Plan a visit. Different seasons and times of day offer a range of Sabino Canyon experiences. Purchase a Coronado Recreational Pass at a participating vendor (many local gas stations carry them) or on-site. The cost is $5 for a Day Pass, $10 for a Week Pass and $20 for an Annual Pass. Plan a trip at sunset to view a spectacular sky or schedule a morning hike before the sun is at its peak. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year (however, the Visitor Center is closed on major holidays and has standard operating hours).
Get to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Located in the northeast part of Tucson, Sabino Canyon is easily accessed off Tanque Verde Road. Turn north onto Sabino Canyon and continue 4 miles to the recreation area center. Sabino Canyon is located just 10 miles from downtown Tucson. For specific directions, call Sabino Canyon Recreation Center at: (520) 749-8700.
Hit the trails. Hikes vary in difficulty and cover a range of distances. Pick up a map at the recreation entrance and choose a hike that is a reasonable distance and challenge for you and your party. Many people jog, bring strollers, cycle or ride a horse on the paved tram road. Although the full round-trip distance is 8 miles, look for mile markers to slice your hike into shorter distances. Also, check out the Telephone Line Trail for excellent creek views or hike to Seven Falls (via Bear Canyon Trail) during wet season to see pools of water. Check hike accessibility conditions prior to visiting Sabino Canyon, as heavy rains cause flooding in the canyon.
Enjoy the narrated shuttle bus tour. Choose from two tram options and enjoy an educational experience through the desert canyon. Cross over stone bridges and gain elevation, taking in spectacular mountain range and canyon views. Convenient stop points allow visitors to hop-on and re-board at will. Contact Sabino Canyon Tours for additional information via their website or while in the recreational area. Arrive early in the day to take advantage of shuttle availability; later morning and afternoon rides tend to fill up quickly.
Watch for desert animals. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has an abundance of exciting wildlife. Look for javelinas, tarantulas, snake varieties, gila monsters, road runners, white-tailed deer, coyotes and even mountain lions and bobcats. Practice wildlife safety at all times (especially if young children are present). Tucson is famous for its bird-watching, so share your eyes with the skies as you enjoy your time in the canyon.
Take photographs. Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis and boasts beautiful desert flora, plants and animals. Visit in in the spring to see water in the wash and pools, summer to see the saguaro and prickly pear in full bloom and the fall and winter to relish in cooler temperatures. Enjoy the sights of unique rock formations, willow and cottonwood trees, mesquite, palo verde, saguaro, chollo and ocotillo.
Shop at Visitor Center and Bookstore.
