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Summary: The Sabino Canyon Recreation area is one of the most visited outdoor sites in Tucson. This trail will accomodate everyone from the most experienced to the least. If you dont have the footwear or the energy, then simply pay a small fee and hop on the tram. Either way, your sure to get more than your share of excuisite desert scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Spend some time in the visitors center before venturing out, you'll find an assortment of gifts, books, guides and an impressive source of reference about our beautiful desert. Many a hiker has had their introduction to the Sonoran Desert right here, and after easing your way through the terain on a wonderfully maintained paved road, who knows, maybe you'll catch the hiking bug like the rest of us, and in no time find yourself heading down one of several trailheads that start right here. Perfect for children and mountain biking, allthough restricted to certain times. A small fee for parking is required. Trailhead: From downtown Tucson, take Oracle Road North to Ina Road, turn right (East) stay on Ina which will dead-end at Sabino Canyon Rd. Turn left and the entrance to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area will be on your right. (Lat:32.19 Lon:-110.47) Trail Guides for Sabino Canyon: Tucson Hiking Guide by Betty Leavengood (Pruett Publishing Companey) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Coronado National Forest 520 670 4552 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John McKenna, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review Sabino is far and away the busiest hiking spot in Tucson- but if you get off the main route, you can enjoy a relaxing experience with relative solitude (even on the weekends). Blackett's Ridge is never too busy, and the Esperero trail towards Cathedral Rock is generally pretty empty. There are a few distractions of the civilization below, like the tram that carries most visitors, and some abandoned motor vehicles. But the rest is an awesome view of mountains and desert flora. We captured it the day after a snow storm, when there was still unmelted snow on the small cacti. And the climb is actually easy, worth every step of the way. The tram is running to stop 8 now. You can get off and get to Hutch's pool from there if that's where you want to go. But the pool is almost dried up; there's a small pool with a tiny waterfall that we took a dip in, it was still refreshing. It's very beautiful. Our first hike since moving to Tucson. Although the directions don't seem right (there has been lots of construction in the area), once I got to Sabino Canyon I was very pleased. The hike is easy, the scenery fantastic. Due to this year's flooding, the shuttle only runs to the 4th stop (out of nine). From there it's 1.5 miles or so to the top. There are a few different trails, I intend to go back and try another. Note, that bicycles are allowed, but only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. and never on Wednesdays or Saturdays. The only negative aspect is the place is popular, if you're looking for solitude while hiking, this is not for you. Sabino Canyon, specifically the Esperero Trail is beautiful. However, if you come here for peace and quiet, you will be very disappointed. Throngs of people, loud trams that put out black smoke that the hiker is forced to breathe, not to mention having to listen to the loudspeakers even when high up esperero trail. And then there are all the hikers who think it's alright to take their rest stops in the MIDDLE of the trail, forcing the solo through hiker to go around them!! I will give the canyon one more chance, trying it on a weekday, only because I want to climb Blackett's Ridge. Otherwise, I will find more peaceful places to hike. My husband and I just moved here and went to Sabino Canyon after visiting your website, and all I can say is WOW !, We love it so much there, we purchased an anual pass and go every week now. The visitors center is so cool, they put on videos and have an indoor walk through area that teaches you about the desert, perfect for children. Thank's so much for the info, we love your website. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||