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ForestMatters, LLC

Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls

Coronado National Forest, Arizona · 3 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through May
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Good Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
None
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Seven Falls, a series of seven distinct cascades in Bear Canyon
  • Sabino Creek riparian corridor with cottonwood and sycamore
  • Santa Catalina granite canyon walls rising above the trail
  • Wildlife including Gambel's quail, Gila woodpecker, and javelina
  • One of the most visited hikes near Tucson

Overview

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is the most visited trailhead complex in Coronado National Forest, receiving approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. The Seven Falls route is the most popular hike in the area, following the Bear Canyon tributary into the Santa Catalinas to reach a tiered sequence of cascades and pools carved into the granite.

No dogs are allowed in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. A tram service runs through the main Sabino Canyon on weekends, and a separate tram serves Bear Canyon on certain days; check current tram schedules with the recreation area before visiting, as tram availability affects the practical round-trip distance.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Visitor Center to Bear Canyon Junction

The trail follows the main Sabino Canyon road and trail system northeast from the visitor center. At the Bear Canyon junction (approximately mile 1.5), the route turns right into Bear Canyon. The riparian corridor along Sabino Creek features cottonwood and sycamore trees that are striking in fall.

Miles 1.5 to 4.5: Bear Canyon to Seven Falls

The Bear Canyon trail crosses the creek multiple times on stepping stones (wade-crossings during high water after monsoon rains). The canyon walls rise steadily. By mile 4.5 the trail reaches the lower falls area, where the seven cascades are visible in sequence up the canyon.

Miles 4.5 to 9.0: Return

Return the same route. The afternoon light on the canyon walls during the return is typically better than morning.

When to Hike

October through May is the prime season. Summer temperatures in the canyon approach 100 degrees and the sun exposure is significant.

July through September monsoon rains can make creek crossings dangerous or impassable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The falls run fullest during and after monsoon rains.

January through February the falls can be at maximum flow from winter rains and the canyon is pleasantly cool.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. There is no reliable water source in Bear Canyon that should be trusted without filtering. Sun protection is essential; the canyon provides limited shade. Water shoes or waterproof boots are practical for the creek crossings.

Trailhead Access

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is located at the end of Sabino Canyon Road in northeast Tucson. A per-vehicle entry fee applies (as of 2026); the America the Beautiful Pass covers this. Flush restrooms and water available at the visitor center. No dogs allowed in the recreation area.

Nearby

Bear Canyon Trail provides a shorter version of the same general route for those wanting a half-day option. Butterfly Trail accesses the high country above Sabino Canyon from a different direction via the Catalina Highway.

Check flash flood warnings and creek level conditions at checking conditions before you go before any visit, particularly during or after monsoon rains. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.

Trailhead Parking

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area visitor center parking, accessed via Sabino Canyon Road northeast of Tucson. Entry fee required.

← Back to Coronado National Forest

More Trails in Coronado National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Bear Canyon Trail

7.8 mi1,000 ft gain
October through May

Bear Canyon Trail is a 7.8-mile out-and-back route through the Bear Canyon tributary of Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, visiting granite canyon scenery and creek pools without reaching the upper Seven Falls.

4 min read

moderateout-and-back

Butterfly Trail

5 mi800 ft gain
May through October

The Butterfly Trail is a 5.0-mile out-and-back walk through the high country of the Santa Catalinas near Mt. Bigelow, traversing meadows and mixed conifer forest above 8,000 feet in Coronado National Forest.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Carr Peak Trail

5.4 mi2,100 ft gain
April through October

Carr Peak Trail climbs 5.4 miles out and back through the Huachuca Mountains to 9,223-foot Carr Peak, with views across the San Pedro River Valley and south into Mexico from one of Coronado National Forest's sky island summits.

3 min read

moderate-hardloop

Chiricahua Wilderness Loop

8.5 mi1,600 ft gain
April through October

The Chiricahua Wilderness Loop is an 8.5-mile circuit through pine forest and canyon terrain in the heart of the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the most remote sky island settings in Coronado National Forest.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Cochise Stronghold Trail

4.5 mi900 ft gain
October through May

Cochise Stronghold Trail covers 4.5 miles out and back into the rocky granite canyon that served as the home base of Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise in the 1860s-1870s, in the Dragoon Mountains of Coronado National Forest.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Mt. Lemmon Via Wilderness of Rocks

12 mi3,400 ft gain
April through October

This 12.0-mile out-and-back route climbs through the Wilderness of Rocks, a dramatic granite landscape in the Santa Catalina Mountains, to reach the forested summit area of 9,157-foot Mt. Lemmon.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Mt. Wrightson Trail

9 mi3,900 ft gain
April through June, September through November

The Mt. Wrightson Trail climbs 9.0 miles out and back to the 9,453-foot summit of Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains, the highest point in the range and the best summit hike in Coronado National Forest.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls hike take?
The 9.0-mile round trip takes most hikers 4 to 5 hours. The tram reduces the round trip significantly for those who use it to the Bear Canyon junction.
Are dogs allowed on the Sabino Canyon to Seven Falls trail?
Dogs are not allowed in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, including the Seven Falls trail. This is a USFS rule for the recreation area.
Is there a fee to enter Sabino Canyon?
Yes. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area charges a per-vehicle fee (as of 2026). A tram fee is separate if you choose to take the tram partway. The America the Beautiful Pass covers the parking fee.