Sabino Canyon Trails Information

Hard-corn hikers or hiking newbies, lazybones or bicyclists with a zest for challenges, Sabino Canyon seems to have something for everyone. Nestled in the foothills of Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon features an abundance of wildlife as well as dramatic desert scenery. Wondering what makes Sabino Canyon the extremely popular destination in Southern Arizona? Hit the canyon and it will speak for itself.

Even the most experienced hiker can't accomplish the task without a map. To help you navigate the trails better, Sabino Canyon trails map is offered for handy reference. Click here to download the map:

Sabino Canyon Trails Map

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/imgCore/maps/SabinoCanyon_Map.pdf

The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area offers access to both Sabino Canyon trails and Bear Canyon trails. Both of them are heavily used and popular among hikers. Sabino Canyon trails start from the end stop of recreation area shuttle bus. And Bear Canyon trails begin at the Lower Bear Picnic Area. Each trail treats you the dramatic views of Santa Catalina Front Range, deep canyons, soaring ridges and an abundance of wildlife. For hard-cone hikers who want a challenging day-trip, they can travel as a loop.

Sabino Canyon trams have 9 stops along the 3.8 mile trails. Several restroom facilities and picnic grounds are available near the stops along the Sabino Creek. When the tram has reached Stop No. 9, it will head back down to Sabino Canyon Visitor's Center. Visitors can get off the tram any stop they want and then hiker back down. On average, the trams arrive every half an hour.

The Sabino Canyon tram route is well-paved and quite flat. Thus it can be easily navigated by hikers from the most experienced to the least. The Sabino Canyon tram route crosses over Sabino Creek through nine stone bridges. Some of the stones have been washed away by in severe weather. The grade ascends from 2,800 to 3,300 feet which is suitable for cycling as well. For hiking newbies and visitors of all ages, the main Sabino Canyon road is your top potion.

Sabino Canyon main road branches off into a variety of trails, which are more challenging than the main road. Most of the trails offer hikers access to solitude wilds and rare-seen views. Brief introductions of the three trails will be provided in the following part.

Blackett's Ridge Trail

When hiking up Blackett's Ridge Trail, you are likely to encounter with several steep switch-backs. It will pose some challenges to hiking newbies. The trail will level out when you head towards the top. Blackett's Ridge Trail furnishes visitors with breathtaking views and little hitch sometimes. It's really fun for a short trip. Sounds interesting? You can get off the Sabino Canyon tram stop No.2 or Bear Canyon Shuttle.

Telephone Line Trail

Telephone Line Trail is strongly recommended especially in fall. During the fall, leaves are changing to harvest gold. And the exceptionally beautiful view of Cottonwoods lining the creek bed below is surely to take your breath away. Telephone Line Trail is overlooking Sabino Creek. To access to Telephone Line Trail, you can get off at Sabino Canyon tram stop No. 9 and head down to stop No.1.

Hutch's Pools Trail

As the name indicates, Hutch's Pools Trail is popular when water is overflowing in Sabino Creek. Hutch's Pools Trail is quite difficult to conquer. The whole trail is about to take 6 to 8 hours to complete. Thus it is a nice option for intermediate or advanced hikers. Don't hit this road unless fully prepared! You can take Sabino Canyon tram to stop No.9.

For additional info on all Sabino Canyon Trails, please visit:

Sabino Canyon Trails

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/trail_sc.php

Sabino Canyon Tours' Bear Canyon Trail tram heads to the trailhead of Seven Fall. There are 3 stops along the Bear Canyon Trail tram route. Visitors can get off the tram anytime and select their choice of trails. Sabino Dam and Seven Falls are must-sees. Bear Canyon Trail maps can be found on the following page:

Bear Canyon Trail Maps

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/trail_bc_maps.php

Seven Falls

Trailhead of Seven Fall starts about 2 miles from the parking lot. From the trailhead, it will take you approximately 2.5 miles to reach Seven Falls. You have to cross over Sabino Creek on the way. It can be quite challenging during rainy season since the footing is less stable at most of the crossing points. A minimum of 3 hours is needed for this hike. Bring enough drinking water! You'll be treated by several pools of water and the Seven Falls at the end of this trail.

Sabino Dam

Sabino Dam can be found east of the Sabino Canyon parking lot. To approach the Sabino Dam trail, you can take Bear Canyon Tram to stop NO. 2. If come in spring, wildflowers and blooming cacti will lead your way to the dam. And you'll be thrilled to find the gila chub and green sunfish in the creek!

More info regarding to Bear Canyon Trails can be found on the following page:

Bear Canyon Trails

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/trail_bc.php