Sabino Canyon, AZ

The Santa Catalina Mountain range began their formation about twelve thousand years ago, the same time giant Mammoths roamed this area. Today we are roaming the area called Sabino Canyon.

Sabino Canyon is part of the Coronado National Forest in Tucson, Arizona. Arriving at the park we paid a $5.00 vehicle entrance fee, found a parking spot, and planned our trip. We decided on the narrated shuttle bus ride ($8.00 each) up the canyon. There's nine stops at which time you can get off or on at any time. However, if you come all the way back down on the shuttle you can't go back up. Now we know the rules away we go.

Green is the start, Yellow is the tram route, Red is the end

As we were riding the tram up the canyon I was thinking I would rather have walked the almost 4 miles to the turnaround. The tram seats were so hard and uncomfortable you felt every bump. I'm definitely not taking it back down. I hope Susan feels the same way.

Finally at the top and what a view. Susan was on board with walking back, until she got too tired then we would pick up the tram. But for now I am just soaking in the beauty and serenity.

The turnaround point for the tram at the top

With camera in hand, a lunch bag over my shoulder, and binoculars around my neck, away we go. As we started our descent down the canyon we met many people walking up then passing us going back down. Now that's a workout 8 miles round trip.

In 1887 an earthquake centered in northern Mexico caused massive rocks to crash down and come to rest on the valley floor.

Valley Floor

In the 1930's CCC workers built bridges and 4 miles of road through the canyon into the mountains. The intent was to build a road to Mt Lemmon but the terrain was too difficult to proceed. Today the road ascends from 2800 feet at the visitors center to 3300 feet at the tram turnaround.

Susan walking over one of nine stone bridges

 

The water is very, very cold



As we continued down the road the tram passed us numerous times. Susan being the real trooper wanted to keep walking. Trams first started operating in 1978. From that point onward vehicles were restricted.

Beautiful Saguaros and rock formations in the canyon

Thimble Peak in the background

Throughout the park there are several hundreds of miles of trails from easy to extremely difficult. There is also camping in the backcountry but beware this is mountain lion and bear country. We saw many many signs indicating so. The only wildlife we encountered along the route were several different birds. We decided to have lunch at stop #3. We were joined by this beautiful guy.

Male Northern Cardinal

 

Sitting there we couldn't help but take in the beauty and quietness of our surroundings. I wanted to stay longer, not a person around, no cars whizzing, it was sooooo peaceful.

A wash from when it rains

Two and a half hours later we get back to the visitors center. Susan still has a smile on her face but says she's tired. That's okay so am I. What a great hike.

A large flowering Barrel Cactus