Statistics  Difficulty: 1.5     Route Finding: 1   Distance One Way 2.5 miles  Trailhead Elevation 3350 feet  Elevation Gain 350 feet  Accumulated Gain 520 feet  Avg Time One Way 1-1.5 hours Author keepmoving  Descriptions: 2  Routes: 0  Photos: 220  Trips: 74   (393 Miles)  Age: 23     Gender:  Location: Tucson, AZ HAZ Member Photos  Photos         Date Member

Tucson North  Forest  Coronado  Wilderness  Pusch Ridge Backpack - Yes & Connecting Seasons - Autumn to Spring GPS Routes Post one Now! Expand Map Street Terrain Topo  Map - Coronado NF - Safford & Catalina Distric Jump to Hike Map Nearby Hikes Springs Direct Air Miles Away to Trailhead 0 •  Sabino Canyon / Kor Wall 2.4 •  Blacketts Ridge 1.6 •  East Fork Trail #24A 1.8 •  Palisade Trail #99 2.3 •  Phone Line Link Trail #27A [ View More! ]       [ View Springs! ]

Overview: Sabino Canyon #23 is an excellent choice for hikers wishing to escape the tram infested Upper Sabino Canyon Road in search of more solitude. Upon arriving at the Northern end of Sabino Canyon #23 hikers will be treated with a variety of trails that lead into the heart of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness.

Hike: From the end of Upper Sabino Canyon road head North from the pavement to the sign post that marks the beginning of Sabino Canyon #23. Follow the trail as it begins to work its way up a series of switchbacks. As the trail gains elevation, views of Sabino Canyon quickly open up as you leave the tourists and the trams behind. Half a mile later the trail arrives at the top of the switchbacks at a signed junction with the Phone Line Trail. Sabino Canyon #23 turns left at the junction and begins to curve along the hillside, eventually passing an old sign that warns hikers not to short cut the switchbacks you just finished climbing. Immediately after this sign the trail passes a well worn spur trail that leads along a short, narrow ridge to a great view point high above the canyon floor.

Continuing past the side trail Sabino Canyon #23 contours along the hillside as it approaches Sabino Basin. For the next mile or so Sabino Creek is hidden from view far below at the bottom of the canyon, however it is not long before the views begin to open up once more and Sabino Creek is soon visible again as it drains from Sabino Basin. As Sabino Basin comes into view look for another spur trail off to the West that follows a short path to an overlook that affords great views into Sabino Creek and Sabino Basin. Beyond the side trail Sabino Canyon #23 begins to rapidly lose elevation as it approaches its Northern Terminus with West Fork #24 and East Fork #24A.
- Aug 27 2009 keepmoving

Coronado FS Reports  These three trails offer access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range, famous for its deep canyons and soaring ridges. When traveled as a loop, they form a long but rewarding day-trip that offers memorable views and access to the riparian environments they shelter. A trip along either trail or around the entire loop will treat you to good views of the high ridges and peaks of the Front Range and, at sunset, of the city of Tucson with its lights framed by the black silhouette of surrounding mountains.

Since both Bear Canyon and Sabino Canyon trails are accessible from the extremely popular Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, both are used heavily. Sabino Canyon Trail begins at the end of the recreation area shuttle bus route and contours along the canyon’s eastern slope a good distance above the canyon floor. A number of paths branch off the trail along this stretch and lead down to the streambed.

Bear Canyon Trail leads upstream from the Lower Bear Picnic Area at the end of the Bear Canyon shuttle route. The trail crosses the stream several times in its first two miles and provides spectacular views of both Sabino and Bear canyons as it climbs to Bear Saddle. There it intersects the East Fork #24A and the Sycamore Reservoir #39 trails. The East Fork Trail follows Sabino Creek 2.1 miles to the junction with Sabino Canyon Trail. From this point it is 2.5 miles back to the end of the road where hikers can catch a shuttle bus ride (for a fee) or walk back to your car to complete a 13.4 mile loop. Since horses are not permitted on the shuttle road, equestrians must use the Phone Line Trail #27 (4.5 miles) to complete a loop.

Attractions: Spectacular canyon, lush desert, long distance views, backcountry access, more difficult loop possibilities, access to trail #24A a segment of the Arizona Trail.
One-Way Notice: This hike is listed as One-Way. When you hike several trails on a single "hike", log it under the initial trail or the destination trail. Then link the other trails to your logged trip, check out the example.