Sabino Canyon is an outdoor lover’s paradise located in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona. Sabino Canyon features trails that wind through its rugged terrain, stunning views, varied vegetation, and wildlife. One of the best outdoor activities is hiking, and Sabino Canyon offers one of the best hikes in USA.
Here are the top ten routes that showcase the natural beauty of the canyon and ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of one of the unique places to visit in the USA.
Telephone line trace
Image credit: reddit.com
Difficulty level – Moderate
A very popular hiking trail in Sabino Canyon is the Phone Line Trail. The trail ascends steeply above the canyon, giving you a unique perspective and expansive view of this extraordinary place. The Telephone Line route can be completed in two different ways. You can hike the 7.6 miles round trip or walk to the end of the route to return to the paved path below, offering two completely different experiences. Alternatively, you can take the tram to the end and walk back along the trail, or you can do both.
Hike to Blackett’s Ridge
Difficulty level: moderate to difficult
One of the best shorter but difficult hikes in Sabino and Bear Canyon is the Blackett’s Ridge Trail hike. In less than three hours round trip (4.6 miles), your heart will be pumping and your legs will be burning on both the rocky climb and descent. It will be worth the effort as the panoramic views are perhaps some of the best in Tucson. This hike is relatively challenging as there are many straight up and down hikes that can be slippery and difficult.
Hike to the seven falls
Difficulty level: Moderate
Although Sabino Canyon is the larger of the two canyons and offers the most hiking, neighboring Bear Canyon is equally beautiful and also delights the visitor with spectacular views and hikes. Both Sabino and Bear Canyon are part of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and the Coronado National Forest. The most popular hike in Bear Canyon is the Seven Falls hike.
The trail to Seven Falls is absolutely beautiful and runs through Sabino Creek as it meanders through the lower canyon. There are many lovely cacti along the path and it is full of beauty.
Sabino Lake Circuit
Difficulty – Easy
At 2.3 miles in length, the Sabino Lake Loop is an easy hike in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The trail begins at the Visitor Center and heads east on Bear Canyon Trail #29. The trail passes through the Bajada Loop Nature Trail. There are plenty of picnic tables and shelters near the dam as it is a popular place to hang out. After exploring the area near the dam, you can take Bluff Trail #51. This is a short trail with fabulous views of Sabino Canyon. This is a fun hike that takes you through a traditional Sonoran landscape filled with cacti, including a rare crested saguaro. In spring you will find plenty of flowers in bloom.
Sabino Lake-Creek Trail-Rattlesnake Trail-Esperero Loop Trail
Difficulty: Easy
The Sabino Lake-Creek Trail-Rattlesnake Trail-Esperero Trail loop is similar to the Sabino Lake Loop. Head north on Esperero Trail #25 until you reach the junction with Rattlesnake Trail #50. Beyond this area to the north is the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. If you have a good level of fitness, you can hike to Mount Michael.
Hike to Hutch Pools
Difficulty level – Moderate
As you hike behind Sabino Canyon, the trail winds around two additional canyons until you reach a large open desert of high plains. The grass is yellow and there are all kinds of different cacti. The cactus disappears and you can see different types of bushes, trees and flowers that you won’t see down in the more populated parts of Sabino Canyon. After walking around for a bit, you discover the real surprise! The stream ends at Hutch’s Pools, a verdant oasis of greenery.
Sabino Dam Trail
Difficulty level: easy
This is one of our favorite hikes and starts at the visitor center. The trail will cross the Bear Canyon Tramway. When you reach the roundabout where the tram turns, cross the bridge over the river and continue on the Sabino Dam Trail for about 0.2 miles. There is ample signage to point you in the right direction. The best part of this hike is that kids can get their feet wet at the river crossings and at the Sabino Dam. There is a lot to explore and it is quite safe.
creek trail
Difficulty level: easy
The Creek Trail follows the creek for 0.5 miles before reaching the junction with the Phoneline Link Trail. This is a great option for kids who are ready for a longer hike but aren’t quite ready for the big hikes ahead.
Bear Canyon Trail
Difficulty level: moderate
Bear Canyon Trail is a 6.8 mile hike through Sabino Canyon. Along the trail you will discover beautiful waterfalls and pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and wildlife sightings are common, making it an ideal adventure for nature lovers. Hikers should be prepared for a moderately challenging hike, especially during warm weather.
Esperero Trail
Difficulty level: moderate to difficult
The Esperero Trail is a 10.6-mile hike that takes you deep into the heart of the Sabino Canyon wilderness. Along the way you will find diverse landscapes, from rocky terrain to lush forests. The trail offers stunning views of mountains and valleys, providing a challenging but rewarding experience for hikers of all levels. Plan your visit today and discover why Sabino Canyon is one of the best adventure destinations in the US.
The Sabino Canyon Shuttle makes 45-minute trips into the canyon throughout the day, stopping at nine stops to pick up or drop off hikers at various trailheads. Exploring the trails of Sabino Canyon promises an incredible experience for anyone looking to escape and reconnect with nature. While you’re in Arizona, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the top attractions in Bryce Canyon National Park.