Visit one of Arizona’s most scenic sights: the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Tucson. Surrounded by the soaring Santa Catalina Mountains and the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert, the Canyon is truly a wonderful place to spend a day.
The southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains offer scenic views that can be explored on foot or horseback. First-time visitors should stop by the visitor center at the canyon base before heading off to explore the Recreation Area.
Sabino Canyon Visitor Center: Your Gateway to Canyon Secrets
The Visitor Center is open daily and offers Maps, exhibits, and expert information on Sabino Canyon and the surrounding mountains. Located immediately north of the parking lot, the Center is staffed with knowledgeable guides who can answer questions about the Canyon’s trails and points of interest. The Center also has hands-on exhibits and videos available for visitors to enjoy. Note that the restroom near the Center is closed from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am due to vandalism (drinking fountains remain open).
Sabino Canyon Tram Route: Hop Aboard the Crawler
For those not up to hiking the many trails into the Sabino Canyon, there is the option of taking a tram ride through the Canyon. There are two routes to choose from. The Upper Sabino Canyon route lasts for an hour. The tram is narrated on the way up, with the driver highlighting various points of interest along the route. After a short stop for photos, the Sabino Canyon tram returns to the visitor center.
Bear Canyon Tram Route: Quick Shuttle to Seven Falls
The second route is the Bear Canyon route, which stretches over 2 miles to the entrance of Bear Canyon. This non-narrated tram ride makes three stops along the way and ends at the trailhead for the popular hike to Seven Falls. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center for a small fee. A popular option is to take the tram into the Canyon and then hike back downhill to the parking lot.
Hiking in Sabino Canyon: Easy Trails
The best way to explore the Sabino Canyon is through one of the many trails. With over 30 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls to epic challenges, there are plenty of hikes to choose from. The Bajada Loop Nature Trail at the visitor center is suitable for beginners or those short on time. This quarter-mile features interpretive signs and a rare-crested saguaro.
Seven Falls Trail: Splash Through Seven Cascades
The Seven Falls Trailhead is the most popular trail in the recreation area, beginning at the Bear Canyon tram stop. This moderately easy hike is 4 miles round-trip from the tram stop. Along the route, you will encounter several water crossings and a final switchback climb leading to the falls. The best times to visit the falls are during winter or early spring when water flows down from the Catalina Mountains into Sabino Creek.
Hutch’s Pool Sabino Canyon: Year-Round Swim Spot
Hutch’s Pool is an 8-mile round-trip starting from the tram turnaround point on Sabino Canyon Road, at the end of the pavement. To reach Hutch’s Pool, follow the Sabino Canyon Trail for a little over two miles. Then, take the marked West Fork Trail until you arrive at your destination. Hutch’s Pool features year-round water and offers stunning cliff views and a refreshing canyon atmosphere, making it a popular spot for cliff divers. It tends to get very busy on weekends.
Phone Line and Blackett’s Ridge Trails
Consider exploring the Phoneline Trail, which branches from the Bear Canyon Trail and winds up the eastern wall of Sabino Canyon. This trail spans 5 miles and provides a rewarding hiking experience. If you’re seeking breathtaking views, don’t miss Blackett’s Ridge. It features a steep ascent that leads to a high ledge, offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the area.
Getting There: 15 Miles from Tucson: Easy Access, Endless Adventure
The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is located just 15 miles from downtown Tucson. The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm every day of the week. For the latest information, visit https://sabinocanyoncrawler.com/. The address of the visitor center is 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, Arizona.
Fun Tucson, Arizona Day Trip Ideas
San Xavier del Bac Mission, located a short drive from Tucson, Arizona, was built between 1783 and 1797. Visitors can admire the mission’s stunning frescoes, sculptures, and intricate designs. It attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year and is still operated by the Franciscans.
Bisbee, Arizona, has embraced tourism to restore its former wealth and prominence. Staying true to its mining heritage, Bisbee has transformed into a popular destination for mining tourism. Today, the town features a vibrant cultural scene, offering visitors a range of experiences, including art, history, architecture, dining, nightlife, and outdoor activities.
Tombstone, Arizona, is located in the heart of Arizona’s largest silver mining district. At its peak, the town had a population of nearly 15,000 residents and was home to over 100 saloons, making it a wildly vibrant place. Today, Tombstone primarily serves as a tourist attraction, with most activities centered around the Old Tombstone Western Town.