Sabino Canyon, easily accessible from the more urban areas
of Tucson, is a must-see during your stay in southern Arizona. Sabino Canyon is
a part of the Coronado National Forest. It lies in the eastern foothills of the
Santa Catalina Mountains.
You’ll enter Sabino Canyon after driving through some scenic
urban areas. If you are fortunate to stay at one of the hillside resorts such
as Loew’s Ventana Canyon Resort, you’ll be just a short drive from the canyon.
Sabino Canyon is home to towering canyon walls, huge
Saguaros and many species of desert plant and birds. It’s a beautiful place to
visit.
Visitors Center and
Bookstore
The Sabino Canyon Visitors Center should be your first stop.
There you can pick up maps, learn about trails, the shuttle schedule and get
ready for your trip into the Canyon. After your visit, it is a great place to
pick up a souvenir.
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| There are extensive hiking trails in Sabino Canyon. However, I stuck close to the road and enjoyed beautiful views. |
Shuttle
An open-air shuttle takes visitors into the canyon. Hikers
can get off at any stop and enjoy a day on the trails. Others may enjoy riding
the tram to the end, getting off and taking photos before returning to the
Visitors Center on the bus. The shuttle cost is: $10.00 adults, $5.00 children
3-12. Children 2 and under are free. For
additional information about the shuttles Sabino Canyon Tours provide please go
to www.sabinocanyon.com
Walking the Road into
Sabino Canyon
We opted to begin our time in Sabino Canyon by walking a
mile or so up the paved road. It’s a great way to get into the canyon without
worrying about rocky trails or… mountain lions!
Many people walk this road. It is especially enjoyable because the
shuttle is the only vehicle you’ll encounter on your walk. It is mostly flat
and paved. The main road ascends from 2,800 to 3,300 feet and crosses Sabino
Creek over 9 stone bridges. It is a favorite route for both hikers and
bicyclists. If you walk the entire road, it is 3.8 miles up and 3.8 miles back (most
take the shuttle one way).
Hiking Trails
Hiking trails range from easy to difficult. When we were at
the Canyon, the Telephone Line Trail was recommended to us. This hike overlooks
Sabino Creek. The panorama of Cottonwoods lining the creek bed below is
beautiful during the fall when the leaves change to harvest gold. Get off at
tram stop #9 and walk down to stop #1. Trail Information
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| Heed the warnings! |
Mountain Lions
Yes, Mountain Lions, and other wildlife, have been sighted
in Sabino Canyon. There is some concern because the Mountain Lions have been
active during daylight. Mountain Lions at Sabino Canyon hours and have stalked
people. They suggest that if you are hiking a trail, you do not hike alone, you
carry a hiking stick, avoid hiking below cliffs or close to brushy areas where
cats may lurk. Do not hike at dawn, dusk or after dark and keep your children
close-by. My advice? Walk the road. It’s a beautiful route.
Recommendation
Sabino Canyon is only 30 minutes from downtown Tucson. It is
a beautiful, easily accessed Canyon with a nice road and bridges built by the
CCC. The creek that runs through the canyon provides added interest and attracts
birds. It is a very scenic area and will provide a marvelous opportunity for
photographers.
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| Enjoy the cliffs, mountains and saguaros of Sabino Canyon |
More Information:
Fees are $5 per car and are collected as you enter the
parking area. Sabino Canyon is open 24 hours/day, year-round. The Sabino Canyon
Visitor Center and Bookstore is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
Address: 5900 North Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750
Phone Number: 520 749 2861
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
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