Sabino Canyon
About
Located in the Catalina Mountains and part of the Coronado National Forest, this beautiful canyon offers outdoor recreation including hiking, swimming, biking and picnicking. For an overview of the area, take the narrated shuttle bus tour.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,844 reviews
Excellent
3,861
Very good
804
Average
131
Poor
26
Terrible
22
GrandmaB212
Sequim, WA36 contributions
Nov. 2022
We took the shuttle to the through the canyon. Being fall, it was beautiful. This is one of the most beautiful areas around Tucson. So glad we did it.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
airport63london
London50 contributions
Oct. 2022
Wow! The most wonderful experience of being up close and personal with the endless natural vistas. We took the train up which gave a perspective and walked down just soaking up the beauty admiring not only the most magnificent and elderly saguaros but also the wonderful rock formations, flowing streams, The Thimble, and many plants native to the area. The walk down is very easy and if taken slowly at every turn a new vista and photo opportunity presents itself.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John H
Westmount, Canada494 contributions
Nov. 2022
A beautiful, natural outdoor experience. This is about nature 'as it is'; pure and simple. One can choose to hike the lower elevations on simple, easy-to-walk, mostly flat paths. Or one can choose slightly more aggressive hikes. And/or one can pay and ride the tram up to higher elevations (and hike down...or ride both ways). For those interested in birding, there are many species to see. I also saw a gray desert fox (in the day time). There are parking and facilities at the entrance/visitor center. $8 parking for the car, all day (with in and our privileges). - I enjoyed returning a few times over the week to enjoy the exercise, fresh air, and sites. FWIIW, no biking allowed in the park during main operational hours.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
purplepenguin
Indiana319 contributions
Oct. 2022
I was wanting to see lots of saguaros and this place had them! We took the sabino canyon tram ride because of my fellow travelers' mobility issues, and I would highly recommend it. They said it was the best part of our weeklong trip visiting the Tucson area. There were also many stops along the tram ride if people wanted to get off and hike, but we just stayed on it for the whole ride. I had heard that there were lots of large saguaros here and this park didn't disappoint. I could have spent the day trying to look at them all (they are all unique), but that wasn't an option. So instead, I just soaked in all the sunshine and took lots of pictures.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarcostheCuban
Frisco, TX34 contributions
Nov. 2022
Well maintained, expansive, you could spend weeks there. Easy access and parking. Remember you start at 3,000 feet above sea level and go up from there. (Gentle at first).
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary W
Salina, KS24 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
Easy hiking on paved roads. Options were plenty for trails but with 2 children under 3 stayed on paved road . Was pleasantly surprised with scenery despite being paved. We went several days out and back 4-6 miles round trip
Written November 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B S
7 contributions
Feb. 2022
We were on a limited schedule so didn't have time for Saguaro National Park. We limited our visit here and it was Amazingly gorgeous!!!! If you want to see some amazing cactuses and views, definitely visit. We will be back!
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph C
Stamford, CT762 contributions
Feb. 2022 • Couples
It has tons of cactus and water runs through it in a spectacular landscape with rugged canyon walks, great cactus and soaring cliffs uses.
Between passenger conveyances and easy paced walks - despite heat and soaring canyon walks - it is spectacular.
There is a soft wheeled tram that makes it easier and treks if you wish. What it conveys despite unobvious water flow controls is a rugged picture of nature that hasn’t been destroyed by development.
Between passenger conveyances and easy paced walks - despite heat and soaring canyon walks - it is spectacular.
There is a soft wheeled tram that makes it easier and treks if you wish. What it conveys despite unobvious water flow controls is a rugged picture of nature that hasn’t been destroyed by development.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maureen C
Phoenix, AZ1 contribution
Oct. 2022
Always enjoy the tram ride up Sabino Canyon. They have added in the narrated audio since my last visit; I appreciated that. Was a bit more restrictive on getting off and on the tram this time, with less frequency of trams coming up the canyon, but still a good experience. A true "flavor" of the Sonoran Desert and the rare riparian ecosystem within it. The "fanned" saguaro on the short loop trail just east of the Visitor's Center was very unique - have lived in Arizona my whole life and never seen that before. Worth the time, helpful staff, nice Visitor's Center - will return next time I'm in Tucson.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
avgjoey
Barrie, Canada520 contributions
May 2022
I would recommend not hiking in the middle of the as it was hot. We hiked back and forth to the dam. The walking paths were clean and clear and well marked. The information center was informative and a great place to cool off after the hike. Great views of the hills. Ample parking and cost to visit was reasonable. Bring lots of water.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can you buy a ticket at the ticket counter upon arrival?
