Sabino Canyon

It's hard to believe you can find an oasis like this in southern Arizona's Sonora Desert. Rare and exotic neotropical birds, one of America's most beautiful waterfalls, abundant wildlife, year round streams, deep pools for swimming and much more can be found at Sabino Canyon.

It's only minutes from downtown Tucson on the northeast side and it ranks among the most heavily used outdoor recreation sites in the entire nation. At last count, nearly 3 million visited the scenic waterway each year.

Some time ago, Life Magazine rated Seven Falls, which is in Bear Canyon--part of Sabino's large area of rare desert waterways--as one of America's ten most scenic waterfalls. Crowds showed up overnight, though I had been to the area dozens, perhaps hundreds of times during my 12-year tenure with Search and Rescue.

During that time I discovered the pleasures and relative solitude of sunset strolls into the area. From the Tram stop into Seven Falls is roughly 2.2 miles, though the last 1/2 mile or so can be physically challenging as you suddenly gain altitude through a series of switchbacks.

It's well worth the effort though. Little compares to watching the moon rise over the steep canyon walls, while enjoying cheese and crackers as the coyotes howl approval. The water runs year round, there are large pools to swim or sunbath next too, but be careful. Thousands of years of runoff have polished the rocks and it's pretty easy to take a serious tumble.

Hiking Sabino or Bear Canyon at night is addictive. Bring a flashlight, let someone know where you're going, and keep your eyes open for the periodically patrolling mountain lion.

The unbelievable scenery makes daytime visits best for the newcomer though. There are a number of well-marked trails, varying in difficulty from beginner to challenging for the sage outdoorsman. The monolithic saguaro cactus is reason enough to visit, but there's so much more.

Nearly 20 years ago vehicles were banned from Sabino. Now the only "ride" into the area is by taking a Tram that leaves several times daily and periodically the Forest Service vendor offers moonlight rides as well.

Whether you take the tram, or walk, pack a picnic lunch (remember, no glass bottles are allowed), bring lots of sunscreen, film and plenty of water.

The area's full of history too. A lake in Upper Sabino was stocked with trout in the early sixties, although today it's slowly filling up with silt and will never see trout again.

Bicyclists love Sabino. The steep roadway runs to well above the stream, where they release their brakes and surrender to gravity. Unfortunately, after a few reached terminal velocity only to crash into one of the many bridges, restrictions were quickly implemented. Today bicycles are allowed only during certain

days and times, so check with the Coronado National Forest--which manages the area--before you go.

America's children may have gone hungry, Wall Street fell, and banking as it was then known collapsed -- but the depression also gave us the meager beginnings of Sabino.

During that desperate time, a program called the CCC, or Civilian Conservation Corps, was organized to put people back to work. It wasn't long until they were putting up dams, improving rangeland, building bridges, and much more...including bathrooms, river crossing and picnic tables in Sabino Canyon. Later, internees at the prison camp on Mt. Lemmon, north of Tucson, would maintain and improve the facility.

Today there's a huge parking area, there are no fees to park and the visitor's center is open daily. Bathrooms are found in the area and in certain spots drinkable water is available. Be sure to contact the Forest Service before you visit. Periodically the area has been closed due to fire activity, flash floods and at least once it was closed until Arizona Game and Fish could trap and remove a mountain lion that was endangering hikers.

Today there are many places vying for southern Arizona's top outdoor recreation title. Regardless of your personal preference, few will disagree that for years, Sabino Canyon reigned undisputed champion -- an outdoor gem still well worth visiting.