RV to Sabino Canyon for wild Arizona adventure.
Saguaro Cactus and big blue sky in Tucson Arizona’s Sabino Canyon.
A short drive north of Tucson, Sabino Canyon offers visitors of all abilities an opportunity to experience a close-up view of the natural side of Arizona. Here, visitors can view massive boulders (dislodged during an earthquake in 1887) that have tumbled down from the canyon’s walls into the valley below. These created a dramatic landscape which includes large waterfalls along Sabino Creek when it contains water, particularly in the fall.
Beginning in 1905, the Forest Service began oversight of the canyon. Bridges over Sabino Creek were constructed during the Great Depression, along with Sabino Dam. This work allowed today’s visitors access all the way up to the Upper Sabino Canyon area along a paved road. Access is restricted now to trams, bicycles or foot traffic only. Make the round trip entirely by a motorized tram, or divide your excursion into a portion of walking and riding, with several tram stops and trail opportunities along the way. Six-months a year, evening tram rides beneath the stars are available.
RV to Sabino Canyon Wildlife
Photo: Alan Vernon
Whether you wish to meet a roadrunner or a javelina, you may be successful here. Other residents of the park include whitetail deer, tarantula spiders and a variety of snakes. Wary of these? You can see it all from your tram seat without getting too close-up and friendly with them. Be brave and try one of two trails-the Bear Canyon Trail. You will be rewarded with a view of Seven Falls just 2.5 miles from the trailhead. During most of the year along the trail to these falls, there are pools of water to relax by or wade in.
High Tram Ride
We opted for the narrated, 3.8-mile tram ride along Sabino Creek from the Visitor’s Center. Climbing from 2,800 to 3,300 feet above sea level, this option offers nine stops, restrooms and picnic grounds along the way. You are allowed to jump on and off the tram at any of its stops as you desire. We rode to the top and walked down, with pauses to view the creek as we hiked down.
There are several RV park options in nearby Tucson. So, stay and enjoy a full day in the canyon. Learn more about Sabino Canyon.
From along the road,
Chris
