Sabino Canyon In Tucson

Exploring Enchanting Desert Landscapes and Thrilling Outdoor Experiences

Discover the awe-inspiring Sabino Canyon, a natural gem nestled in Southern Arizona. With its enchanting desert landscapes and picturesque vistas, Sabino Canyon provides an unforgettable outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From hiking, biking, swimming, and even electric shuttle tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Sabino Canyon.

To access Sabino Canyon, there is an $8 entrance fee per vehicle.

Flora and Fauna

Living at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, numerous intriguing mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and bird life call Sabino Canyon home. Among the long list of wildlife are the gray fox, white-tailed deer, black-tailed jackrabbit, coyote, bobcats, and even mountain lions. The canyon is also home to javelina, squirrels, gophers, and many bird species, including vermilion flycatchers, gray hawks, ravens, Gila woodpeckers, and northern cardinals.

The reptiles you may encounter in the canyon include the zebra-tailed lizard, desert spiny lizard, desert tortoise, Gila monster, and venomous rattlesnakes.

Throughout the unique rock formations, towering canyon walls, and seasonal running water and waterfalls, you’ll see mighty saguaros, cottonwoods, jumping cholla cacti, desert night-blooming cereus, and alligator junipers.

When to Visit

While Sabino Canyon is open year-round, the best time to visit to experience the creek running strong is during the monsoon season from July to September. Another great time is after a mountain snow-heavy winter as the Sonoran sun makes quick work of the snow, turning it into much-needed running water.

Sabino Canyon Dam

Things to Do

The Sabino Canyon open-air electric tram shuttle follows a one-hour round-trip route on the canyon’s paved trail. Enjoy the entire narrated ride or jump off at one of nine stops to navigate the canyon at your own pace. The narration system is automated, so you can choose to plug in headphones or take in the mesmerizing desert silence paired with the canyon’s natural music.

Surreal Hiking

Sabino Canyon has captivating hiking trails for all skill levels. For an easy hike, look to the Sabino Lake Loop. The 2.3-mile trail takes about 50 minutes to stomp and provides great opportunities for birding and witnessing the natural beauty of the canyon and the Catalina range.

The popular Phoneline Trail is 9.9 miles out and back and moderately challenging. Most people complete the trek in a little under or over four hours. This one is well worth the time for experienced hikers.

If you are looking for a more challenging hike with breathtaking waterfall views, Seven Falls is the adventure for you. The 8.3-mile hike can be rocky and challenging at times, but the reward of reaching Seven Falls is well worth the effort. There are several ways you can get to this hidden gem. The Sabino Canyon Shuttle will take hikers straight to the Seven Falls trailhead, or you can walk 2 miles from the Sabino Canyon Parking lot and take Bear Canyon trailhead into the Seven Falls trailhead. During your adventure, you will be surrounded by towering saguaros, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse desert fauna. As you venture deeper into the trail, you’ll be greeted by a series of waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, offering unique swimming holes after your long journey.

Seven Falls | Bear Canyon Trail Hiking

Cycling

Every day of the week except for Wednesday and Saturday, enjoy one-of-a-kind cycling on Sabino’s tram road. Here you can enjoy a leisurely ride with 3.5 miles of beautiful Tucson views.