Phoneline Link Trail #27A, AZ

Background
On 31 July 2006, Sabino Canyon experienced a massive flood event. The result was the devastation of the infrastructure and many of the recreation sites. The floodwaters and slides that resulted also heavily damaged many of the hiking trails in Sabino, closing some for over a year. This minor link trail is once such trail that has recently (Fall 2008) been entirely restored by the Forest Service.

Hike
Follow the paved course of Sabino road to the first tram stop. Just beyond the tram stop, a trail descends steeply into Sabino creek below. Follow this trail and cross the stream at a convenient place. Just across the creek, the Dam trail will be encountered, turn left take up its course for a 2/10ths of a mile walk northeast to the signed junction with the Link trail. Alternatively, follow the Dam trail from the Bear Canyon trailhead at the parking lot and avoid the road altogether.

The Link trail begins to climb immediately. The entire course of its travel is an ascent of the north canyon wall below the Saddle-back (Blackett's Ridge). It switchbacks continuously to gain roughly 900' of elevation by the time it connects with the Phoneline Trail #27. After about a half-dozen switchbacks, the trail encounters a signed junction with a side trail departing up-canyon to a series of picnic sites. The switchbacks continue, and the view of Sabino below becomes even more dazzling. At the end of a long switchback roughly 1/2-mile in, a small, improved vista is encountered. There is a large boulder facilitating a place to sit and take in unobstructed views of the entire canyon and the Front Range of the Catalinas. After leaving the vista, the trail rounds a dozen or more switchbacks and turns sharply into a junction with the Phoneline Trail #27.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2009-01-14 Jeffshadows