Sabino Canyon Recreation Area near Tucson, Arizona
|
Trip Stats for BASH
Overview: This gorgeous-at every-turn 18-mile hike, created by Larry Blake (author of Daring Dayhikes), journeys through prime Tucson canyons: Bear and Sabino, passing under Gibbon Mountain and Thimble Peak. Bear Canyon's ascent includes a few creek crossings and a bonus side trip to Seven Falls' numerous cascades and pools. A short hike on the Arizona Trail connects Bear Canyon to spectacular Sabino Canyon, where some views are literally breath-taking. Walk Sabino Canyon Road back to the visitor center, or if you want to stay on a trail, hike Phoneline to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. Location: Coronado National Forest - Pusch Ridge Wilderness - Santa Catalina Mountains - Sabino Canyon Recreation Area - north of Tucson, Arizona. Distance/Elevation gain: 18 miles/2,700' cumulative. Visitor center = 2,670'. Highest point = 4,800'. Trails: Class 1 - Bear Canyon Tram Road --> Bear Canyon Trail --> Arizona Trail --> Sabino Canyon Trail --> Upper Sabino Canyon Road --> Sabino Canyon Walkway. Date Hiked: 12/29/25 Time Elapsed: 8.75 hours. Quote: "Arizona...doggone it's pretty country, big 'n' rough 'n' full of color 'n' wind 'n' sun 'n' sharp edges 'n' shadows blue with mystery. No man knows its secrets, and it's story is as old as time itself. It is a country made for roaming, and in it every man can find his own path. It is a country to lose yourself in, and if need be find yourself in, depending on the state of your nerves and your outlook on life at the moment." -Ettore DeGrazia, artist, at his Gallery of the Sun Museum in Tucson (see the full quote in Hike Esperero Trail to Bridalveil Falls). |
Click "open in CalTopo" upper left.
Hike Summary for Big-Ass Sabino Hike
- Miles 0 - 1.9: From the right side of Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, walk east on dirt path (AKA "Jeep Road") from the parking lot that connects to the Bear Canyon Tram Road. This road parallels the Bear Canyon Trail, which is accessed from the furthest right side of the visitors center.
- Miles 1.9 - 9.0: Bear Canyon Trail #29 from Seven Falls Trailhead to Arizona Trail. Included in this section is 4.3 miles to Seven Falls and 7.9 miles to Bear Canyon's exit, intersection with side trail to Thimble Peak, and highest point on BASH at 8.3 miles (4,800').
- Miles 9.0 - 11.1: at Sycamore Saddle, turn west onto the Arizona Trail passage 11 (AKA East Fork Trail #24), descend into Pine Canyon.
- Miles 11.1 - 13.8: Descend southwest onto Sabino Canyon Trail #23 to North Upper Sabino Canyon Road.
- Miles 13.8 - 17.7: Sabino Canyon to North Upper Sabino Canyon Road to visitors center. (My gps recorded 17.7 miles, however my hiking companions recorded 18 miles for BASH).
Google Earth image of our tracks for Big-Ass Sabino Hike.
12/29/25 - A BASH Celebration
To celebrate his birthday, Larry Blake, author of Daring Dayhikes, does something much more fun than the typical "birthday bash." Instead, he leads an 18-mile BASH (Big-Ass Sabino Hike) linking two spectacular Tucson canyons, Bear and Sabino and in between them the Arizona Trail, through prime Sonoran country with his wife Marcy and cadre of enthusiastic hiking friends. Fred and I joined them for this special event the last week in December 2025.
Celebrating Larry's birthday - cupcakes taste even better on the trail - even when they've been tossed around in a pack!
|
Seven Falls in Bear Canyon.
|
|
Tucson is one of the best areas in the country for hiking because of its many trails and access to mountain ranges with lots of choices for climbing summits. Stunning Sabino Canyon is a favorite of locals and a destination for tourists. Fred and I have hiked a fair amount in the Tucson area, but Larry and Marcy took us on hikes that elevated our appreciation of this remarkable place considerably. Besides BASH, they led us up Gibbon Mountain and also to a great view of a rock window that hangs over Bear Canyon.
The Climb up Bear Canyon to the Arizona Trail (0 - 9.0 miles) Our group of BASH'ers met at Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and were off on our hike shortly after 7:00 am. We walked the Bear Canyon Tram road, which parallels Bear Canyon Trail beginning at the right side of the visitors center as you are looking at the front of it. We followed this for 1.9 miles to the Seven Falls Trailhead sign, and lower Bear Canyon Trail. Recent rain had filled the creek in Bear Canyon, necessitating a bit more attention to a few creek crossings past deep green and yellow pools. Lucky for us Tucson had this rain, for as we came upon Seven Falls, 4.3 miles into the hike, our hiking companions exclaimed that the falls were larger and more numerous than usual. We descended from Bear Canyon Trail a short distance to stand on the smooth rocks next to the dark pool at the base of the falls. It would be fun to scramble up these waterfall steps to see how many falls you could get to! |
Walking up Bear Canyon
|
We were grateful for the overcast morning; in the desert there's sun almost all the time; overcast doesn't heat you up as much and you see the landscape differently. The clouds gradually gave way to mostly sunny skies as we descended Sabino Canyon in the afternoon.
