Trail Run Project Logo

An amazing trail loop starting at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

16.9

Miles

27.2

KM

91%

Runnable

4,818' 1,468 m

High

2,683' 818 m

Low

2,465' 751 m

Up

2,456' 749 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

28%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Overview

This route is a spectacular loop starting at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and featuring some great views along the way.

Need to Know

Water sources are fairly reliable for desert standards. Water fountains are located along the North Upper Sabino Canyon Road, but you'll still want to make sure that you bring plenty of water with you.

Description

Start by heading towards Seven Falls then continue along Bear Canyon Trail #29. The boulders, sycamore trees, and water make Bear Canyon worth the trip. The trail will cross over a side draining canyon and climb above Seven Falls to continue further up Bear Canyon. The trails environment soon changes to a grassy, more shallow canyon. After climbing the trail you'll end up on the east side of the canyon. If there is water, there will be a number of pools and falls, and the colorful trees will be sprawled out to take in the moisture. This section of the trail is a great change of pace and provides for unique environmental changes all the way to the end.

The Bear Canyon Trail #29 will connect to the East Fork Trail #24A (part of the AZT - Passage 11 - Santa Catalina Mountains). Head west along Trail #24A until intersection with Sabino Canyon Trail #23.

Head south on Sabino Canyon Trail #23. The trail curves back and forth, following the contour of the hills. You'll pass a junction with the Phoneline Trail - stay to the right here to continue on the Sabino Canyon Trail #23. After a series of switchbacks that provide a view through the canyon overlooking the city, the trail will connect to the top of North Upper Sabino Canyon Road which you'll run back to the visitor center to complete the loop. An optional bonus would be to skip road and exit Sabino Canyon along the Phoneline Trail, which adds approximately 1.25 miles.

Note: The trail can be difficult to follow between Seven Falls and the AZT / East Fork Trail junction. Use the Trail Run Project mobile app to help find your way.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chad Dailey

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 21 votes

#483

Overall
  4.7 from 21 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#30

in Arizona

#483

Overall
112 Views Last Month
13,424 Since Aug 15, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
31%
6%
63%
0%

Photos

View looking at Seven Falls!
Sep 9, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
Along the ridge on the Bear Canyon Trail
May 1, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
River bed at Bear Canyon
May 1, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
Looking down Bear Canyon from top
Aug 7, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
Along E Fork Trail towards Rattlesnake Pt
Aug 7, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
Up and into the entrance to Sabino Canyon a few miles before the pavement
Aug 7, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.