Sabino Canyon hike

Question

Hi all,

I visited Sabino Canyon in the mid 90s and remember taking the tram to the top and taking a gravel trail back down. I visited again with my U of A student about a year ago and I recognized nothing! We took the tram and walked down the paved roadway but did not do any real hike. Can anyone give me some advice of a trail we can take back down and see some interesting things. I am guessing we'll go in early am and have 2-3 hours. Many thanks.

Answer

Sabino Canyon is a fantastic spot for a morning hike, and with 2–3 hours, you can see some of the more scenic areas without overextending yourself. Since you want more of a “real hike” rather than just walking down the paved road, there are several trails that offer gravel or dirt paths with interesting views and desert features.

Starting Point: Take the tram up the canyon to the last stop. This gives you a head start and saves time and energy, especially in the early morning.

Suggested Trails for Your Descent:

Bear Canyon Trail: From the tram stop, follow the Bear Canyon Trail. This is a gravel/dirt trail that leads down toward the canyon and offers great views, desert flora, and rock formations. If you have time, you can take a short detour to the Seven Falls area; even if you don’t do the full hike, the first section to the lower falls is scenic.
Fossil Canyon Trail: Connects with the Bear Canyon Trail and loops down toward the visitor center. Offers interesting terrain and less crowded paths.
Phoneline Trail: If you want a slightly longer option, descend via the Phoneline Trail, which has some elevation changes and panoramic views of the canyon, before reconnecting to the lower tram stops or the paved road back to the visitor center.

Tips for Your Morning Hike:

Start early to avoid the heat, especially in late spring or summer.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and good walking shoes for gravel/dirt paths.
Check the tram schedule to plan your return if you prefer a tram ride down instead of walking all the way.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly birds, lizards, and javelina in the early morning.
Allow extra time for photography; the light in the early morning can be excellent on the canyon walls and rock formations.

With these trails, you can have a meaningful hike in 2–3 hours, see more natural terrain, and enjoy some highlights of Sabino Canyon that you missed on your previous visit.

Sabino Canyon hike

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