To answer your question, the tram ride tickets can be purchased at the Sabino Cayon visitor center at the time you arrive. The boarding station is right next to the visitor center, so thee would be very little walking... More
To answer your question, the tram ride tickets can be purchased at the Sabino Cayon visitor center at the time you arrive. The boarding station is right next to the visitor center, so thee would be very little walking needed...... that is IF the tram were running, which it is not. We were there in January and there was no tram. The website says that the all new electric trams will be up and running no later than July, 2019. The delay is due to a permit to run them being approved. The recent government shutdown probably delayed it further.
The good news is that hiking here is relatively easy, mostly flat and paved roads and trails. Further into the park there are crushed gravel trails including one that begins to the right of the visitor center. If you were to hike more than a mile or two toward the foot hills the terrain would be much hillier and moderately difficult. Unless someone has a walking disability I think you and an 11 year old would be just fine hiking here and a tram is not needed. Entry to the park is $5/vehicle. Tram (when running) is an additional $10/person, $5/person ages 3-12. I hope this is helpful and you enjoy Sabino Canyon, we thought it was very beautiful.