Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Phoneline Trail

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: Phoneline Trail, in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Location: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

The southern trailhead is most easily accessed by walking 0.75 miles from the parking lot, along Lower Sabino Canyon Road, to the sign marking the beginning of the Phoneline Trail

The northern trailhead is most easily accessed by taking the Sabino Canyon Shuttle from the Visitor Center to Stop #9 (3.7 miles) and following signs to the Phoneline Trail

Trail length plus more: Four routes are recommended:

South-to-North-to-South Loop: 4.4 miles (least difficult),

North-to-South Route: 4.4 miles,

End-to-End One-Way Route: 5.4 miles, Gain 510’, Loss 1120’, Elevation 3200’

End-to-End Round-Trip Route: 10.8 miles (most difficult)

Trail surface: Rugged natural surface with rocks, sand, stairs, slopes > 10% with steep drop-offs, narrow sections, switchbacks and stream crossings

Parks agency: Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest

Contact: 520-749-8700 or sm.fs.scrd@usda.gov

Parking fee: Day-use fee $8/day and $10/week or free with Interagency, Military and Coronado passes

Trail hours: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, open 24h/day 7days/week

Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon Shuttles (“The Crawler”), 7 days/week

(closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and 3 days for maintenance)

May 1 to Dec 14, 9am to 4pm, departures every hour

Dec 15 to April 30, 9am to 4pm, departures every half hour

Visitor Center hours: Open 7days/week, 8am to 4:30pm

(closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Transit: None

Date of last visit: 3 December 2024

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general guidance only and may not reflect current conditions. Users must assess trails for themselves, consider their own abilities, and assume all risks associated with trail use. Tucson AccessTrails, a nonprofit corporation, is not responsible for any injuries or incidents that may occur. Always use caution and prepare appropriately when visiting trails.

Description:

Overview

Located in Sabino Canyon, showcasing the best of Tucson hiking
Offers spectacular views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and panoramic city vistas
Trail features wildflowers in spring, cactus blooms in summer, and golden cottonwood leaves in autumn
Wildlife sightings may include white-tailed deer and Gila monsters
Passes through colorful rock formations created by ancient geological uplift

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Accessible parking, restrooms, drinking fountains
Visitor Center with gift shop and museum
No restrooms or benches along the Phoneline Trail itself
Dogs not allowed

Trail Route

Runs the length of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, parallel to Upper Sabino Canyon Road
5.4-mile one-way hike (uphill or downhill) using shuttle to top or bottom
4.4-mile loop from the parking lot connecting to the Sabino Creek Trail
10.8-mile round trip (out-and-back)
Option to cut hike short (≈3 miles) by dropping down to a shuttle stop mid-hike