Sabino and Bear Canyon: Trails Just Outside of Tuscon

While Tuscon might be sandwiched in between the two ends of Saguaro National Park, it is also close to other exciting opportunities. One such opportunity is Sabino Canyon, a landscape of gorges and valleys located in the Santa Catalina mountains and situated right on Tuscon’s northern boundary, about 30 minutes from downtown. Sabino Canyon provides a great opportunity for a day hike without having to drive far from the city.

From our hotel, it was about a 15 minute drive (8 miles) straight north to Sabino Canyon. Visiting in January and not knowing how popular the area was to hike, Brad expected to be among a select few present. However, on arrival he quickly realized that Sabino Canyon was no secret and everyone else was ready for a day of sunshine as well, locals and tourists alike. The entrance to the canyon hike trails has a visitor center and parking lot. The parking lot is decently sized but spots were limited. The canyon trails are not free if parking in the lot and a day pass costs $5.00. The ticket is displayed in your car’s window.

There are multiple trails to choose from and a map available to view at the visitor center.

Initially, Brad asked for advice from a staff member about which trail to hike. Pointed to the easiest of the trails, Brad felt more up for an adventure and so chose one of the more popular trails that was reportedly partially flooded, yet had other hikers embarking down it still. The trail was called Bear Canyon Trail (a neighboring canyon to Sabino Canyon) and there was a group of waterfalls known as Seven Falls at the end, Brad’s favorite type of hiking destination. Nothing quite like the roar of a waterfall applauding you as you succeed on your hike.

The first roughly 1.25 miles of the trail can be accomplished via a winding paved path to the canyon’s proper entrance or through a portion of the desert brush and cacti. Brad elected the pathway through the brush and cacti for a more natural feel, although the paved pathway is still easily in sight at this portion of the trail. This part of the trail ends with an outhouse and water supply before delving into the gorge.

The path to Seven Falls through the canyon winds for 2.7 miles on either side of a creek and involves walking along the rocky, shrubbery dotted cliff side. The trail is home to some interesting cacti and is not particularly strenuous except for some mild elevation gain near the Seven Falls.

However, depending on the day, the creek can flood some portions of the trail. Additionally, because of various rocky outcroppings blocking further passage on one of the two sides, the hike involves at least 5 creek crossings that are more difficult when the waters are higher, as it was this day. While more difficult, it is not impossible to cross but it will require getting your feet or shoes wet. The water on this day was ankle deep in some locations. Fortunately, after getting wet, the sun can provide enough warmth to dry off quickly which is good because it can get a chilly in the shadier regions of the canyon. Of note, the rocks definitely do get slippery and falling while crossing the creek and getting back onto the shore is a danger in some areas. Brad found this out the hard way when he slipped coming up the rocks on his last creek crossing on the outbound journey and nearly cracked his skull and died. Luckily, he landed mostly on his elbow and knee with just a few bloody scrapes.

The outbound hike to the falls takes about 1.5 – 2 hours and could take more depending on your level of fitness and the degree of flooding. The journey is well worth it as the Seven Falls is a splendid site to see at the end. The Seven Falls is a set of cascading waterfalls situated in series with the uppermost falls settling into a small recreational pool for hikers to enjoy. The rocks around this area are extremely slippery and cold, especially if you are already wet. But the view is unbeatable. A nice area for lunch prior to the return hike.

Overall we recommend this hike as it provides views of Seven Falls, which is reportedly the prettiest site. Definitely be careful depending on the day’s weather and your level of fitness. We would consider the hike medium difficulty and danger to anyone with fragile bones or those without sure feet.