Tucson, AZ

A great way to get out and experience spring in Tucson is with an early morning hike in Sabino Canyon. While the canyon did experience damage during 2006’s monsoon season, much headway has been made to restore it, and the Sabino Canyon Trail is still a beautiful way to witness nature.

Sabino Canyon is located off Sabino Canyon Road, which is accessible from Kolb Road, between Tanque Verde and Sunrise.

If you plan to hike Sabino in the spring, summer, or early fall, start early, as the temperatures can rise quickly. The self-guided Desert Nature Trail at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center provides an excellent way to familiarize yourself with native plants and foliage. If you hike in the summer, consider packing bathing suits and towels. Kids and adults alike will enjoy frolicking in the cool canyon pools. Although the spring weather can make a dip in the water inviting, remember that the water is from ice and snow melting off the mountains and can be downright icy!

While the Sabino Canyon Trail is completely paved and very safe, if your group just is not up for a hike you should still plan a visit to the canyon. Catch the Sabino Canyon Tours tram for a 45-minute narrated tour up the trail to Stop #9 and back again. There are several stops along the route, so you can depart the tram and inspect the canyon on your own. When you are ready, hike back down the trail or simply catch another tram – they run about every half hour.

My nineteen-year-old daughter and I got to the base of the trail at around seven a.m. on a recent spring morning. We realized we had left our bottles of water on the kitchen counter, but fortunately there are vending machines with water and other beverages, so we stocked up and headed out on the trail. On this particular morning the road runners were living up to their name. we spotted four of the chicken-like birds crossing our path at separate spots. The blooming palo verde trees were beautiful, but did a number on my allergies. So after about forty-five minutes of hiking the trail, we turned around to head back down.

Sabino Canyon offers many picnic sites, but remember that no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed. And be sure to check out the visitor center near the entrance of the canyon, where you will find a bookstore, restrooms, and those wonderful beverage vending machines. Sabino Canyon is open year-round.

Sabino Canyon is one of Coronado National Forest’s fee areas. A day pass costs $5 per carload. A week pass is $10 and an annual pass is $20. I suggest going for the annual pass, since passes can be used at any Coronado National Forest fee area, including Mount Lemmon and Madera Canyon. Keep it in your glove box and you are set for the year!

Sabino Canyon Shuttle (tram ride) is $7.50 for adults, $3.00 for children 3-12, and free for children under 3.