Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
4.5
About
Located in the Catalina Mountains and part of the Coronado National Forest, this beautiful canyon offers outdoor recreation including hiking, swimming, biking and picnicking. For an overview of the area, take the narrated shuttle bus tour.
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- lotsagoldens940 contributionsPristine and beautifulWhat a busy place! Plan ahead so you know what hikes you want to do; get there early so that you can get the trolley you want. I like the fact that they don't allow cars beyond the parking lot. There's a trolley ride up and down; it takes about 30 minutes each way, and it stops so people can hop on or off. Everyone gets headsets; ours didn't work! Anyway, it's a lovely place.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2024
- lmphillyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania270 contributionsBeautiful rideTook the 1 hour round trip tram ride. With round trip ticket You can walk the whole way down or part way down. There are no stops going up but several going down. We rode both ways. It was beautiful and well worth price. Narration is provided. Nice visitor center and gift shop too. This was awesome. Highly recommend it.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 9, 2024
- chl0e48Minneapolis, Minnesota191 contributionsGreat, local recreation area near TucsonSabino Canyon is a wonderful, but very popular, natural area near Tucson. There is an entrance fee, but a National Parks Pass gets you in for free. At the base there is a giftshop, info area and restrooms. There are lots of varied hiking trails and a tram that can just provide a leisurely tour of the area or take you closer to some of the trails. The stream through the canyon can be bone dry or a raging torrent blocking the roads after a strong rain. At busy times the parking lot can be full but there is an overflow lot just up the road.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
- Dave48838Greenville, Michigan685 contributionsShould be on everyone's listWe visited the canyon in the mid morning. In April, it was cool and pleasant - bring a hat and maybe a jacket. As photographers know, the light is best in the morning and evening. The same is true here. The shadows on the mountains pop in the early morning light. When we were there. the parking lot was already full. Being a federal facility, we could use our Senior Pass. There are also vending machines to get a day pass for $8. The visitor center is impressive with stone and natural materials. There is a little shop and the park staff could answer all our questions. They gave us good advice about the trails that would suit our energy level. There is also a third party shuttle service that leaves every half hour. For $15 you can board a huge covered "golf cart" that traverses the length of the canyon on a 45 minute tour. We started on one trail and then veered off to avoid groups that were ahead of us. I think all the trails must be good. On the Rattle Snake trail, we did see a snake, several birds and a wonderful array of cacti and wild flowers on a well groomed gravel trail. We had to keep going so we branched off on another trial and before we knew it we had our 10,000 steps in. We are staying in the area so will plan to return so see more of this wonderful place.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 9, 2024
- Joan GBay Shore, New York17 contributionsDon’t miss it.Wow! Take the Canyon Crawler tram. It goes to the “top” without stopping, but then you can get off for a few minutes or stay at that stop for as long as you’d like and pick up another tram to go down. You can get off at other stops along the way down. think there are nine all together. We were at the top stop for the partial eclipse—super fun. Note: There is an $8 fee to park but our National Park pass was honored.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 18, 2024
- Suzy BBedford, New Hampshire163 contributionsWater In the Desert?Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has numerous hiking trails as well as the Sabino Canyon Crawler open air tram. The tram takes visitors 3.7 miles into the canyon and back. On the day of our visit, we were up for a ride rather than a hike, so we opted for the tram. The tram was an excellent introduction to the canyon, including an optional audio tour via headphones. The tram makes stops on the return trip giving the option to hop off and hike part or all of the way back. We stayed on for the entire ride, about an hour. We reserved our tickets online on a few days ahead to guarantee our plans. The water winding through the canyon was a departure from the arid desert scenery on our other Tucson excursions. We’re glad we included Sabino Canyon in our itinerary, and hope to return for hiking another time.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 28, 2024
