Tucson Day Hike: Sabino Canyon
A fifteen minute drive from Central Tucson, Sabino Canyon is a perfect day hike for those interested in viewing the splendid desert flora and fauna that make Southern Arizona so beautiful. Featuring over 30 miles of trails, Sabino offers a hike for everyone. From paved and gentle slopes to thin rocky trails that climb high above the canyon, every class of hiker can be pleased with these short excursions.
The park's visitor center provides 45 minute long narrated driving tours during which the informative guides will provide a background of the geologic history that formed the region, identify many of the beautiful types of cacti that thrive in the park, and point out some of the diverse wildlife that can often be seen running through the scrub.
It is important to remember to bring twice the amount of water that you think you will drink, as dehydration and sunstroke are very real risks in the hot summer sun. Additionally, hikers should stay out of the washes and riverbeds during the summer monsoon season as flash floods can come out of nowhere with surprising force.
Further information may be found at the Sabino Canyon homepage. The park is open from 9:00am-4:00pm and costs $5 per car for a day pass.
