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Bear Canyon to Seven Falls


Highlights:

lush riparian corridor, incredible 7-tiered waterfall
Near:Tucson, AZ
Scenery:
Distance:8.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:717 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: Hiking Bear Caynon to Seven Falls is an incredible Sonoran desert hiking experience. This is one of the most beautiful hikes SE Arizona offers. You'll leave from the Sabino Canyon visitor center and hike toward and through Bear Canyon which runs parallel to Sabino Canyon. When there's water flowing the trail criss-crosses through the stream numerous times. When I hiked it in November it was flowing. The destination (even though the trail continues on past) is the famous Seven Falls. Here you'll find a 7-tiered waterfall in the middle of the desert. Luckily the Apsen Fire of '03 didn't fill in the pools and some are still over your head as far as depth. This is a great classic hike!
Trailhead: From I-10 take the Ina Road in Tucson. Turn east onto Ina Road and follow it as it becomes Skyline Drive and then Sunset Drive. When you reach the end of Sunset Drive and a stop sign, turn left. The Sabino Canyon Visitors Center and parking lot are immediately on your right. (Lat:32.32548 Lon:-110.83725)
Trail Guides for Bear Canyon to Seven Falls:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: www.sabinocanyon.com - (520) 749-2861
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Benesh, who has posted  21 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 5   Submit your own review
Reviewed by GF on 5/22/2008
We went in the morning but should started earlier, as the noon heat was intense on our return. The views are breath-taking, so bring a camera. Strong sunscreen is a must! Even loaded with drinking water, we consumed our whole supply and were thirsty by the time we returned to the covered canopy where the water tap is located. We saw a gila monster and another hiker reported seeing a rattlesnake.

Reviewed by LB on 5/13/2008
Went on 5/12 - 95 degree weather. I wish I would have gone early in the day, as it was quite hot, but the streams and pools were great to cool off with. Between the heat and being a bit out of shape, it took me 6 hours, but was definitely worth it. I'd love to hike it again, in cooler weather.

Reviewed by KMC on 4/6/2008
Hiked this end of March during spring break and I would gladly do it again. A fairly easy hike that could get busy after 10am. We hiked it in the early morning before the sun hit the inside of the canyon and only saw one other hiker on the way out. Had the 7 falls all to ourselves! Beautiful and easy this time of year with numerous creek crossings, but could be difficult during wet season due to deep water. If you go at a good pace you can be in and out in 3 hours, but you will want to stop and enjoy the falls!

Reviewed by QP on 3/26/2008
My first extended desert hike. Took 6 hours and was about as advertised as far as difficulty. Of course I only brought 1 bottle of water - not a good idea. The falls and pool were full in late March and very beautiful. There were not as many people as I thought for Easter weekend. The trail could have beeen better marked where it crossed the river. We spent alot of time "finding" it again after crossing. I recommend it - but bring lots of water.

Reviewed by Viewer on 3/5/2008
went twice in one month. great fun with great friends. one of my personal favorites

Reviewed by Viewer on 3/4/2008
This is one of my favorite hikes whenever I go to Tucson.

Reviewed by Jordy on 12/18/2007
I hiked this yesterday morning beginning at 8AM. If you're willing to hike this trail early in the day and when the creeks are high (like after a snowfall in the Catalinas), you will find much solitude. However, the trail crosses the creek seven times. This can be dangerous if you're jumping from rock to rock. I recommend taking off your boots and fording the creek at shallow points.

Reviewed by Joel on 11/12/2007
My wife and I hiked this trail yesterday November 11, and found it to be really nice. We were pleased to find water still flowing this time of year. Fairly easy hike even for a family with younger children. Only reason I would give this hike a 4 out of 5 stars is that it is that if you are seeking solitude you will not find it, and the water is seasonal.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Arizona Hiking, Arizona Trails, Arizona Hikes, Pima County Hiking, Pima County Trails, Pima County Hikes

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