Sabino Canyon: Everything you need to know

Landscape

Nestled within the Santa Catalina Mountains that run through the Coronado National Forest just north of Tucson, the Sabino Canyon is the perfect place to experience all of the landscapes that this region has to offer. From the desert shrubs and wildflowers that thrive in the dry atmosphere of the foothills to the snow that has been known to accumulate at the top of these mountains, visitors to Sabino Canyon can traverse several landscapes and ecologies all in one day.

Sabino Creek, which can turn into more of a river after a heavy rain, is a popular swimming spot for many visitors. Seven Falls, a nearby waterfall, is another favorite watering hole, with spectacular views of Sabino Canyon.

Hiking Tips and Trails

If you plan on making a full trek through Sabino Canyon, be sure to bring enough water and food for the day because vending machines are the only nearby source of refreshments. Appropriate hiking shoes is a must, especially in the wet winter months or after a heavy summer rain. Being in the desert, the trek through the canyon does not have a lot of shade, so remember a hat or visor and sunscreen to protect against the Arizona sun.

If traveling with children or less adventurous hikers, consider taking one of the trams mentioned below up the mountain and then working your way back down.

For one of the most breathtaking views of Sabino Canyon, try the Telephone Line Trail. This route overlooks Sabino Creek, which is lined with Cottonwoods and is especially beautiful during the color changes of autumn. This trail winds all the way down the south side of the creek, and provides hikers with a full view of Sabino Canyon's beauty.

Avian aficionados will love Sabino Lake Trail #30, which leads to one of Sabino Canyon's popular wetland birdwatching destinations.

Blackett's Ridge Trail is a steeper trail at first, but levels off towards the top of the hike. This trail is ideal for someone looking for the same incredible views of Sabino Canyon as the Telephone Line Trail, but with more of a challenge.

For the adventurous hiker yearning for a real challenge, try the Hutch's Pools trail. Best completed after a wet season, when the Sabino Creek contains water, this hike can take anywhere between six to eight hours. This route is recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers.

Plant lovers will enjoy the self-guided Desert Nature Trail at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, which allows people to learn about the hardy plants that have adapted to thrive in such an unwelcoming environment.

Tours

Trams run along the canyon about every half hour, stopping nine times along the way to allow travelers to get out and start hiking, use the restroom, or enjoy a picnic at several picturesque spots. The tour guides provide information on Sabino Canyon during the 45-minute long trip that brings visitors 3.8 miles up the canyon. The trams are a great way to learn more about Sabino Canyon and hitch a ride up to the amazing mountain views this range has to offer at the same time.

Get off at tram stop #9 for the Telephone Line Trail and Hutch's Pools trail. Blackett's Ridge Trail uses tram stop #2.

Check out more great things to do in Tucson.