Of course since it is a loop drive you can jump in anywhere on the loop. This is probably the easiest beginning point to locate.

The International Wildlife Museum is about 5 miles west of I-10 at 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd (520) 629-0100. They have hundreds of preserved wildlife exhibits and is quite an educational opportunity. I would say it is a must if you have children with you on this adventure.

Gates Pass in the place where you are able to cross the Tucson Mountains going from the Tucson Valley to Avra Valley. It is so beautiful and quite a place for a Romantic sunset. Songs have been written about it. I even attended a sunset wedding there years ago. It is one of those places that photography just doesn't do it justice. Like the Gran... Mored Canyon it has to be seen in person to appreciate. There is a nice parking area with overlooks and restrooms. But the best part in my opinion is from the road as you are driving down the west side.Less

Gates Pass Rd ends at Kinney Rd. If you are interested in going to Old Tucson Studios turn left(south) at Kinney Rd.
201 S Kinney Rd (520) 883-0100
If you are a western fan you will recognize some of the sets here. There is a range of activities for all ages here. And everyone loves a good gunfight(between actors)!
For more inf... Moreo go to http://www.oldtucson.com/Less

Coming from Gates Pass Rd turn right (northwest). The Juan Santa Cruz Picnic Area is just before you get to the Sonora Desert Museum. Toilets are available here. There are several picnic tables and grills available with very nice views overlooking Avra Valley. The hill just to the south of it is an access to the Brown Mountain trail which is a n... Moreice and easy trail.Less

Continuing on northwest on Kinney Rd will take you to the Sonora Desert Museum. 2021 N Kinney Rd (520) 883-2702. It is a zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, combined in one place. This is another activity for all ages and interest levels. Many educational and photographic opportunities here. For more information go to http://www.des... Moreertmuseum.org/Less

Continuing northwest on Kinney Rd after the Sonora Desert Museum. You will junction with Mile Wide Rd but continue to the Right to stay on Kinney. You will find the Red Hills Visitor Center on the right hand side of the road. Typical Visitor Center with exhibits, educational material, books and trinkets. Restrooms are available here. Also if y... Moreou are needing to purchase any fees for fee use areas you can get them here. If you have National Parks annual pass it is good for this area as well. The visitor center at Saguaro West is open all year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday except Christmas. Phone (520) 733-5158 For more information please visit http://www.saguaronationalpark.com/visitor-centers.htmlLess

Continuing on past the Red Hills Visitor Center going Northwest you will junction with Sandario Rd. Turn Right onto Sandario. You will immediately be going into a bend in the road, just as you are leaving the bend you will see a dirt road to the right. Turn right on Golden Gate Road. This is a dirt road that is quite rough but should be accessible... More by any vehicle. Just go slow or you will rattle apart. This is also a fee area but I think it only applies if you are stopping to hike or picnic. You will find the Ez-kim-in-zin picnic area on the right. One of the picnic tables sets on a very high spot so makes for a very nice view.Less

This trailhead is just across the road from the Ez-kim-in-zin picnic area. The 1st mile or so is very easy until you start to climb and then it makes up for it a bit. I still think it is the easiest route to access the top of Wassan peak though.
To continue the loop, continue north on Golden Gate road until it ends at Picture Rocks road. Tu... Morern right onto Picture Rocks Rd.Less

Continue winding east on Picture Rocks rd. Just after the pass the roads name changes to
Wade. This will intersect with Ina Rd. Turn Right onto Ina and continue traveling east to the interstate. You are now on the Nortwest part of Tucson. To get back were we started get onto eastbound I-10.