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Sabino Canyon, Tucson
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Sabino Canyon, Tucson

At the bottom, waiting for the tram - Tucson
At the bottom, waiting for the tram
by jnadler
Sabino Canyon tips and photos posted by real travelers and Tucson locals.

5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Tucson, AZ 85750
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• 26 Reviews

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Sabino Canyon: Sabino Canyon Rec. Area
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  • lamentforicarus
  • By lamentforicarus on May 29, 2004
  • Tucson Page by lamentforicarus
  • Sabino Canyon is another spectacular location for hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching. The creek at the bottom of the canyon flows nearly year-round, supporting an abundance of plant and animal life. It is not uncommon to spy a bobcat, deer, or the elusive Mountain Lion drinking from the creek, escaping the arid desert climate beneath the willow and cottonwood trees that grow along the gentle trickle of water. For scenic views of the Area, hop on a shuttle bus, which conduct 45 minute narrated tours. For those wanting to learn more about archeology, a nonprofit group researching the Sabino Canyon ruin offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about excavation and analysis of ancient sites, and conducts training programs and tours around the 1000 year old Hohokam settlement.

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  • Phone: (520) 749-2861
  • Directions: Located in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range within the city of Tucson. The parking lot is just north of the intersection of Sunrise Dr and Sabino Canyon Rd
  • Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
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    Sabino Canyon: Sabino Canyon: Twelve thousand...
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  • bottleofdoom
  • Updated By bottleofdoom on September 7, 2002
  • Tucson Page by bottleofdoom
  • Sabino Canyon - Tucson
    by bottleofdoom
    Sabino Canyon: Twelve thousand years ago, Columbian mammoth roamed here. About 1200 A.D., irrigation dams were placed in the creek by Hohokam Indians. In the 1870's, pony soldiers from Ft. Lowell enjoyed horseback excursions to the 'ol' swimmin' hole' still in use today. In the 1930's, 180 C.C.C. workers built bridges and 3.8 miles of road up into the Santa Catalina Mtns. Many varieties of birds, deer and other animals make their home here in the Coronado National Forest. Hiking trails and picnic areas abound in the canyon.
    Shuttle Bus: Today, the shuttle bus operates 365 days a year. A narrated round trip is 45 mins. and travels the most cameraworthy scenery in the Tucson area. Moonlight rides 3 nights per month are available by reservation April through December.
    There is a great hike to The Seven Falls that starts here. It's about a 4-5 hour hike round trip, so bring lots of water. It's pretty level, so not too strenuous. It is so named because there are seven water falls at the end of it that are spectacular. But, summer time is not a good time to go because the falls are usually dried up. Best to go Jan-March. The visitor's center will have maps on which trail to take.

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  • Directions: 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. It's a short drive from no matter where you are in town.
  • Other Contact: 520-749-2861
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    Sabino Canyon: Sabino Canyon
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  • Davidp1952
  • Updated By Davidp1952 on August 25, 2002
  • Tucson Page by Davidp1952
  • Sabino Canyon - Tucson
    by Davidp1952
    The Santa Catalina Mountains form a huge triangle deeply cut by steep canyons. Sabino is the largest, located 19 miles from downtown Tucson. The canyon is a favorite picnic place because most of the year it boasts a bubbling mountain stream fed by the nearby peaks. At the canyon’s entrance, the U.S. Forest Service maintains a visitor center staffed by ranger naturalists. A series of exhibits explain the geology, history and nature lore of the region, and a marked nature trail offers fine examples of most of the plants native to the high desert. Private vehicles are not allowed into the canyon, but a shuttle tram operates. (520) 749-2861.

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    Sabino Canyon: "Take a Tour of Sabino Canyon!"
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  • tetonski1
  • By tetonski1 on July 17, 2005
  • Tucson Page by tetonski1
  • Steph Takes the Tour of the Canyon
    Steph Takes the Tour of the
    Canyon"
    by tetonski1
    On the outkirts of Tucson lies this wonderful state park. You can hike though many different trails on the hills that rise above the canyon and it's beautiful river.

    We chose to take the guided tour up, and found out a lot of interesting facts about the area. The ride down is silent so we decided to hike down along the river and it was beautiful.

    I was jealous of the people running up the trail though, I wish I could do that. There were a lot of people here, so it's best to get there early so you can get tickets for the tour before they sell out, and so you don't get the worst heat of the day.

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  • Phone: (520) 749-2861
  • Directions: Located in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range within the city of Tucson. The parking lot is just north of the intersection of Sunrise Dr and Sabino Canyon Rd
  • Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
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    Sabino Canyon: Beauty In The Desert!!
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  • cmarsek
  • By cmarsek on June 20, 2005
  • Tucson Page by cmarsek
  • Such beauty in the desert! - Tucson
    Such beauty in the desert!
    by cmarsek
    We explored Sabino Canyon on my last day in Tucson. It was 94 degrees in the shade and AT LEAST 106 in the direct sun but since it was such a dry heat I didn't mind it too much.

