Sweetwater Preserve, Tucson AZ
Sweetwater Preserve, about 4 miles west of the I-10, is our go-to for easy trail runs when in Tucson. While there are a few chunky sections, most of the area is not technical nor sandy. After a weird month of wiping out at least 7-8 times last winter, Sweetwater is the one place I am not currently scared to get back off-road.
The 4.5 mile Desperado Loop is smooth and fast (even rideable for me on a gravel bike) and, as with the whole Preserve, very well marked. Following the outermost trails, you can get in 10-12 miles without doubling up on any section and enjoying views of the Tucson while feeling like you’ve escaped city life for a bit. The area’s famous saguaros provide little shade, but give runners and cyclists a great taste of typical Sonora Desert scenery. Take care to avoid the other varieties of cactus that often stick out onto the trail around some sharp corners!
