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University of Arizona Loop

Trail map with labeled icon pins.

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: University of Arizona Loop


Park agency: State of Arizona, University of Arizona


Contact: (520) 621-2211


Location: Parking at University Medical Center, 1625 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721


Parking fee: $2/hour


Trail hours: Tucson streetcar hours:

Mon-Fri 6am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-5pm

Museum & Café hours:

Hours vary widely by day and season, check websites


Transit: Tucson streetcar and SunTran bus system


Trail length plus more: 3.4 miles, 1.5 miles traveling by streetcar, 1.9 miles on paved route, or any combination, Gain 60', Elevation 2400'


Trail surface: Paved


Date of last visit: February 12, 2024


Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails for themselves, consider their own abilities, and assume all risks associated with trail use. Tucson AccessTrails, a nonprofit corporation, is not responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.


Description:

The University of Arizona loop is a pleasant urban hike through the best parts of the campus.  Half of the loop is a ride on the Tucson streetcar, and the other half is along the sidewalks through the iconic grassy campus mall.  The highlights will be seven museums, uncountable gardens and sculptures, and many opportunities for a cold drink in an outdoor café.  Dogs are allowed on the campus mall and in some cafés, but not on the streetcar.


The loop starts with accessible parking on the top level of the University Medical Center parking structure, for a fee of $2/hour.  From there, it is a short walk through a pedestrian greenway to the streetcar stop, where you can either continue hiking or hop on the streetcar.


On the 1-mile walk down the sidewalks along the campus mall, you can visit the Flandrau Planetarium, a cactus garden, the student union, the African American Museum of Southern Arizona, the campus arboretum, and/or the Arizona State Museum.  You will complete that east-to-west route through campus at the outdoor cafés and local boutiques along University Blvd.


The return loop, now going from west to east, begins at the streetcar station on University Blvd.  Along that streetcar route, you can disembark at the Arizona History Museum, the University Art Museum, the Center for Creative Photography, or just enjoy the scenic ride as you pass multiple outdoor sculptures and plazas.


The 3.4-mile loop is completed at the last streetcar station, which drops you off back at the University Medical Center for the return walk to the parking lot.  It is a short detour from the loop to the campus Poetry Center where you can plan to attend a reading or two.


This University of Arizona loop is a flexible trek for people of all abilities because the campus has been designed for accessibility.  Restrooms, benches, shade, and serenity are provided in abundance throughout.


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Overview
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Location and Arrival
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Amenities and Features
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Trail Characteristics
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Signage and Wayfinding
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Operations and Maintenance
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