Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: A Desert Oasis
Explore a stunning desert canyon with hiking, wildlife, and scenic views in Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains.
Nestled in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis offering stunning scenery, diverse hiking trails, and a chance to experience the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. With a history stretching back millions of years, the canyon provides a haven for wildlife and a refreshing escape for visitors.
A brief summary to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
- 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, Arizona, 85750, US
- +1520-749-8700
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring plenty of water, especially during the hotter months, as shade is limited on many trails.
- Consider taking the Sabino Canyon Crawler or Bear Canyon Shuttle to access trailheads further into the canyon.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking can fill up quickly.
- Bicycles are permitted on the paved road before 9 am and after 5 pm, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Check the Sabino Canyon website for information on current conditions, including creek flow and shuttle schedules.
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Tucson, head east on Speedway Boulevard, which turns into Tanque Verde Road. Continue east on Tanque Verde Road until you reach Sabino Canyon Road. Turn north onto Sabino Canyon Road and follow it to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, located just north of Sunrise Road. Parking at Sabino Canyon costs $8 per day. An annual pass can be purchased for $40 at the visitor's center. You can also use the America the Beautiful national parks pass or an Interagency Senior Pass for admittance.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public bus route to Sabino Canyon, you can take a bus to a nearby location and then use a ride-sharing service to complete your journey. Take the bus to the intersection of Tanque Verde Road and Sabino Canyon Road. From there, a short ride-share trip (approximately 3 miles) will take you to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. A ride-share from this intersection typically costs between $10 and $15.
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Shuttle
Once at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, you can access the canyon interior via the Sabino Canyon Crawler or the Bear Canyon Shuttle. The Sabino Canyon Crawler is a narrated, open-air electric tram that travels a 7.4-mile roundtrip route, with tickets costing $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. The Bear Canyon Shuttle provides access to the Seven Falls Trail, with tickets costing $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online.
Discover more about Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Jacobson House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
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Bug Spring Trailhead
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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