Tucson: Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is an osasis in the Tucson desert
 Summer 2006 flood damages being repaired- shuttle runs to top again
The Sabino Canyon shuttle is restarting service to the top of the road after the devestaing flood in July 2006 that wiped out the major roadway that winds up the canyon.
Visitors can also now walk the length of the road to the last stop known as Shuttle Stop No. 9. New restrooms are being built and the repairs of the bridges are expected to be completed in October 2008.
Enjoying Sabino Canyon year round
Nestled in the southeastern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the desert spawns an oasis called Sabino Canyon. It is one of Tucson's most popular sites to visit and revisit.
The adventurous hiker, horseback rider or backpacker can slip away into the mountains off the beaten path. There are dozens of trails which lead from the main road along the river. There are several spots to ideal for picnics and swimming.
The canyon actually begins on the slops of Mt. Lemmon, and winds down the canyon with lush cottonwoods, flowering plants and refreshing swimming holes. Majestic saguaro cacti dot the mountainsides.
Despite the devastating summer 2006 storms which destroyed much of the picnic areas, hiking trails and shuttle road, Sabino Canyon is partially open to the public.
Shuttle through the Canyon
Shuttle buses, operated by Sabino Canyon Tours, Inc., run every half hour to take visitors deep into Sabino Canyon's crevice and through the winding river which seems to be wet throughout much of the year (unlike most Arizona riverbeds).
Shuttle Stop No. 9, the last stop at the top of the Sabino Canyon road has reopened. Pedestrians can also walk to the top once again. The road which runs 3.8 miles into the canyon.
When the road was open to the public, cars could parks at the end or along dug out areas. But the increase in visitors forced the closure in the 1970's and shuttle method was used to transport people into Sabino Canyon. The 45 minute round-trip shuttle has narrative tour guide about the canyon.
There are nine stops along the way (hense the name Shuttle Stop #9). Tram riders can get on and off as many times as you want throughout the day. Be sure to catch the last shuttle and hold on to your shuttle ticket. It is a long walk to the main entrance even from the first stop. Most visitors ride to the end of the road and make a stop along the return trip. Shuttle fares range from $6 for adults to $2 for children (3-12). The shuttle runs from 9am-4:30pm.
 Hiking into Sabino Canyon
Bring a jug or container of cold water to sip along the way. Even if you ride just the shuttle, the desert heat will dehydrate your body faster than you might think.
Container water and drinks are sold in vending machine by the main entrance, but drinking water is more scare the further up the canyon you travel. There are rest rooms along the way, but drinking water is only available at the first few stops.
Swimming is a popular attraction in the canyon. There are some deep swimming holes and large flat rocks ideal for short-term suntanning. Be sure to bring sun tan lotion if you plan to swim or lay on the rocks.
No dogs, glass containers or alcohol are allowed in the area. Bicycles are prohibited weekdays from Wednesday through Saturday, and 9am-5pm during the rest of the week. Camping is not allowed in the canyon. To camp, you must hike at least a quarter mile from the trail heads. During April-June and September-December, Moonlight Rides are offered on evenings when the moon is full. Call 749-2327 for fares and schedules.
Sabino Canyon Visitor's Center
While waiting for the shuttle, the nearby visitor center is open weekdays from 8am-4:30 and weekends from 8:30am-4:30pm. The facility houses a gift shop and exhibits describing the history and environment of the canyon and the Santa Catalina Mountains
To drive to the main entrance (free parking- but arrive early to avoid the crowds and heat), take Tanque Verde Road east, turn left onto Sabino Canyon Road and drive 4.5 miles to the entrance on the right.
For more information on Sabino Canyon SHuttle Tours, call (520) 749-2861.
History of Sabino Canyon
Twelve thousand years ago, Columbian mammoth roamed Sabino Canyon and the Catalina Mountains.
About 1,200 A.D., the Hohokam Indians placed irrigation dams in the flowing creek. In the 1870's, soldiers from nearby Fort Lowell enjoyed horseback riding exercision to the "ol' swimmin' hole" still in use today.
In the 1930's, 180 C.C.C. workers built bridges and 3.8 miles of road up into the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Catalina Mountains Pass and User Fees
The Catalina Mountains Pass covers both Mt. Lemmon and Sabino Canyon. Daily passes are $5 per vehicle. Weekly passes are $10 for each vehicle. Annual passes are $20. The passes were established in February 2001.
Residents are excluded from needing a Mt. Lemmon pass. Current Mt. Lemmon passes and the new Sabino Canyon passes are interchangeable. Camping fees are separate.
For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/fees
Sabino Canyon Tours address: 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson Arizona 85750
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