can also cut the 9.2 miles down to ~7.”
“Has some nice, flowy, slightly downhill sections, but the first and last thirds of the loop are at a gradual incline.”
“Unfortunately a lot of people don’t know it’s directional counter-clockwise, especially after a lot of new riders started hitting it when the new parking went in on Moore Rd.”
“I highly encourage you to not bring dogs to this particular location as there’s just a ton of bikes and it would be challenging to not have your pup in the way.”
“The good news is you can hear them early and it's so flat that they are not barreling down on you too fast.”
“The well-marked paths and peaceful atmosphere made for a wonderful walk.”
Plan your run at Tortolita Preserve Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemaranaaz.gov
Running trails near Marana
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Tangerine Sky Community Park
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Wild Burro Trailhead
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Dove Mountain West Park
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Clean family-friendly park featuring a playground, basketball and pickleball courts.
El Rio Preserve
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Bird-watching preserve featuring a lake, along with paved and dirt trails for hiking and biking as well as picnic tables.