Best Of Tucson®

Best Outdoors 2025

Best Bike Riding

The Loop

130 E. Congress Street

520-367-2211

tucsonloop.org

The Loop is over 100 miles of connected, car-free multiuse paths running through Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley. It links river parks, trails, neighborhoods, restaurants and recreational spaces for biking, walking and skating. Labeled as the No. 1 bike path in the United States, visitors can rent bikes and stay at Loop hotels while they’re conquering this path.  

Reader Recommended

Mount Lemmon

mtlemmon.com

Sabino Canyon

5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road 

520-749-2861

sabinocanyon.org

Best Biking Group/Community

BICAS

2001 N. Seventh Avenue

520-628-7950

bicas.org

Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage, BICAS, is a nonprofit that offers a variety of programs that teach bicycle repair, mechanics and salvage skills. Members can earn a bike or parts through volunteer trade while helping maintain the shop’s inventory. The nonprofit’s mission is to participate in affordable bicycle transportation and creative recycling through advocacy and bicycle salvage. 

Reader Recommended

Tuesday Night Bike Ride

facebook.com/groups/TNRTucson

El Grupo

610 N. Ninth Avenue

520-429-6138

elgrupocycling.org

Best Hike

Sabino Canyon

5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road 

520-749-2861

sabinocanyon.org

Sabino Canyon sits in the Santa Catalina Mountains and encompasses multiple trails, creeks, ridges and rock formations for hikers. The canyon setting includes desert vegetation and water features throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the running creek water and the freshness of the morning air.

Reader Recommended

Tumamoc Hill

Tumamoc Hill Road

tumamoc.org

Catalina State Park


11570 N. Oracle Road


520-628-5798


azstateparks.com


Best Backpacking Trail


Sabino Canyon


5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road 


520-749-2861


sabinocanyon.org


Sabino Canyon’s hiking trail extends into the Santa Catalina Mountains and connects to desert and mountain terrain. Backpackers can experience desert flooding cycles, creek crossings and side trails for deep exploration. 


Reader Recommended


Arizona Trail


aztrail.org


Aravaipa Canyon


Aravaipa Canyon Road


928-828-3443


visittucson.org


Best Campground


Patagonia Lake State Park


400 Patagonia Lake Road


520-287-6965


azstateparks.com


Patagonia Lake State Park includes a 250-acre lake and offers camping, boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities. The park has a campground and marina with water activities, scenic views and trails along waterways and hillsides. Since its establishment in 1975, the park has been an ideal place for family fun and relaxation. 


Reader Recommended


Madera Canyon


friendsofmaderacanyon.org


Catalina State Park


11570 N. Oracle Road


520-628-5798


azstateparks.com


Best Dog Park


Reid Park


900 S. Randolph Way


tucsonaz.gov


Reid Park features a fenced dog play area with separate sections for small and large breeds. The space also
includes grassy fields, walking paths and shaded seating for owners. The corner playground was named in honor of Miko, a police dog who died in the line of duty. 


Reader Recommended


Brandi Fenton


3482 E. River Road


520-724-5000


pima.gov


Udall Park


7290 E. Tanque Verde Road


tucsonaz.gov


Best Public Garden


Tucson Botanical Gardens


2150 N. Alvernon Way


520-326-9686


tucsonbotanical.org


Tucson Botanical Gardens features over 20 themed garden spaces across 5.5 acres, including a cactus and succulent garden and a butterfly pavilion. It hosts classes, events and educational programming in botany, nature, art and ecology. The garden aims to connect people with plants and nature through art, science and culture.  


Reader Recommended


Tohono Chul Park


7366 N. Paseo del Norte


520-742-6455


tohonochul.org


Reid Park Rose Garden


920 S. Concert Place


520-791-4873


tucsonaz.gov


Best Day Trip


Mount Lemmon


mtlemmon.com


Mount Lemmon offers scenic views from the desert to pine forests year-round. Hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing are among the activities visitors can participate in. Small mountain towns along the route provide dining options and a quiet getaway experience.  


Reader Recommended


Bisbee


520-432-6000


bisbeeaz.gov


Sonoita


sonoitaaz.com


Best Bike Shop


Ajo Bikes


1301 E. Ajo Way


520-294-1434


ajobikes.com


Ajo Bikes has been serving Tucson cyclists for decades with a wide selection of bikes, accessories and repair services. The shop specializes in both road and mountain bikes and provides expert fitting for riders of all levels. It aims to help during the bike selection process and “long after” the purchase as well. 


Reader Recommended


BICAS


2001 N. Seventh Avenue


520-628-7950


bicas.org


Fair Wheel Bikes


1110 E. Sixth Street


520-884-9018


fairwheelbikes.com

Best Outdoor Recreation/ Sporting Goods Store


Miller’s Surplus


406 N. Sixth Avenue


520-622-4777


millerssurplusstore.com


Miller’s Surplus offers gear for camping, hunting, hiking and military equipment needs. It carries durable and survival products for outdoor enthusiasts. The shop has served Tucson since 1951 and carries multiple brands, including Wrangler, Camelbak, Condor and others. 


Reader Recommended


Play It Again Sports


4750 E. Speedway Boulevard


520-795-0363


playitagainsports.com


Turner’s Outdoorsmen


5146 E. Pima Street


520-325-3346


turners.com


Best Park


Reid Park


900 S. Randolph Way


tucsonaz.gov


Reid Park spans over 131 acres that include ponds, playgrounds, walking trails and athletic fields. It also
hosts Reid Park Zoo, a rose garden and community events throughout the year. The park also has other amenities such as a swimming pool and performance center. 


Reader Recommended


Agua Caliente


12325 E. Roger Road


520-724-5000


pima.gov


Himmel Park


1000 N. Tucson Boulevard


520-791-4873


tucsonaz.gov


Best Golf Course


Starr Pass Golf Club


3645 W. Starr Pass Boulevard


520-900-8210


theclubatstarrpass.com


Starr Pass Golf Club offers 27 holes set among desert landscapes in the Tucson Mountain Park. The design
merges original and Arnold Palmer-redesigned courses to challenge golfers of all skill levels. As part of a resort complex, it offers many amenities, including seven restaurants, a golf shop and a spa. 


Reader Recommended


Ventana Canyon


6200 N. Club House Lane


520-577-1400


ventanacanyonclub.com


La Paloma


3660 E. Sunrise Drive


520-299-1500


lapalomacc.com