Being in Tucson and missing out on Sabino Canyon is a tragedy. Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in the Coronado National forest and is home to numerous eco habitats, rare species of trees, animals and birds. It’s a perfect place for a family picnic or maybe you can quench your thirst of nature photography with the sun playing hide and seek behind overgrown pear cacti. The Canyon also offers the pleasure of walking through miles and miles of wilderness that is teeming with wildlife.

Located in southern foothills of the Catalina Mountain Range, Sabino Canyon is easily accessible by taking Sunrise Drive east until you run into Sabino Canyon Drive. Sabino Canyon is a very popular hiking destination and offers several trails of varying skill levels.

Blackett’s Ridge Trail

An adventurer’s prescription of the day will be the Blackett’s Ridge Trail. It is called the classic hike of Sabino Canyon and you can wander through the thick vegetation and over the ridge that lies between the Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon. It begins where the phoneline trail ends and is an upward climb through a forest of ocotillo and saguaro but once you reach Blackett’s Ridge you will find spectacular views of Tucson and Mt. Lemmon.

Facts

Length of the trail: 1.7 miles

Highest elevation change in the trail: 4410 feet

Best Season: Anytime

Hutch’s Pool Trail

Who can turn down an inviting pool of water in the middle of the desert? Nestled in the Catalina Mountains and surrounded by bare rock faces, Hutch’s Pool Trail is one of the top attractions of Sabino Canyon. A word of caution for those of you eager to Beat the Arizona Heat: the depth of the pool is nearly 45 feet in the center.

Facts

Length of the trail: 4.1 miles

Best Season: Anytime

Seven Falls Trail

This natural wonder is also situated in the Sabino Park recreational area. It is an easy hike to the waterfall which has been formed due to rainwater flowing down from high above in the Catalina Mountains. This hike is great for beginner’s because of it’s length and the serenity of the water feature caps off a scenic trek up the trail. This is personally one of my favorite hikes and I’ve been three times just in the past few months.

Facts

Length of the trail: 2.2 miles from Bear Canyon

Entry Fees
Day Pass: $5: valid only for one day
Weekly Pass: $10
Annual Pass: $20

Rules
No pets
No glass containers
Alcohol, weapons, cars and nudity is prohibited (haha)
You can’t remove any plants or flowers
If you are looking for a quick day trip than consider taking a jaunt up to Sabino Canyon. Be sure to bring a camera!

Links of Reference
Tucson Parks & Recreation

Accommodations

Sabino Canyon Information

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