Reid Park
Trail Information:
Name: Gene C. Reid Park
Parks agency: City of Tucson Parks and Recreation
Contact: (520) 791-4873
Location: 910 S. Concert Pl., Tucson, AZ 85179
Parking fee: Free
Trail and Park hours: 6am-10:30pm, daily
Rose Test Garden: 6am-10:30pm, daily; Closed annually from December 1 through March 31 for pruning and cleaning
Park Express Train: 9am-4pm, daily; $4 for a ride
Transit:
Route 17 on Country Club Rd.
Route 7 on 22nd St.
Trail length plus more: Interior Loop: 1 mile, Perimeter Loop: 2 miles, Gain 30’, Elevation 2500’
Trail surface: Paved
Description:
Reid Park is one of the oldest, largest, and shadiest parks in Tucson, and it offers a multitude of choices for outdoor enjoyment. The 131-acre park has over 70 acres of turf and hundreds of shade trees irrigated with reclaimed water. Two beautiful lakes were excavated in the center of the park to serve as both irrigation reservoirs and duck ponds.
Hikers have a choice of two routes along paved paths. A 1-mile loop in the interior of the park is along a paved sidewalk that encircles the north lake and leads to the outdoor performance center, playgrounds, and the Tucson Zoo. The 2-mile perimeter loop follows a wide, asphalt path that is popular with runners, hikers, and cyclists and passes the Cancer Survivors Plaza. These two loops converge at the north lake on the way back to the trailhead.
The park also offers a network of flat dirt paths that crisscross the park and lead to even more attractions, including the south lake. However, the dirt paths may be difficult for some hikers due to roots, ruts, rocks, and sandy sections.
The parking lot has many accessible parking spaces, and it is a short walk along a paved path to an accessible restroom. The parking lot is also the location of three park attractions – a shady playground, a 2-acre dog park with a separate enclosure for large and small dogs, and a rose garden with an accessible gazebo.
Many of the facilities in Reid Park are old and in need of repair. Most of the restrooms are not accessible, and many of them have stall doors that do not close. Nonetheless, the park is a clean, safe, fun place to hike, picnic, and gather with friends and family. Dogs are allowed with a leash throughout the park, and drinking fountains are designed to be dog-friendly.
A note of interest: Reid Park is about to get a major update. The City of Tucson is completing a new master plan that will include improvements to the facilities, the walking paths, and the popular outdoor performance center. These improvements will make Reid Park a premier urban hike in the city center.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails, consider their abilities, and assume all risks from trail use. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.
AllTrails Map
A road sign points the way to Gene C. Reid Park at one of the park entrances.
The paved interior trail passes along the edge of the north lake, surrounded by trees.
The perimeter trail encircles the park, featuring side-by-side asphalt and packed-earth paths.
The man-made lake is a good place to observe water fowl and other birds.
A sign provides cyclists with information about bike racks and rentals.
Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the park except in the zoo.
The route along the perimeter trail passes through the Cancer Survivors Plaza.
Find other things to do nearby using our Heritage Experiences Map!
Content provided by Tucson AccessTrails. Their trail reviews are created from the perspective of users with various disabilities or ability levels to provide relevant information to determine applicable use. For more information about this trail and others, please visit the Tucson AccessTrails website.