Some cholla and saguaros grow perilously close to the trail, their intimidating barbed spines threatening to cause serious bodily harm if you should accidentally brush against one. Their numerous stiff, steel-like needles appear resolute in protecting their plants from animals and the sun and cold. Saguaro spines also funnel rainwater to the base of the plant.
After the Seven Falls side trip, we kept climbing Bear Canyon Trail, with Thimble Peak on our left and Gibbon Mountain on our right.
We celebrated Larry's birthday at the crossing of Bear Creek ~6.5 miles into the hike. Delicious cupcakes were passed around as we sat on rocks lining the trail. You might forget that expensive birthday dinner, but you won't forget a birthday celebration with your friends in touch with and in sight of the surrounding, silent and magnificent desert.
After Bear Creek crossing, several switchbacks took us up to a relatively flat grassy area and the spur trail to Thimble Peak where we had lunch at ~ 4,700 ', about 7.8 miles into the hike. I could have lounged longer with that awesome close-up view of Thimble, but we still had ten more miles to go and a at few hundred feet of elevation to gain, so we didn't stay too long.
Continuing on Bear Canyon Trail for another ~0.5 miles, we reached the highest point on BASH at 4,800', 8.3 miles into the hike, then descended 0.7 miles to Sycamore Saddle and the intersection with passage 11 of the Arizona Trail (AKA East Fork Trail), taking a left (west) onto it.
The Arizona Trail Connection (9.0 - 11.1 miles)
This connection to the Sabino Canyon Trail descends ~ 900 feet through gorgeous semi-desert grassland and the lower elevations of Madrean Woodland and chaparral biomes. At these higher elevations, Mexican pinyon pine and alligator juniper as well as oak trees are prevalent. This part of the Arizona Trail descends into Pine Canyon.
The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles from Mexico to Utah, and is divided into 43 passages. This passage 11 - the Santa Catalina Mountains - is 43 miles long.
The vistas on this part of BASH are spectacular, with views of Rattlesnake Peak and McFall Crags and other rugged high points.
Some cholla and saguaros grow perilously close to the trail, their intimidating barbed spines threatening to cause serious bodily harm if you should accidentally brush against one. Their numerous stiff, steel-like needles appear resolute in protecting their plants from animals and the sun and cold. Saguaro spines also funnel rainwater to the base of the plant.
After the Seven Falls side trip, we kept climbing Bear Canyon Trail, with Thimble Peak on our left and Gibbon Mountain on our right.
We celebrated Larry's birthday at the crossing of Bear Creek ~6.5 miles into the hike. Delicious cupcakes were passed around as we sat on rocks lining the trail. You might forget that expensive birthday dinner, but you won't forget a birthday celebration with your friends in touch with and in sight of the surrounding, silent and magnificent desert.
After Bear Creek crossing, several switchbacks took us up to a relatively flat grassy area and the spur trail to Thimble Peak where we had lunch at ~ 4,700 ', about 7.8 miles into the hike. I could have lounged longer with that awesome close-up view of Thimble, but we still had ten more miles to go and a at few hundred feet of elevation to gain, so we didn't stay too long.
Continuing on Bear Canyon Trail for another ~0.5 miles, we reached the highest point on BASH at 4,800', 8.3 miles into the hike, then descended 0.7 miles to Sycamore Saddle and the intersection with passage 11 of the Arizona Trail (AKA East Fork Trail), taking a left (west) onto it.
The Arizona Trail Connection (9.0 - 11.1 miles)
This connection to the Sabino Canyon Trail descends ~ 900 feet through gorgeous semi-desert grassland and the lower elevations of Madrean Woodland and chaparral biomes. At these higher elevations, Mexican pinyon pine and alligator juniper as well as oak trees are prevalent. This part of the Arizona Trail descends into Pine Canyon.
The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles from Mexico to Utah, and is divided into 43 passages. This passage 11 - the Santa Catalina Mountains - is 43 miles long.
The vistas on this part of BASH are spectacular, with views of Rattlesnake Peak and McFall Crags and other rugged high points.
Rock window in Bear Canyon.
