Page Updated: March 10, 2023
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Sabino Canyon - Tucson AZ
Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Tucson will likely drop by Saguaro National Park. But if they have time to spare on their trip, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA) should be considered a “must see” destination. It’s a beautiful canyon in the Catalina Mountains with terrific opportunities for hiking, biking, and swimming (when there’s water around). It’s also part of the Coronado National Forest - a designation that swathes through 16 scattered mountain ranges* over the Sonoran Desert; which means the area is prolific in America’s western icon - the Saguaro.
Hours: 8am-4:30pm daily
$8 per vehicle/day
$10 per week/vehicle
Our rental was a 5 minute walk from Sabino Canyon, and we spent more time in the area than anywhere else in Tucson. With over 30 miles of trails, we weren’t lacking in places to explore. We spent our Sabino time hiking and biking. Trails around the visitor’s center are short, flat, and easily accessible with abundant wildlife. Interpretive signage educates on a variety of cactus in the area. And there are benches speckled throughout the immediate location for those needing/wanting a break.
Collectively, our quick day hikes included Sabino Lake Loop and Telephone Line Short Loop (twice). The trails were mostly well marked and passed by picnic areas and restrooms.
Cars are not allowed in Sabino Canyon, but the SCRA has an electric tram dubbed the Sabino Crawler that offers one-hour round trip tours. Hop-off stops are available for visitors wanting to explore more of the canyon. Hopping back on is a first come-first served basis - plan accordingly. Advanced tram tour tickets and further details can be found here. Note: tram tickets do not include the SCRA day use fee.
Though you can’t drive in Sabino Canyon, you can bike. For safety reasons, cycling is only allowed on the tram road before 9am and after 5pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday and Saturday, biking is prohibited period.
The night we squeezed in an evening ride, the tram road was still busy with walkers and hikers. Perhaps mornings are better. Still, this site is beautiful and high on our list of revisits. Looking forward to exploring it more in the future.
scenes from Sabino Canyon
-b&b
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Mt Lemmon Scenic Byway
