Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
At the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains is an awe-inspiring part of Coronado National Forest. With miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, wildlife watching, and beautiful ridgeline views, this serene river canyon is an oasis in the desert.
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Discover Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Once inhabited by the ancestral Sonoran Desert people, the landscapes here remain significant to many Indigenous peoples, including the O’odham, Apache, Hopi, Zuni, Pascua Yaqui, and others. The canyon follows Sabino Creek, which flows down from the sky islands of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. This life-giving water creates wading pools and waterfalls and is an important resource for many species. Today, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area , part of Coronado National Forest, is a beloved Southern Arizona outdoor recreation hub. With thirty miles of trails, ranging from paved accessible routes to challenging ridgeline climbs, this Tucson treasure offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Shop the WNP store
Visit the store located within the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area visitor center. Shop collectibles, keepsakes, apparel, trail guides, and more.
What to do at Sabino Canyon
Take the tram
Learn about the park and get a ride to a trailhead on the Sabino Canyon Crawler.
Go for a swim
In the rainy season, Seven Falls and The Crack are great places to enjoy a swim. Looking for a year-round oasis? Hike to Hutch’s Pool through Sabino Canyon. Always check with the park to get up-to-date information on if there is water in the canyon.
Hike the ridgelines
Take in amazing views when you hike Blackett’s Ridge or the Phoneline Trail.
Backpack the Catalinas
Sabino Canyon is the gateway to Pusch Ridge Wilderness and the popular Arizona National Scenic Trail.
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Two days exploring Tucson and Sabino Canyon
Explore a desert oasis and enjoy Tucson’s unique food culture with this two-day itinerary featuring adventures in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
Visit smart
Stay hydrated
Hikers in the Sonoran Desert need around 1 liter of water per hour spent outside. Bring your refillable water bottle (several of them if you're staying out for a few hours). Fill up your water bottle in the visitor center before hitting the trails.
View wildlife from a distance
The desert is alive with wildlife that is so fun to watch, but please do so from a respectful distance. Keep an eye out for all sorts of birds, javelinas, snakes, deer, and more.
Be prepared
Pack sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle, and a hat for extra protection. Always check with park staff to learn if there is water in Sabino Creek, as much of the year the park is dry and not suitable for swimming.
Leave it as you found it
Sabino Canyon is on the homelands of Indigenous peoples and delicate ecosystems. Take nothing but pictures.
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More places to explore
With so many national park sites located within a short drive from Tucson, Arizona, visit more special places near Sabino Canyon.
Saguaro National Park
The nation’s largest cactus, the giant saguaro, finds protection in two districts on the east and west sides of the modern city of Tucson, part of the small portion of the United States where you can find these majestic plants. Wander among these enormous cacti, the universal symbol of the American West, in this Sonoran Desert preserve.
Chiricahua National Monument
A wonderland of towering rock pinnacles waits for you to explore. The eight-mile paved scenic drive and 17 miles of day-use hiking trails reveal the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 12,025-acre site. Visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District and experience the beauty of an astounding landscape to discover more about the people who have called this area home, including the Chiricahua Apache.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
At a cultural crossroads in the Santa Cruz River valley, O’odham, Yaqui, and Apache met and mingled with European Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries, settlers, and soldiers, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in cooperation. The timeworn paths reveal stories that connect us to enduring relationships, vibrant cultures, and traditions of long ago.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Sights and sounds of this designated International Biosphere Reserve reveal a thriving community of plants and animals. Human stories echo throughout this desert preserve, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. A scenic drive, wilderness hike, or a night of camping will connect you to a living desert.
Coronado National Memorial
Seeking cities of gold, 339 European soldiers and hundreds of Aztec allies traveled through arid deserts and rugged mountains, a journey that would have long-lasting impacts on the cultural and natural landscapes. No physical evidence of the Coronado Expedition exists here, but the park offers a sweeping view of the San Pedro River, which the expedition followed to find the mythical CÃbola.
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Our contribution
Over $176 million
Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $176 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.
Why stop at just one?
If you love Sabino Canyon, check out these other amazing destinations.
Over 70 parks to explore
