Sabino Canyon, Arizona

Sabino Canyon, one of the permier natural areas in southeastern Arizona, is located within the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest. It is on the eastern edge of suburban Tucson, yet wild enough to harbor mountain lions and other elusive creatures.

The scenery at Sabino Canyon, Arizona, is outstanding: steep rock cliffs, unique desert vegetation, colorful mountains, and a river running through it. This is a popular place, drawing an estimated 1.25 visitors a year who come to hike, jog, bicycle, study nature, view wildlife, and take photographs. The canyon is closed to private vehicles, however shuttle tours are available for a fee. Karen and I, along with her mother and daughter, Jennifer, took the tram on the 3.8 mile narrated tour to the top of the canyon, then walked back down. There are port-a-potty stops along the way, and also 9 tram stops. We could have caught a ride back down at any of them, but the hike was too much fun.

Signs warn of mountain lions, and even quicksand. You will also find picnic areas, and some of the most awesome scenery one could hope for. Sabino Canyon is definitely on the list of places to which we want to return and explore more thoroughly.