Historic Bike Tour in Tucson

Exploring Tucson’s rich history on two wheels sounds like a delightful way to spend an afternoon. This historic bike tour promises to whisk us through scenic routes, uncovering tales of bank robbers and Spanish settlers along the way. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable bikes, and essential equipment provided, we can dive into Tucson’s vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, regardless of our skill level. Intrigued to learn more about the tour’s highlights and inclusions? Let’s take a closer look.

This experience made our article of 6 Best Bike Tours In Tucson (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• The historic bike tour in Tucson offers a small-group experience exploring tales of bank robbers and Spanish settlers along Rattlesnake Bridge, Barrio Viejo, and Santa Cruz River.
• The tour includes the use of a comfortable bicycle and safety helmet, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide who shares Tucson’s history.
• The route covers popular landmarks like the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, Tucson Museum of Art, Pima County Courthouse, and St. Augustine Cathedral.
• The tour is suitable for riders between 48-66 inches tall (142-198 cm) and ages 5 and over, with a maximum weight limit of 260 lbs.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 98% recommendation rate and praise for the engaging guides and the bike-friendly nature of Tucson.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This historic bike tour in Tucson offers a delightful way to explore the city’s rich history.

With 497 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this small-group tour takes you through Tucson’s past, from tales of bank robbers to the stories of Spanish settlers.

You’ll ride over the impressive Rattlesnake Bridge, cycle through the colorful Barrio Viejo, and view the scenic Santa Cruz River.

Whether you choose a morning or afternoon departure, you’re in for an engaging and informative experience guided by a knowledgeable professional.

The tour’s inclusions, like the use of a bicycle and helmet, make it a hassle-free adventure.

Tour Inclusions

When you join this historic bike tour in Tucson, we’ll provide you with everything you need for a seamless experience.

Our tour includes:

• Use of a comfortable bicycle and a safety helmet
• Bottled water to keep you hydrated along the way
• A knowledgeable and friendly guide to share Tucson’s fascinating history
• Meeting at a convenient location downtown, with the tour ending right back where you started.

With these key inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the ride and exploring Tucson’s rich past.

We’ve got you covered from start to finish.

Route and Stops

On this historic bike tour, we’ll explore Tucson’s past by cycling through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. We’ll start at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, then ride over to the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block. Next, we’ll make quick stops at the Pima County Courthouse and St. Augustine Cathedral before visiting the captivating El Tiradito Shrine. Our ride through the lively Mercado San Agustin leads us to the tranquil Santa Cruz River Trail, where we’ll soak in the natural scenery. Along the way, we’ll learn fascinating stories about Tucson’s history.

Stop	Duration
Southern Arizona Transportation Museum	5 minutes
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block	5 minutes
Pima County Courthouse	2 minutes

Participant Information

Who are the participants that can join this historic bike tour in Tucson? The tour is open to riders between 48 to 66 inches tall (142-198 cm), recommended for ages 5 and over, with a maximum weight of 260 lbs.

Some key participant information to keep in mind:

1. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes, as open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.
2. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants need to be able to ride a bicycle.
3. The tour meets near public transportation, making it easy to get to the starting point.
4. No prior biking experience is required, just a willingness to explore Tucson’s history by bike.

Customer Feedback

How have travelers responded to the Historic Bike Tour in Tucson? Based on over 497 reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating.

Travelers describe the tour as "relaxing" and "informative", praising guide Lorraine’s knowledge and attentiveness. Many appreciated Tucson’s bike-friendly nature, making this a great way to see the city.

While some noted needing clearer parking guidance, overall, this appears to be a popular and well-received experience. Participants expressed interest in future tours, including a mural tour, showing their enthusiasm for exploring Tucson by bike.

Exploring Tucson’s History

Beyond the positive reviews, the Historic Bike Tour in Tucson offers an immersive exploration of the city’s fascinating past.

As we cycle through historic neighborhoods, we’ll uncover tales of bank robbers, Spanish settlers, and the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines Tucson.

Some highlights include:

1. Visiting the Pima County Courthouse, a stately building that has stood witness to Tucson’s evolution.
2. Admiring the ornate architecture of the St. Augustine Cathedral, a testament to the city’s Catholic heritage.
3. Stopping at the El Tiradito Shrine, a unique place of worship with a captivating backstory.
4. Immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of the Mercado San Agustin, a hub of local commerce and community.

This bike tour provides a truly memorable way to discover Tucson’s rich history.

Colorful Barrio Viejo

As we cruise through Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo, we’re immediately captivated by the vibrant palette of adobe homes and buildings that line the streets.

Colorful shrines and murals adorn the walls, giving the neighborhood a distinct character. We pedal past fascinating structures, like the El Tiradito Shrine, a place of pilgrimage for those seeking forgiveness.

The winding roads lead us to the Mercado San Agustin, a lively marketplace where we can browse local artisan goods.

The Barrio Viejo offers a glimpse into Tucson’s Spanish colonial past, a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood to explore by bike.

Traversing the Rattlesnake Bridge

Where does our historic bike tour take us next? As we wind through the streets, our guide leads us to the 28-foot-long Rattlesnake Bridge.

Here are 4 things to know about this unique landmark:

1. The bridge was built in 1915 to connect the east and west sides of Tucson.
2. Its distinctive curved shape and red railings give it a striking appearance.
3. Crossing the bridge offers panoramic views of the Santa Cruz River and the surrounding cityscape.
4. Our guide shares fascinating stories about the bridge’s history and its importance in Tucson’s transportation network.

Pedaling across the Rattlesnake Bridge, we get a sense of the city’s past and how it has evolved over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

Unfortunately, this tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. The tour involves biking, which may pose challenges for those with limited mobility. The route also includes some uneven terrain that could be difficult to navigate. We’d suggest exploring other more accessible tour options in the Tucson area.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

We don’t need to bring any special equipment for this tour. The tour provider supplies the bicycles and helmets, so we can just show up ready to explore Tucson’s history by bike. All we need is comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos during the tour! The route offers plenty of photo-worthy sights, from historic landmarks to colorful neighborhoods. Just be mindful not to obstruct traffic or other riders while snapping those memorable shots.

What Is the Pace of the Bike Ride?

We can expect a relaxed pace on this bike tour, allowing us to comfortably take in the sights and hear the guide’s commentary. The tour covers several stops, so we’ll be cycling at an easy, leisurely speed throughout the journey.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour based on the information provided. The tour has a set itinerary and duration. If you’d like to explore Tucson further, you may want to consider booking a separate activity or tour.

The Sum Up

We’re confident you’ll have an unforgettable experience exploring Tucson’s rich history and vibrant culture on the Historic Bike Tour. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable bikes, and a 98% recommendation rate, this small-group adventure is perfect for riders of all skill levels. Don’t miss the chance to discover Tucson’s picturesque landscapes, from the Barrio Viejo to the Rattlesnake Bridge.