Sabino Canyon Trail

Description:

• This trail offers access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range, famous for its deep canyons and soaring ridges. When traveled as a loop, the Sabino Canyon, East Fork and Bear Canyon Trails form a long but rewarding day-trip that offers memorable views and access to the riparian environments they shelter. A trip along either trail or around the entire loop will treat you to good views of the high ridges and peaks of the Front Range and, at sunset, of the city of Tucson with its lights framed by the black silhouette of surrounding mountains.

  Since Sabino Canyon Trail is accessible from the extremely popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, it is used heavily. Sabino Canyon Trail begins at the end of the recreation area shuttle bus route and contours along the canyon's eastern slope a good distance above the canyon floor. A number of paths branch off the trail along this stretch and lead down to the streambed.

  Since horses are not permitted on the shuttle road, equestrians must use the Phone Line Trail #27 (4.5 miles) to complete a loop.

  All of this trail is within Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness.

  Water can be found in pools along Sabino canyon year-round. Purification of water is recommended prior to use. Creek crossings may be hard to negotiate when water flow is high.

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010