Arizona’s Starr Pass Trail Has Been Ranked One Of The Best Bike Paths In The Southwest

Cycling is both a great workout and an awesome way to enjoy Arizona's boundless desert landscape, but traversing the same routes can get rather monotonous. Luckily, boredom is virtually impossible on the Starr Pass Trail System, which snakes through Tucson Mountain Park and offers endless choose-your-own adventures. Thrillist even ranked it among the best bike trails in the Southwest! Grab your helmet and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

Located within Tucson Mountain Park, the Starr Pass Trail System is a network of trails spanning just under 10 miles.

Some of the most popular trailheads can be found at the ends of Clearwell Road and 36th Street, as well as near the JW Marriott Resort. You can also access Tucson Mountain Park West via this trail system.

Rated moderately difficult and with rocky terrain at times, the loop tests your skills in more ways than one.

There are plenty of silky smooth stretches in between the bumps where you can cool down and gear up for the next challenge.

You can see here how the paths snake up and down the mountain.

The incline is ever-changing from uphill to down, with a total elevation gain of around 826 feet. Talk about a good leg workout!

With each stride you pedal, desert brush continues to surround you on all sides.

Various types of cacti, including our beloved Saguaro, as well as other unique vegetation makes for an interesting—and perhaps even educational—ride.

Soar through the park feeling free as a bird with the wind in your hair and on your skin.

The best part? With several intersecting trails, it's essentially a choose-your-own-adventure type of ride.

Come for the unparalleled bike trails, but stay for the sunsets.

We've said this many times before, but it should be screamed from the rooftops for all to hear: nothing on Earth compares to the golden hour in Arizona.

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.

Have you ever biked on the Star Pass Trail System? If so, we'd love to hear all about the ride! Let us know how it went, and check out our previous article for more bike paths with gorgeous scenery.