Coronado National Forest

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

This extremely popular recreation area is located along Sabino Creek right at the edge of Tucson, Arizona. For many who come to visit the Southwest, this area provides their first close encounter with the Sonoran Desert and the fascinating variety of plants and animals that make it their home. The self-guided Desert Nature Trail at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center provides an excellent way to get to know the plants that have adapted to living in this demanding environment.

Open-air shuttle buses (operated by Sabino Canyon Tours) and a number of trails provide access to this land of desert oases and rugged mountains. The shuttle buses travel on the paved road along the floor of the canyon, crossing Sabino Creek on nine low-water rock bridges, while drivers tell about the area’s rich history and ecology. A second shuttle provides similar access to Bear Canyon. These two routes pass 89 picnic sites which are scattered along the roadside and clustered at two large group picnic sites. You can get off the shuttle at any of the sites and re-board later.

You may choose to walk along these roads and hike the system of trails that leads deeper into the canyons and high country. Sabino Lake Trail #30 leads to a popular wetland birdwatching spot. Phone Line Trail on the slope south of Sabino Creek provides spectacular views of the canyon.

The paved road is closed to bicycles on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bicycles are allowed on other days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Some trails are open to horseback riders.

Location: Northeast of Tucson at the foot of the Santa Catalinas. The entrance to the recreation area is located on Sabino Canyon Road, just north of the intersection with Sunrise drive.

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Access: This is a Fee Area. A pass can be purchased at the Entrance Station. Those with valid passes can enter more quickly by staying in the lane to the left of the main Entrance Station. From the parking area, visitors must walk, bike (see rules above), ride a horse, or take the shuttle bus into the canyon. The paved road is accessible to wheel chairs and baby strollers.

Elevation: 2,800' at the Visitor Center.

Hours: Open 24 hours/day, year-round. The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and Bookstore is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Attractions:

• Desert oasis & spectacular canyon
• Nature, hiking & equestrian trails
• Picnicking
• Watchable wildlife
• Shuttle bus tours

Facilities:

• 89 picnic sites scattered throughout area
• Barrier-free accessible sites are available at Cactus picnic area and Bear Canyon overlook
• Cactus Ramada group picnic sites are available by reservation only.
• Visitor Center and Bookstore
• Toilet with barrier-free access is located at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center
• Vending machines (water and sodas) are located near the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center

Passes:

Day Pass $5

Week Pass $10

Annual Pass $20

See Fee Page for more detailed information. (NOTE: riding the shuttle requires an additional fee paid to the concessionaire, Sabino Canyon Tours. Purchase tickets at the Shuttle Ticket Booth, not the Entrance Station.)

Cactus Group Sites

Cactus Ramada group picnic site has 2 ramadas.

• Ramada 1 is $75/day for groups up to 45 people.
• Ramada 2 is $65/day for goups up to 25 people.

Make reservations for the Cactus Ramad Group Sites online at www.recreation.gov.

All other picnic sites in Sabino Canyon are free.

Sabino Canyon Shuttle

For information about the shuttle service, please visit the Sabino Canyon Tours website. (NOTE: Riding the shuttle requires an additional fee.)

Rules:

• No pets (handi-dogs must wear I.D.)
• No glass containers
• No camping
• No alcohol
• No weapons
• No motorized vehicles
• No nudity
• No removal or introduction of plants or animals

Wilderness areas are closed to mechanized vehicles, including bicycles. The Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area begins immediately above Tram Stop 9.

More information contact: Santa Catalina Ranger District.