    It was a bit disconcerting that they were so adament about their mountain lion warnings at the beginning of the tour, but I guess they had experienced an attack (and resulting death) the week before, so there was good reason.

    The canyon was a great way to see and experience the desert as well as learn a bit of history on the tram ride. You can take the tram to any of 9 stops and walk whichever portion of the trail you'd like. It is very convenient for tourists of all abilities.

    The desert was full of color during my visit due to the fact it had received a great amount of rain during the winter (unusual here), which was stored and exhibited in the plantlife during the late spring. Normally this desert receives its rain during the summer and it evaporates quickly due to the heat. The cool winter weather allowed the water to be stored in greater amounts.

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  • Phone: (520) 749-2861
  • Directions: Located in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range within the city of Tucson. The parking lot is just north of the intersection of Sunrise Dr and Sabino Canyon Rd
  • Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
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    Sabino Canyon: High Desert Splendor
  • Tip Rating:
  • just4funds
  • By just4funds on February 15, 2005
  • Tucson Page by just4funds
  • LOOKING  UP  FROM  THE  ROAD - Tucson
    LOOKING UP FROM THE ROAD
    by just4funds
    The Sabino Canyon is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg in regards to the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. "In the eastern foothills of the Santa Catalina mountain range, Sabino Canyon is a world of natural beauty. Stunning vistas, the freshness of the morning air, the tranquility of running creek water, and the rugged backdrop of Thimble Peak. . .make this place so unique." Friends of Sabino Canyon


    This was a great area, I wish I had more than a few hours to be there. I took the express visit with a group of customers, where you are herded onto a cattle car [tram] and whisked up the canyon road , pausing only to stop for literally just a few seconds at the 9 drop/pickup points. The tram driver we had was a well-seasoned chap who really didn't like people slowing him down or getting in his way. The paved road is solely for trams and park vehicles, and is barely wide enough at that so when a walker was crossing a bridge that the tram needed to cross the driver didn't like to wait. He would even berate you over the PA, and once rolling again he would continue to mumble under his breath. It would have been funny but he was pretty harsh.

    Needless to say, my pictures were taken from a moving vehicle on a curving, twisting, turning, winding, rising, falling canyon road, so they're not the best. The tram trip leaves much to desire, and I suggest making a day of it and hiking the trails.

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  • Phone: (520) 749-2861
  • Directions: Located in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountain range within the city of Tucson. The parking lot is just north of the intersection of Sunrise Dr and Sabino Canyon Rd
  • Website: http://www.sabinocanyon.com
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    Sabino Canyon: Even if you are not into...
  • Tip Rating:
  • Updated By LadyL on August 24, 2002
  • Tucson Page by LadyL
  • Even if you are not into serious hiking do take a bus tour that takes you to the top of Sabino Canyon, get off the bus and walk around or better yet walk down couple of bus stops and take in the beautiful desert view.
    Though Tucson is referred to as a desert, it is quite green and we do have water falls. The unique landscape cannot be fully appreciated unless you walk it. Desert in bloom (April, May, June) is indeed a magical time and place.

  • Directions: Sabino Canyon for more information write 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Tucson, AZ 85750 or call: (520) 749-2861.
  • Other Contact: Colossal Cave -(520)647-7275,El
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    Sabino Canyon: Seven Falls
  • Tip Rating:
  • Davidp1952
  • Updated By Davidp1952 on August 25, 2002
  • Tucson Page by Davidp1952
  • Sabino Canyon - Tucson
    by Davidp1952
    A two mile hike from Sabino Canyon. Absolutely beautiful when the water is running. Best to visit in the Spring or during the summer monsoon season. Check conditions after heavy rain, the trail may be unaccessible.

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    Sabino Canyon: SABINO CANYON
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  • zuriga
  • Updated By zuriga on March 15, 2005
  • Tucson Page by zuriga
  • SABINO CANYON - Tucson
    SABINO CANYON
    by zuriga
    Sabino Canyon is a pretty spot for hiking, walking or just taking a tram ride through the beautiful scenery. It's possible to ride to the top and walk back or hop on the tram at one of 9 stops. Most tourists to Tucson make this one of their visits.

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  • Directions: Take Sunrise Road all the way to it's Eastern end. There are signs to Sabino Canyon - one block to the north.
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    Sabino Canyon: Sabino Canyon shuttle
  • Tip Rating:
  • jedd43
  • Updated By jedd43 on April 5, 2004
  • Tucson Page by jedd43
  • Sabino Canyon Transportation - Tucson
    Sabino Canyon Transportation
    by jedd43
    Sabino Canyon has a shuttle you can ride up and down the canyon and get off where ever you want to and hike. I think there were 8 or 9 different stops.
    Click the pic for details. .

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  • Phone: 602-749-2861
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