azbuceadora
Tucson, AZ14,322 contributions
If there is no one in the booth at the entrance, there are several options by the curb in front of the Visitor Center:
1. Pay with cash in the red payment envelopes; put the tear-off on your dashboard.
2. Use your phone to scan the QR code to pay and register electronically. You'll need your license plate number for this. No receipt needed.
3. Pay with a credit card at the machine. Put the receipt on the dashboard.
4. Buy a pass inside the VC.
LYNN H
Nashville, TN22 contributions
What is the best trail for a solo senior female hiker who is reasonably fit?
azbuceadora
Tucson, AZ14,322 contributions
There are many trails and loops to choose from. Ask a volunteer in front of the Visitor Center for advice, especially if there are any temporary trail closures in effect.
Why can’t I get directions to Sabino Canyon from our location at E. Speedway and Alvernon Rd?
azbuceadora
Tucson, AZ14,322 contributions
Are you trying to rely on Google or some such?
Mary W
Waterloo, IA62 contributions
I just saw the sabino canyon visitor center is closed on Tuesday. Does the tram still work and can we park and hike? Ty
ashie b
Richmond, VA391 contributions
The tram still operates Tuesdays. Visit the sabino canyon crawler website (it won't let me post the link) and if you select sabino canyon tour / bear canyon, select the number of tickets, then it'll bring you to a calendar of availability with live updates on seating. The website also has all the info on COVID precautions. Or you can park and hike (even on Tuesdays).
Rubytuesday976
Chandler, AZ16 contributions
With the new mask mandate can we take photos here without masks or not?
WorldTvlerParker_CO
Parker, CO851 contributions
Yes, you can remove your mask to take a pic.
Is the Sabino shuttle open now?
azbuceadora
Tucson, AZ14,322 contributions
No, it is not currently operating. There will probably be plenty of publicity once it does.
I would like to know about the tram
Alice
17 contributions
There are two tram routes. The more popular one makes about 6 stops before reaching terminus, waiting 5 mins, then retracing back down. You can get on/off at any of the established stops but you can't flag it down at random places. There is a recorded narration. The tram is covered. When it reopens, buy tics ahead online. Can't believe there used to be two way car traffic on the route.
Travel305712
1 contribution
how can I reserve 2 tickets on the tram for sunday feb 18th?
Yessica_W
Tucson, AZ70 contributions
You can reserve tickets online here: sabinocanyoncrawler . com
Shuttles seats can sell out, especially in winter time when more people visit the canyon. Also, it now runs only once an hour, not twice like it used to. So it doesn’t hurt to reserve tickets.
SABINO CANYON (Tucson) - 2022 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Sabino Canyon
- Hotels near Sabino Canyon:
- (0.31 km) Sabino Canyon Luxe Condo With MOUNTAIN Views, 1 bd 1 ba
- (2.18 km) The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
- (3.25 km) Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort Tucson
- (6.47 km) The Jeremiah Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (0.91 km) Wake to Catalina Mountain Sunrises...Your Place to Relax, Renew, and Explore
- Restaurants near Sabino Canyon:
- (2.81 km) Flying V Bar & Grill
- (2.07 km) El Charro Cafe - Ventana
- (2.96 km) Canyon Cafe
- (2.08 km) Piazza Gavi
- (9.89 km) Frost Gelato
- Attractions near Sabino Canyon:
- (0.33 km) Seven Falls Trail – Sabino Canyon
- (0.33 km) Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and Bookstore
- (8.12 km) Reisen Arizona Day Tours
- (8.58 km) Madaras Gallery
- (8.80 km) Will You Escape?