Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon is a recreation area in the Coronado National Forest, at the eastern foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson's north-east edge. Sabino Creek runs through it, and with about 12 inches of rain a year on average, the canyon supports a surprising mix of plant and animal life. The Friends of Sabino Canyon describe three zones within it: saguaro desert, a streamside corridor along the creek, and the conifer forests of the mountains above.

Visitors explore the canyon road on foot or aboard the Sabino Canyon Crawler, an electric shuttle seating up to 48. Each seat has earbuds for an English or Spanish narration about the canyon's geology, wildlife and history. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, and the published fares (effective 2022) are $15 for adults and $8 for children aged 3 to 12 on the Sabino Canyon route, or $8 and $5 for Bear Canyon. Fares do not include the $8 per-vehicle amenity fee. Seats can run out, so book ahead in peak season, arrive 15 minutes before departure, and allow 30 extra minutes to park. The shuttle does not wait for latecomers.

After rain, or when the creek is high, the shuttle runs a shorter High Water Tour to Stop 2, the Sabino Overlook and Sabino Dam. Keep clear of flooded crossings. Seasonal night tours have run on summer Saturdays, so check the operator's site for this year's schedule.

Walking the road is free apart from the amenity fee, and many people do just that. Visit Tucson lists several trails here: a 2.3-mile loop walk along the creek with a waterfall and historic dam, the 8.4-mile Seven Falls hike, the 8-mile Hutch's Pool route with over 1,200 feet of climbing, and the 5.7-mile Phoneline Trail to Blackett's Ridge, which climbs nearly 1,800 feet. Add about two miles on foot to reach some trailheads if you skip the shuttle. Dogs are not allowed on these routes.

We could not read the Forest Service's own page for the canyon, so confirm the fee, the current visitor center hours and any closures with the forest before you go. The visitor center at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road is also the shuttle's boarding point. Take plenty of water, especially in summer.