The best traffic-free bike rides in the Rincon Mountains
4.9
(38)
716
riders
14
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains traverse a diverse landscape, transitioning from arid Sonoran Desert saguaro forests at lower elevations to cooler pine forests at higher altitudes. This "sky island" mountain range features significant elevation changes, with peaks exceeding 8,600 feet, and numerous canyons and rock outcroppings. The region includes Saguaro National Park East, offering dedicated paved loops and trails suitable for touring cyclists. These routes provide varied backdrops for cycling, from dense cactus stands to scrub oak hills.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop from Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead, a 54.5 miles (87.7 km) trail that takes about 5 hours to complete. This route offers extensive paved paths along river parkways, ideal for long-distance touring.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Robert A. Price Senior Park – Julian Wash Greenway loop from Fantasy Island, a moderate 33.2 miles (53.5 km) path. This route provides a mix of urban and natural scenery along well-maintained greenways.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Robert A. Price Senior Park – Joining Hands loop from Davis-Monthan Environs Open Space, a 16.8 miles (27.0 km) trail leading through open spaces and park areas, often completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Touring cycling in the Rincon Mountains is defined by saguaro forests, diverse desert ecosystems, and paved river park trails. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes with elevation gain.
- The routes in Rincon Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 1000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Rincon Mountains's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
4.7
(22)
85
riders
41.8km
02:23
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
33
riders
58.6km
03:20
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
21
riders
45.2km
02:44
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
11.8km
01:05
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
20.8km
01:52
150m
150m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Other adventures in the Rincon Mountains
Tips from the Community
Tracks and Trails Mural, 2023. Artists: Jessica Gonzales and Rock Martinez. Overview: The vibrant painting depicts the relationship between wildlife, vegetation and humans in the desert ecosystem. Viewed from left to right, the mural reveals a typical day in the desert, starting at dawn and ending at night. Designed with elements of optical illusion, the mural creates a dynamic visual experience for viewers traveling the path across the wash, shifting and revealing new perspectives as they move past the artwork. The expansive mural not only enhances the landscape but also reflects the artists’ shared vision and their engagement with the surrounding community. Best viewed from the other side of the wash.
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Nature of Movement, 2015. Artist: Joshua Wiener. Overview: The sculpture expands your attention by changing as you move through the space. As you approach, it has an inverted cone on one side and a series of vertical lines on the other. As you move past the piece, the cone unravels while the other side becomes a cone. Understanding how we inhabit the land and what our perspective does to our experience will help us be more perceptive.
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Subaerial Embrace, 2021. Artists: Zach Lihtash and Troy Neiman. Overview: The artists were inspired by hoodoos and rock formations near Windy Point in the Catalina Mountains. The sculpture, that you can move through, is made of steel and concrete stucco and provides protection for a bike/pedestrian counter.
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Marble Waters, 2008. Artist: Robin Riley. Overview: This combination of cascading rain and raindrops shows the abstract movement of water using 2,000 iridescent glass marbles and broken tile. The raindrops are circles of broken tile with marbles inside.
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Wild Spirit, 2025. Artist: Al Glann. This is one of many sculptures along the Tucson Loop. See pima.gov/170/The-Loop-Art-Map.
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Towers of a Martian Odyssey, 2018. Artist: Art Neptune. Overview: Inspired by the movie “2001, A Space Odyssey” 8 steel tubes sized from 8 feet to 17.5 feet tall are spaced serendipitously along the bike path. All but one has plasma cut holes of different designs, leaving the meaning open to the viewers’ interpretation.
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Spoked Cathedral, 2015. Artist: Joseph Lupiani. Overview: The design is reminiscent of a cathedral window, with a vegetative pattern on the lower section tying into the natural world. The star shape is based on the Arizona flag. There is also a covered rest area here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in the Rincon Mountains?
There are 13 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for touring cyclists.
Are there easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in the Rincon Mountains?
Yes, the Rincon Mountains offer 5 easy no-traffic touring cycling routes. A great option for beginners is the Robert A. Price Senior Park – Joining Hands loop from Davis-Monthan Environs Open Space, which is a relatively flat 27 km ride.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains?
The terrain varies significantly, reflecting the Rincon Mountains' 'sky island' environment. You'll find routes through iconic saguaro forests at lower elevations, transitioning to scrub oak-covered hills. While many no-traffic routes utilize paved paths or well-maintained dirt roads, some may feature gentle rolls and turns, especially within areas like Saguaro National Park East.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in the Rincon Mountains?
The cooler months, typically from fall through spring (October to April), are ideal for touring cycling in the Rincon Mountains. Summers can be very hot, making early mornings or late afternoons the only viable options. During cooler months, you might also experience seasonal water features like Tanque Verde Falls.
Are there any loop routes for no-traffic touring cycling in the Rincon Mountains?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains are loops. For example, the Cactus Forest Drive – Javelina Rocks loop from Tanque Verde offers a scenic 45 km ride through Saguaro National Park East.
What natural attractions can I see along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many routes pass through or near stunning natural features. You can cycle through magnificent saguaro forests, especially within Saguaro National Park East. Highlights include the Saguaro East Loop and the Freeman Homestead Trail. If you're lucky after rainfall, you might even spot Bridal Wreath Falls.
Are there family-friendly no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains?
Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The Cactus Forest Loop Drive within Saguaro National Park East is particularly popular, offering an 8-mile paved, one-way loop with gentle rolls through dense saguaro cactus forests. This provides an immersive and safe experience for all ages.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the Rincon Mountains?
The Rincon Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.88 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique desert landscapes, the opportunity to cycle among towering saguaros, and the peaceful, traffic-free experience on designated routes and park roads.
Where can I find parking for no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains?
Parking is generally available at trailheads and visitor centers, particularly within Saguaro National Park East. For routes like the Bike loop from Vail Vortex Trailhead, you can typically find parking directly at the trailhead.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains?
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the Rillito River Trail – Pantano River Park loop from Fantasy Island - Bunny Trailhead offer an extensive 87 km journey, providing a significant distance without vehicle traffic.
Can I bring my dog on no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Rincon Mountains?
While many outdoor areas in the Rincon Mountains are dog-friendly, specific rules apply within Saguaro National Park. Dogs are generally permitted on paved roads, picnic areas, and established trails within 50 feet of a road, but not on backcountry trails. Always check specific park regulations or trail signage before heading out with your pet.
Are there any specific regulations or permits needed for cycling in Saguaro National Park East?
No special permits are typically required for cycling on the paved roads and designated trails within Saguaro National Park East, such as the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. However, standard park entrance fees apply. For detailed information on bicycling regulations, you can visit the official NPS website: nps.gov/sagu.
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