Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

One more place to enjoy near Tucson in Arizona

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Sabino Canyon is a popular recreational area in Tucson, located near the Santa Catalina Mountains. It offers a variety of hiking trails and opportunities to observe wildlife, including the fascinating Gila monster. Both locals and tourists enjoy visiting this beautiful place. You can have a picnic surrounded by saguaro cacti and find relief from the heat by cooling down in Sabino Creek. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. This hour-long open-air shuttle ride provides narration about the canyon and makes nine stops along the way. You have the option to disembark and explore at your own pace or return to the visitor center on the shuttle. Another option is the Bear Canyon shuttle, which is a shorter 30-minute narrated ride with three stops.

When you’re in Tucson, make sure to include a visit to this place in your itinerary. Recent visitors highly recommend it for its breathtaking desert views that you can’t fully appreciate from inside your car. To make the most of your experience, hop on the tram and ride to the top. From there, you can enjoy a scenic hike back down to the visitor center. Travelers suggest planning your visit during the spring when the canyon is adorned with colorful blooming flowers. Another great time to go is during the monsoon season, which runs from mid-June to the end of September. During this period, waterfalls form in certain parts of the canyon, particularly around Hutch’s Pools. Keep in mind that shuttle tickets may sell out, so it’s wise to book them in advance to secure your spot.