Where is Sabino Canyon Recreation Area,Tucson, Arizona?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is located in Tucson, Arizona, USA. It lies between Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains and is situated in the Coronado National Forest. It is famous for its desert landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic canyon views.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Location Map,Tucson, Arizona

Top Attractions Inside Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

  • Sabino Canyon Tram – Scenic narrated tram tour through the canyon and desert landscapes.
  • Hiking Trails – Extensive trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs with waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
  • Sabino Creek – Refreshing creek with swimming and wading opportunities in natural pools.
  • Wildlife Observation – Spot desert wildlife including deer, birds, and lizards.
  • Picnic Areas – Designated spots for relaxing, dining, and enjoying the canyon scenery.
  • Visitor Center – Exhibits and information about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and park history.
  • Photography & Scenic Vistas – Capture stunning desert landscapes, rugged canyon walls, and waterfalls.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Facts

Official NameSabino Canyon Recreation Area
LocationTucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA — Santa Catalina Mountains / Coronado National Forest
Latitude & Longitude32.2876° N, 110.8410° W
Total AreaApprox. 3,500 acres (≈14 km²) of canyon, riparian areas, trails, and desert landscape
Established / OpenedPublic recreation area managed since mid-20th century; part of Coronado National Forest
Managed ByUnited States Forest Service (USFS) & Friends of Sabino Canyon non-profit partnership
RegionSoutheastern Arizona / Sonoran Desert / Tucson Mountains region
Address5700 North Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
Zip Code85750
Area Code520
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Standard Time (MST) – UTC−7 (Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time)
Theme / ConceptDesert canyon recreation, hiking, wildlife observation, riparian ecosystem, tram tours, birdwatching, photography, nature education
Main Sections / AreasSabino Canyon Visitor Center, tram route (Sabino Canyon Tram), hiking trails, Seven Falls area, canyon wash and creek areas, picnic spots, wildlife viewing areas
Famous AttractionsSabino Canyon Tram, Seven Falls, Sabino Creek, hiking trails (Blackett’s Ridge, Bear Canyon, Romero Pools), desert wildlife (javelina, deer, birds), scenic canyon vistas
Annual VisitorsApprox. 500,000–600,000 visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Tram ride ticket required; hiking and trails free
Ticket Price RangeTram ride: Adults ~$15; Children (3–11) ~$8; Seniors ~$12; tram tickets valid for full loop and unlimited stops
Ticket OptionsTram ride tickets, guided tours, group passes, hiking access (free), educational programs, annual passes
Best Time to VisitFall–Spring (October–April) for mild temperatures; summer early mornings for hiking to avoid heat; year-round tram rides available
Nearby AirportTucson International Airport (TUS) – ~20 miles (32 km)
TransportationCar via North Sabino Canyon Road, parking at visitor center, hiking trails, tram access within canyon, shuttle tours, guided walks
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25696

Distances from Sabino Canyon Recreation Area to Nearby Landmarks

  • Tucson, AZ Downtown – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Sabino Canyon Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Mount Lemmon – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Santa Catalina Mountains – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Gates Pass – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • University of Arizona – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Saguaro National Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Old Tucson Studios – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Sabino Canyon Tram – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Rincon Mountains – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Sabino Dam – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Bear Canyon Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Phoneline Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Seven Falls – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Tanque Verde Falls – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Marshall Gulch – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Sabino Creek – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Mount Wrightson – 60 km (37.3 mi)