- John PSouth Deerfield, Massachusetts900 contributionsImmersed in Arizona nature, 4/14/24Close to Tucson and on our trip to Tombstone, we found a great scenic park. The 4 mile tram ride up the Sabino canyon over multiple water crossings was beautiful, and the weather was perfect. It would have been quite warm to do the hike in the afternoon. We saw some wonderful scenery and were narrated on the ride up. We spent an hour or so enjoying the perfect afternoon. Our National Park pass saved us the $8 parking, but not the $15 tram ride.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 29, 2024
- RoadbirdsChicago, Illinois420 contributionsNature at its bestGood for all ages and fitness levels. Lovely any time of the year. Many hikes of different length and difficulty and a handy “crawler” shuttle for those less energetic. Tip ride the crawler up the length of the road and walk back along the road to stop 1 then ride the rest of the way. Obviously avoid hiking at peak heat times in the summer, and tailor your clothing to the weather. Bring water whenever you hike.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 3, 2024
- Jarom C4 contributionsCool recreation area with decent desert hikesCool recreation area open to the public. Bicyclists are able to bike here at certain hours of the day. I've been able to trail run here in the past. There are a couple of different hikes at different grades for inexperienced and experienced hikers. 10/10 would recommend. National park passes are a must. Lol.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten December 21, 2024
- thereyaare35 contributionsSabinoMultiple hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to very difficult. Tram rides also available. Part of National Park Service so you can use National Parks pass if you have one. The dam and the washes will depend on the local rainfall, so keep that in mind.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 9, 2025
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Cherry_Wonderdog
New England4,987 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The Sabino Canyon was far more impressive than anything we saw at Saguaro National Park. On top of that, it was totally free! Cherry Wonderdog could understand why the parking lot here was VERY crowded, whereas the ones at the park charging $25 admission were nearly empty.
The Esperero, Rattlesnake, and Phoneline trails combined for a five-mile loop that was perfectly appropriate for an early morning excursion. There was just enough but not too much elevation, plenty of seclusion from cars, noise, and civilization, great vistas of cacti, distant mountains, and the Sabino canyon itself, and open space to avoid crowds.
The sun beat down on us very hard, with temps hovering around 100, so our hats, sunglasses, and sunblock were a necessity. Additionally, we drank three to four bottles of water during our hike. Cherry Wonderdog advises you to come prepared but enjoy your time immensely. It’s definitely one of the best hikes in the entire state!
The Esperero, Rattlesnake, and Phoneline trails combined for a five-mile loop that was perfectly appropriate for an early morning excursion. There was just enough but not too much elevation, plenty of seclusion from cars, noise, and civilization, great vistas of cacti, distant mountains, and the Sabino canyon itself, and open space to avoid crowds.
The sun beat down on us very hard, with temps hovering around 100, so our hats, sunglasses, and sunblock were a necessity. Additionally, we drank three to four bottles of water during our hike. Cherry Wonderdog advises you to come prepared but enjoy your time immensely. It’s definitely one of the best hikes in the entire state!
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B D
Tucson, AZ421 contributions
Jan 2023
As a local here in Tucson I believe Sabino Canyon should be a "Must See" for all visitors coming here to the Old Pueblo. My latest visit with my dear friends who were here visiting me from out of state. I do usually walk/hike in and out. The tram cost @ $15/pp with the option of getting off at many of the stops and getting back on. The tram was clean and informative. It is advised to make reservations on-line for the tram so it is not sold out at the time you are wanting. There are many different trails to take from Sabino Canyon so do your research prior to arriving. Bring LOTS of water and sunscreen as well as wear a hat. Since Sabino Canyon is federal property there is a parking fee as well. Enjoy beautiful Sabino Canyon!
