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Bear Canyon to Sycamore Dam - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 5 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Sep 27 2025
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 Guides 3
 Routes 639
 Photos 8,420
 Triplogs 611

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Sabino - Bear Canyon LoopTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 27 2025
ddgrunningTriplogs 611
Hiking14.87 Miles 3,278 AEG
Hiking14.87 Miles   5 Hrs   48 Mns   2.75 mph
3,278 ft AEG      24 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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The last weekend in September is our annual rim to rim hike. But the Dragon Bravo fire scuttled this year’s plan.

So, instead, we opted to do a substitute hike in the Catalinas.

We were hoping that the rain this week would result in some running water on Bear Canyon and at the 7 falls, but just some damp ground in the creekbed and pools at the falls. I’m sure it was my decision hike in Tevas that guaranteed we’d keep our feet dry.

Above the falls was new tread for me. And the more I hike in the Catalinas, the more I like them. The canyon and the surrounding mountains have a lot of character. Although the rains didn’t result in flowing water, the desert was clearly soaking up the moisture. Much more green everywhere, and flowers blossoming and butterflies flying around like it was spring.

Didn’t think we’d see anyone past the falls until the sabino side, but this is clearly a trail running staple, as we crossed paths with no less than 6 groups or single runners on the loop.

Once we reached the sabino junction, our prayers for running water were answered, and the flows could be heard gurgling along below us.

The clouds threatened rain most of the day, but other than a brief light sprinkle, nothing materialized on the trail.

As we reached the shuttle junction, the sun came out and we opted to take the ride back to the TH, as we’d done the Phoneline previously.

We were happy with our choice and used the saved hour to make the drive up Mount Lemmon and back—a first for me. What a gorgeous drive!

They were having an Octoberfest event at the ski resort. We popped our heads in a looked around a bit before making the device back down.

Grabbed dinner at the Viva Mexican restaurant right off the road as we got back to Tucson. Food was fine, it we were the only customers on a Saturday evenly at dinner, which makes me think the restaurant’s days are numbered.

Beautiful sunset as we drove back to Phoenix.
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  1 archive
Feb 13 2018
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 Guides 36
 Routes 310
 Photos 2,235
 Triplogs 241

79 male
 Joined Mar 27 2008
 tucson, az
Bear Canyon to Sycamore DamTucson, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2018
rvcarterTriplogs 241
Hiking1.77 Miles 476 AEG
Hiking1.77 Miles   2 Hrs   22 Mns   0.78 mph
476 ft AEG      6 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
While hiking on Bear Canyon #29 near Thimble Peak a couple of weeks ago, we looked down at the upper Bear Canyon and thought, let's do it. The all off-trail canyon between the upper crossing (the last place where #29 crossed Bear Creek) and Sycamore Dam is beautiful, full of large trees, huge boulders, wetlands, pools and flowing water, even after a long drought. There are a few areas that require class 3 scrambling, but the exposure is not bad except a few places, where climb arounds are necessary.

We started at Sabino Canyon and exited at Prison Camp where we had dropped a car. Mike and Frank climbed Seven Falls, which was very dry except for a few pools, and pronounced it pretty easy. However, if you knew them, you'd still wonder about the difficulty. Take your time and enjoy this special canyon. Look at the description I just posted for more details.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Sycamore Reservoir
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Check out my Instagram posts at "cartershift", and videos on my Rumble channel "rvcarter".
 
average hiking speed 1.77 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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