|
Sabino Canyon Descent (11.1 - 17.7 miles)
Saguaros began to appear again on the way down Sabino Canyon, and seeing so many of them marching up the rocky canyon walls and cliffs is at times breathtaking! We finally reached North Sabino Canyon Road at ~ 13.8 miles. Choosing to walk down this road instead of hiking the Phoneline Trail, we still had ~ 4 miles to go! Sabino Canyon geology and saguaros were even more beautiful than Bear Canyon. Stately saguaros against black and white-striped metamorphic gneiss cliffs make for an extraordinary sight. Besides the pretty pools and healthy chollas, saguaros and prickly pear, the black and white-striped augen gneiss rocks make Sabino Canyon remarkable. Metamorphism - pressure and heat at depth - altered these rocks to create the alternating white and dark bands. Some of these bands are curved and swirled: these folds within the rock are called "ptygmatic" folds. This word is from the ancient Greek word - ptugmata - meaning "folds." The walk on the blacktop road to the visitors center seems long as it crosses Sabino Creek a few times, fed in part by the higher Lemmon Creek that flows down from Mt. Lemmon. My legs were tired, but the gorgeous sights along the way made me stop several times, amazed by the mix of yellow willow trees, sparkling pools, and all those stately saguaros, wanting to take so many pictures, and then catching up with my fellow BASH'ers. I figure we averaged 2.2 miles/hour the entire 18-mile hike, taking about 45 minutes out for breaks, although we may have taken more break minutes. BASH was a 2025 highlight for us, and we're lucky to have met Larry and Marcy to take us on this magnificent hike. It rates right up there with the Skyline Trail on Cactus to Clouds and the Epic Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in One Day hikes. I would do it again! |
A hike like this one doesn't usually go without celebration. Fred, Larry, Marcy and I commemorated our achievement at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon and BBQ, where we had - well - beers, bourbon and delicious BBQ!
Keep On Exploring!!
Keep On Exploring!!
The start of BASH: heading down Bear Canyon Tram Road that connects Sabino Canyon Visitor Center with Seven Falls Trailhead.
Larry at Seven Falls Trailhead for Bear Canyon Trail, ~ 1.9 miles from Sabino Canyon Visitors Center.
Walking along the creek in Bear Canyon.
Scrambling through beautiful gneiss boulders (probably banded augen gneiss) down in the streambed.
Bear Creek had pools and small waterfalls thanks to a recent rain storm.
Healthy teddy bear cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) and banded gneiss go pleasingly well together.
Looking back down Bear Canyon - trail on left slope.
Getting nearer to Seven Falls on Bear Canyon Trail.
Taking a break at the foot of Seven Falls.
Seven Falls in Bear Canyon.
Bear Canyon Trail becomes more narrow because most people probably turn around at Seven Falls. These switchbacks climb up past the falls turn-off to an eventual high creek crossing.
At ~ 5.3 miles into the hike, the trail swings around a high knob for a great view of the switchbacks we just ascended. The lower left trail descends into Seven Falls.
Once we round this knob, we approach Bear Creek crossing and Thimble Peak will come into view, with Gibbon Mountain on our right.
Once we round this knob, we approach Bear Creek crossing and Thimble Peak will come into view, with Gibbon Mountain on our right.
A teddy bear and upper Bear Canyon stream bed.
Crossing Bear Creek to head up and exit out of Bear Canyon for lunch at the intersection of the spur to Thimble Peak.
Gibbon Mountain, which we climbed two days prior, to the east.
Getting close to Bear Canyon's rim!
Great view of Thimble Peak as we near the rim of Bear Canyon and our lunch spot.
Lunch at 4,700' - the top of Bear Canyon!
Kami, Emily, Sue, Marcy, Larry, Fred, and Suzan.
Kami, Emily, Sue, Marcy, Larry, Fred, and Suzan.
A last look at Thimble Peak behind us and the trail we just walked on as we approach Sycamore Saddle and the intersection with the Arizona Trail (AKA East Fork Trail).
Finally off the Bear Canyon Trail at ~ 9.0 miles at Sycamore Saddle, and turning onto East Fork Trail, which is part of the Arizona Trail.
Peak 4985 to the left.
Peak 4985 to the left.
The perfect trail through gorgeous country.
Continuing down East Fork Trail which connects Bear Canyon to Sabino Canyon.
Spectacularly beautiful country.
Cool stuff on the trail: cholla fruits and looks like a quartz vein in granite.
Getting near the intersection with Sabino Canyon Trail.
Possibly McFall Crags and Rattlesnake Peak on the right and middle horizon to the west.
Turning off the Arizona Trail: intersection with Sabino Canyon Trail at ~ 13.8 miles.
Larry descending the Sabino Canyon Trail.
Descending Sabino Canyon Trail.
Our group of BASH'ers descending to an incredible sight of lower Sabino Canyon around the corner.
Sabino Canyon and Upper Sabino Canyon Road, the last leg of our hike. Walk down this road ~ 4.0 miles to Sabino Canyon Visitor Center.
Phoneline Trail (upper left) is the long way to the visitors center.
Phoneline Trail (upper left) is the long way to the visitors center.
Off the trail and onto the road.
Gneiss cliffs and saguaros stand over pools and willows in Sabino Creek.
References
Force, E. 2001. Field Trip Guide to Sabino Canyon and the Mount Lemmon Highway, Pima County, Arizona.
Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network: Sonoran Desert Network Ecosystems.
Petersen, R.C. 1963. Structural geology of the Sabino Canyon fold, Santa Catalina Mountains, Pima County, Arizona.
Force, E. 2001. Field Trip Guide to Sabino Canyon and the Mount Lemmon Highway, Pima County, Arizona.
Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring Network: Sonoran Desert Network Ecosystems.
Petersen, R.C. 1963. Structural geology of the Sabino Canyon fold, Santa Catalina Mountains, Pima County, Arizona.