Sabino Canyon – Tucson, Arizona
This beautiful canyon offers a wonderful opportunity for hiking on its many trails to enjoy the canyon. There is also a tram for those that would rather ride than hike. The canyon is located in the Coronado National Forest and is the home to spectacular desert landscaping and a variety of wildlife.
Located right at the edge of Tucson affords this area the opportunity to get regular hikers from the city. There are self-guided Desert Nature Trails at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center which provides an excellent way to get to know the plants in the area.
There are buses that wind along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on 9 low-water rock bridges, while drivers give you the history of the area. The buses pass 89 picnic sites which are scattered along the roadside and clustered at two large group picnic sites. The buses allow you to get off at any of these and re-board later.
The canyon offers nature watches, hiking and equestrian trails, picnicking, watchable wildlife and the shuttle bus tours.
There are some rules: No pets (handi-dogs must wear I.D.), no glass containers, no camping, no alcohol, no weapons, no motorized vehicles, no nudity and no removal or introduction of plants or animals. All wilderness areas are closed to mechanized vehicles, including bicycles.
It is suggested that if you don’t think you will want to hike the whole canyon then take the shuttle for part of it and hike the rest or hike to the canyon and take the bus back. It’s a good way to see the 7 waterfalls that are in the canyon.
When you visit you may be lucky enough to see hummingbirds, white tail deer, coyotes and grey fox. If you visit in the summer you will probably be safe from seeing snakes, if you don’t like them, since they are in hibernation. There are other wildlife that you will want to keep your eyes open for (as you PAY ATTENTION to where you are hiking) such as scorpions, snakes, mountain lions and so on but don’t let this keep you from enjoying this beautiful canyon and all the beauty of nature.
Admission: Day Pass $5.
Location: Northeast of Tucson at the foot of the Santa Catalinas
Access: From Tanque Verde Rd in Tucson take Sabino Canyon Rd north to the Recreation Area just north of Sunrise Rd. Turn right into the parking lot which is a fee area. A pass can be purchased at the Entrance Station. From here you must walk, ride a horse or take the shuttle bus into the canyon.
Location: Sabino Canyon Tours
5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road Tucson, AZ 85750
Information – (520) 749-2861 or
Email: sabinoshuttleinfo@worldnet.att.net
Elevation: 2,800′
Open: Year round
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