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fun4AnT
186 contributions
Mar 2022
Bought tickets one day ahead. Glad we did because it did sell out for the whole day. The round trip ($12 per person) was a great activity for our group of eight, which included some who wouldn't have been able to hike the route. If you are able, I would recommend taking the Crawler to the farthest point and walking back (along the paved road/path). You can hop on/hop off the Crawler so if you're done walking, you can hop on a Crawler at one of the stops. Great way to see some beautiful scenery.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happytrvlrColorado
Windsor, CO190 contributions
Nov 2021
I have heard of Sabino Canyon and always wanted to check it out so while staying at the Westin La Paloma which is about a 10 minute drive away we decided to visit. The website indicates that no cars are allowed and you either have to walk or take a open air tram ride/tour. We arrived 30 minutes in advance of the first tour departure (hourly) only to discover all tickets were already gone. So we were able to purchase tickets for the next departure in one hour. As we boarded the tram, we were handed ear buds in order to listen to the recorded tour. The tour guide was very adamant that masks must be worn at all times. On an open-air tram!? I realize it is law but it seemd ridiculous and she was almost aggressive about her reminders to keep them on. We settled in hoping to hear all about the canyon, the cactus and animals as we rode but the recorded tour was disappointing. Lots of time gaps and very superficial information. It would have been nice to hear all the interesting facts about the saguaro cactus for example but it was merely named with no further information. You are allowed to get off at any of the 9 stops and many people did so that they could hike. We gave up on the uninformative tour and did get off about halfway back and walked to our car. One tip I'd like to pass along is that you can actually purchase your tram tickets in advance online and I would definitely recommend going on one of the earlier departures. Tram tour starts at 9,
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2-Lane-Traveler
Savage, MN965 contributions
Feb 2020
A beautiful Desert Canyon, near Tucson. Tram Ride was well done and great way to get to trails ($12/person) recommend making reservations on-line prior to your visit. If your in to hiking, the tram takes you to several trail heads. If you not, it's a fun 45 min trip into and back out of the canyon. The tram crosses the creek 9 times (7 were through water during our visit in lat February).
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LivinglifeinPA
Allentown, PA893 contributions
Mar 2023
What a beautiful area of Arizona!!!!!!!!
Sabino Canyon offers numerous trails for walking, hiking, and bicycling (on a limited basis).
Your first stop here should be the Visitor Center, where the daily activities & exhibits are posted. You can also obtain brochures and other printed material about the area.
Don't miss the Sabino Canyon Crawler, an electric shuttle that takes passengers to the upper end of the Sabino Canyon and then stops at 8 or so different locations on the way down to allow people to get off/on for their hiking/walking needs. The entire trip lasts about an hour and is narrated throughout it.
If you have a National Park Pass, bring it with you.........the pass is accepted in lieu of the day-use fee. The fee for the Crawler, though, is a separate one that is not included in either the NPP or day-use fee.
Sabino Canyon offers numerous trails for walking, hiking, and bicycling (on a limited basis).
Your first stop here should be the Visitor Center, where the daily activities & exhibits are posted. You can also obtain brochures and other printed material about the area.
Don't miss the Sabino Canyon Crawler, an electric shuttle that takes passengers to the upper end of the Sabino Canyon and then stops at 8 or so different locations on the way down to allow people to get off/on for their hiking/walking needs. The entire trip lasts about an hour and is narrated throughout it.
If you have a National Park Pass, bring it with you.........the pass is accepted in lieu of the day-use fee. The fee for the Crawler, though, is a separate one that is not included in either the NPP or day-use fee.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trevan
Englewood, FL166 contributions
Mar 2023
Having spent the better part of the day at Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, we made it just in time for the last tram of the day into the Canyon. It had snowed on March 2 and we got to see the impact with waters rushing throughout the tram ride. What an amazing and special place. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Tucson, especially when it is very hot.
We will come back again on another trip to do some of the hikes.
We will come back again on another trip to do some of the hikes.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff K
Pittsburgh, PA2,476 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We took the Bear Canyon Crawler to the trailhead for the 7 Falls trailhead. The Crawler saves you about 30-40 minutes each way. We bought tickets a week in advance for the 9:45 crawler but tickets were still available when we arrived.
The hike took my wife and me about 3 hours, plus 15 minutes hanging out at the falls area. We hiked in late April and the heat wasn’t bad. I would rate the hike as moderate. The ascent is fairly gradual without any significant steep areas. The trail can be pretty rocky in areas so you have to watch your footing pretty carefully. We saw a wide variety of cacti and plants. Also, saw some interesting insects and lizards.
We were very glad that we made the hike. It’s a great way to experience the desert first-hand and up-close.
Highly recommended.
The hike took my wife and me about 3 hours, plus 15 minutes hanging out at the falls area. We hiked in late April and the heat wasn’t bad. I would rate the hike as moderate. The ascent is fairly gradual without any significant steep areas. The trail can be pretty rocky in areas so you have to watch your footing pretty carefully. We saw a wide variety of cacti and plants. Also, saw some interesting insects and lizards.
