Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Sweetwater Preserve
Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Sweetwater Preserve
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Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Sweetwater Preserve
04:01
67.4km
360m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 7.63 km for 63 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
447 m
Saguaro Vista Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.66 km
Open bike path with the Catalina Mountains in the distance
Highlight • Cycleway
18.9 km
Cañada del Oro River Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
20.9 km
Cañada del Oro River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
23.3 km
Cañada del Oro River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
67.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
54.3 km
8.11 km
3.83 km
754 m
331 m
150 m
Surfaces
40.0 km
26.1 km
754 m
655 m
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Elevation
Highest point (860 m)
Lowest point (640 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 14 July
39°C
24°C
37 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 1.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that truly tests your versatility and offers a unique blend of urban path and rugged desert singletrack, the Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Sweetwater Preserve is a challenging but rewarding choice. This difficult 42.0-mile (67.6 km) ride packs in 1184 feet (361 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 1 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced cyclists with good fitness who are comfortable tackling varied terrain, including mountain biking sections.
What to expect on Cañada del Oro River Park – Cañada del Oro River Trail loop from Sweetwater Preserve
This route is a journey of contrasts, starting with the smooth, paved surfaces of the Cañada del Oro River Park Trail, part of Tucson's extensive "The Loop" system. Here, you'll enjoy vehicle-free riding with views of the Catalina Mountains and the meandering Cañada del Oro River Wash, passing by golf courses and classic Sonoran Desert scenery. However, the character shifts dramatically as you enter Sweetwater Preserve, renowned for its excellent desert singletrack. Expect rocky, unpaved sections winding through a dense collection of towering saguaro cacti, offering expansive views of the Tucson Mountains. While some trails like the Desperado Trail are manageable on a gravel bike, be prepared for challenging segments where you might need to push your bike, making this a hard bike ride that demands good fitness and adaptability.
Planning your visit
The loop combines two distinct environments, so ensure your bike is suitable for both paved paths and rocky singletrack. The trails within Sweetwater Preserve are well-marked, which helps with navigation through the desert landscape. Given the significant distance and elevation, bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. This route is a great option for experienced touring cyclists looking to explore the diverse natural features and cycling opportunities around Tucson, Arizona.
Trail details
- Distance: 42.0 miles (67.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 1184 feet (361 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 1 minutes
Comments
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