We drove from Benson to Tucson, AZ to visit Sabino Canyon. Several people told us that we should really go up and hike into the Canyon and check it out. They all said it was worth seeing. And they were right.
We got to Sabino Canyon early and no one was at the gate entrance so we drove on in. The parking lot was fairly full with a lot of day walkers. We checked-in and bought tickets for the tram at the museum.
Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis where over twelve thousand years ago Columbian mammoth roamed. About 1,200 A.D., irrigation dams were placed in the creek by Hohokam Indians. In the 1870’s pony soldiers from Fort Lowell enjoyed horseback excursions to the “ol’ swimmin’ hole” still in use today. In the 1930’s, 180 C.C.C. workers built bridges and 3.8 miles of road up into the Santa Catalina Mountains. Many varieties of birds, deer and other animals make their home here in the Coronado National Forest. Hiking trails and picnic areas abound in the canyon.
This deer walked right out in front of us and didn't give us a second thought. Do you think he might have seen a few humans before?
The shuttle bus operates 365 days a year. A narrated round trip is 45 minutes and travels the most camera worthy scenery in the Tucson area. Moonlight rides three nights per month are available by reservation.
We enjoyed the bus ride into the canyon with the guide giving us details of the park. There were nine stop-off points along the ride up to the top of Sabino Canyon. We could have gotten off at any point and walked up or gone to the restrooms. Note: Only a few stops have restrooms. 
We made the decision to ride all the way up to the top of the canyon and then on the way down we got off at stop seven and walked the rest of the way back to the museum and the truck. This gave us numerous opportunities to take photos.
This Saguaro Cactus is growing right out of the top of the boulder in very little soil. It's so amazing, I had to have a its photo.
From stop seven, it was over a 3-mile walk back. It was mostly down hill BUT right before you get to the museum, there is a steady incline that sneaks up on you. It didn’t look that bad but it was tough on me. I thought I’d never make it up! But I did and the truck never looked so good.
This Saguaro Cactus is growing right out of the top of the boulder in very little soil. It's so amazing, I had to have a its photo.
From stop seven, it was over a 3-mile walk back. It was mostly down hill BUT right before you get to the museum, there is a steady incline that sneaks up on you. It didn’t look that bad but it was tough on me. I thought I’d never make it up! But I did and the truck never looked so good.
1 comment:
Great pictures! We've heard for years that we sould go to Sabino Canyon, but we still haven't gotten up and gone. Your pictures and story are adding impetus! We'll make it yet!
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