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