Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Sabino Canyon Road

Trail Facts at a Glance

Name: Sabino Canyon Road, in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Location: 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

Trail length plus more: Shuttle ride up-canyon, 3.7 miles, 1-hour ride; hike down-canyon, 3.7 miles in 9 segments, and hikers can hop on the shuttle at 9 stops, Loss 670’, Elevation 3000’, slopes range from 1-6% depending on the segment

Trail surface: Paved road

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 Shuttle (“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

Bicycling in permitted before 9am and after 5pm; but not permitted Wednesdays or Saturdays

Nature & Interpretive Center hours: Visitor Center, open 7days/week, 8am to 4:30pm

(closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Transit: None

Date of last visit: 30 May 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

Sabino Creek flows through a narrow canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, forming a ribbon of waterfalls, wading pools, and lush riparian vegetation
Millions of hikers have traveled to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area to view the cottonwood trees and saguaros framed by giant granite walls

Parking, Restrooms & Amenities

Ample parking, 6 accessible restrooms, multiple drinking fountains and water faucets
Dozens of benches and plenty of signage along the road
Visitor Center with gift shop and museum
Rangers and docents frequently patrol on foot and by bike
3.7 mile electric shuttle ride (for a fee)
Dogs are not allowed

Trail Route

Hikers wind their way down the canyon paved road, crossing the creek nine times on historic rock bridges
Snowmelt in spring and thunderstorms in summer will often cause the creek to flow over the bridges, making the road impassable