We were very glad that we made the hike. It’s a great way to experience the desert first-hand and up-close.
Highly recommended.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hdempsey
Washington DC1,275 contributions
Apr 2022
After a big morning of hiking in the nearby national park, this was the perfect stop. There's more hiking available if you want it, but for my group to take the tram out and back was perfection. Nice views, some commentary through a headset, and a five minute photo op at the end of the line.
The tram has a fee, but the cost to actually enter the park is covered if you have a national park pass.
I was disappointed to learn the tram was only operating once per hour, but just check ahead of time so you know what you're getting into. I would have considered tramming to the end, and walking some of the way back, but know there wasn't another tram for an hour I just stayed on.
Very nice visitor center as well.
The tram has a fee, but the cost to actually enter the park is covered if you have a national park pass.
I was disappointed to learn the tram was only operating once per hour, but just check ahead of time so you know what you're getting into. I would have considered tramming to the end, and walking some of the way back, but know there wasn't another tram for an hour I just stayed on.
Very nice visitor center as well.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yycyycyyc
Calgary, AB673 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Sabino Canyon has myriad hiking trails of all lengths and strenuousness, all well marked and maintained. We chose Phoneline and Esperero for our 2 days. Day 1 Phoneline (yes, there really was a phone line once) was 10 miles out and back, a steady, gradual climb over the first mile, then more or less level. Great views into the canyon, especially later on when the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Day 2 Esperero was shorter but tougher, climbing almost non-stop, but constant breathtaking views let us pause long enough to get our breath back!
Day 2 Esperero was shorter but tougher, climbing almost non-stop, but constant breathtaking views let us pause long enough to get our breath back!
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My understanding was that the pass covers the park fee/parking only. The tram is really n by a separate company/organuzation.
Written March 31, 2024
can I reserve in advance and pay in advance?
Written January 7, 2023
If you have the America the Beautiful pass (Annual, Senior, Military, etc) you do not have to pay. Just display it on your windshield or dashboard. Otherwise, drive up to the booth and pay the $8 for a day pass. You cannot reserve parking.
If you plan to take the Sabino Canyon Crawler (aka the shuttle), I highly recommend you buy the tickets in advance so you get the time slot you want. The Crawler leaves promptly on the hour, and will not wait for latecomers. Make sure you allow plenty of time for parking. It is very busy this time of year, especially on weekends.
Written January 23, 2023
can I reserve a few days in advance?
Written January 7, 2023
If there is no one in the booth at the entrance, there are several options by the curb in front of the Visitor Center:
1. Pay with cash in the red payment envelopes; put the tear-off on your dashboard.
2. Use your phone to scan the QR code to pay and register electronically. You'll need your license plate number for this. No receipt needed.
3. Pay with a credit card at the machine. Put the receipt on the dashboard.
4. Buy a pass inside the VC.
Written March 24, 2022
Do America the Beautiful Access Pass holders receive a discount for the Sabino Canyon shuttle?
Written April 17, 2021
We have a pass to the National Parks and the entry fee was waived t the tram fee was not
Written April 20, 2021
What is the best trail for a solo senior female hiker who is reasonably fit?
Written March 24, 2021
There are many trails and loops to choose from. Ask a volunteer in front of the Visitor Center for advice, especially if there are any temporary trail closures in effect.
Written March 24, 2021
Why can’t I get directions to Sabino Canyon from our location at E. Speedway and Alvernon Rd?
Written March 21, 2021
Are you trying to rely on Google or some such?
Written March 22, 2021
I just saw the sabino canyon visitor center is closed on Tuesday. Does the tram still work and can we park and hike? Ty
Written March 9, 2021
The tram still operates Tuesdays. Visit the sabino canyon crawler website (it won't let me post the link) and if you select sabino canyon tour / bear canyon, select the number of tickets, then it'll bring you to a calendar of availability with live updates on seating. The website also has all the info on COVID precautions. Or you can park and hike (even on Tuesdays).
Written March 9, 2021
With the new mask mandate can we take photos here without masks or not?
Written January 23, 2021
Yes, you can remove your mask to take a pic.
Written January 23, 2021
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