Near Bear Canyon Loop
Sabino Creek.
Near Bear Canyon Loop
Sabino Canyon.
Near Bear Canyon Loop
View looking at Seven Falls!
Near Bear Canyon Loop
Along the ridge on the Bear Canyon Trail
Near Bear Canyon Loop
Looking down Bear Canyon from top

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Bear Canyon Loop

4.6 (22 Ratings)
An amazing trail loop starting at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center.
17.1
mi
Distance
2,625
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
ViewsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
17.07mi
Distance
2,625ft
Elevation Gain
2,625ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
4,803ft
High Point
2,674ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Start by heading towards Seven Falls then continue along Bear Canyon Trail #29. The boulders, sycamore trees, and water make Bear Canyon worth the trip. The trail will cross over a side draining canyon and climb above Seven Falls to continue further up Bear Canyon. The trails environment soon changes to a grassy, more shallow canyon. After climbing the trail you'll end up on the east side of the canyon. If there is water, there will be a number of pools and falls, and the colorful trees will be sprawled out to take in the moisture. This section of the trail is a great change of pace and provides for unique environmental changes all the way to the end.The Bear Canyon Trail #29 will connect to the East Fork Trail #24A (part of the AZT - Passage 11 - Santa Catalina Mountains). Head west along Trail #24A until intersection with Sabino Canyon Trail #23. Head south on Sabino Canyon Trail #23. The trail curves back and forth, following the contour of the hills. You'll pass a junction with the Phoneline Trail - stay to the right here to continue on the Sabino Canyon Trail #23. After a series of switchbacks that provide a view through the canyon overlooking the city, the trail will connect to the top of North Upper Sabino Canyon Road which you'll hike back to the visitor center to complete the loop. An optional bonus would be to skip road and exit Sabino Canyon along the Phoneline Trail, which adds approximately 1.25 miles.Note: The trail can be difficult to follow between Seven Falls and the AZT / East Fork Trail junction. Use the Mobile App to help find your way.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Chad Dailey