Located along the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson's northeast edge, Sabino Canyon's numerous hiking trails and swimming spots make this recreation area popular with residents and tourists alike. Visitors can picnic among the saguaro cacti and cool down in Sabino Creek. And if you're looking to get a feel for the area without breaking too much of a sweat, take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Tram. The 45-minute ride is a nearly 4-mile narrated tour into the mountain foothills. Trams make nine stops, allowing travelers to hop on and off if they'd like to tackle any of the hiking trails in the canyon. Recent visitors said a stop here is a must if you want to take in some beautiful desert scenery while in Tucson. Reviewers recommended taking the tram to the top and getting off to hike back down to the visitor center. Travelers also suggested planning your visit for the spring or during monsoon season, when waterfalls form in certain areas of the canyon. Sabino Canyon, which is located about 14 miles northeast of downtown Tucson, is open all day, every day, though the visitor center is only open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tram runs every day with hours varying by season. General admission to the park is $5 per vehicle while tram rides cost $10 for adults and $5 for children between the ages of 3 and 12. In addition to restrooms, you'll also find water fountains, educational exhibits, maps and handouts at the visitor center. For more information, visit the Sabino Canyon website and the tram tours' website.

Situated on the northeast edge of town in the Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a popular year-round spot for walking and picnicking because it doesn't require a hike into the mountains. That's because a shuttle bus travels the 3.8 miles to the head of the canyon, making nine on/off stops along the way. Of course, the Coronado National Forest is crisscrossed with many miles of trails that are great for hiking or horseback riding, so if you have the urge to really get out in nature, this is a great place to do it. Although not required, shuttle reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

The Sabino Canyon is a recreation center which consists of some of the most spectacular natural sights and hiking trails in Tucson. A favorite local weekend spot, you will find people hiking, biking, walking, horseback riding or simply immersing themselves in photography, bird watching or simply exploring the wildlife of the canyon. No private vehicles are allowed here but you can opt for a localtour which will take you through the whole canyon. Highlights include: Exploring 30 miles of natural trails. Educational tour of the recreational center.

This paved road is a very popular hiking and running location in the Sabino Canyon area. It's often combined with other singletrack trails to form a loop route rather than doing out & backs. A tram does run along this road taking tourists and hikers up the road without having to complete the whole distance on foot. This trail itself is nothing spectacular in terms of hiking, especially for those who prefer a more rugged experience. However, the trail still serves its purpose of linking trails and itself being a decent uphill or downhill route. The route goes over nine different bridges as the Sabino Creek meanders alongside and sometimes the water does flow over the top of these smaller bridges during periods of heavy rain. This is an extremely popular destination route so be prepared for a plethora of people.

Many who have not visited Arizona think that its saguaros grow in a Sahara-like setting...but the mountainous desert around Tucson hides many lush spots, like this riparian canyon on the NE edge of the city. Late fall paints the cottonwoods along the creek below cactus-studded slopes in Sabino Canyon. Hikers hike, runners run, and deer roam... By Joseph Cyr, AFAR Local Expert

Starting from the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area you'll want to follow signs for the Bear Canyon Trail. Don't worry about how busy it seems - most of the people you see are probably only going as far as the dam or picnic areas. There is a good chance that you'll have the top all to yourself especially if you go on a weekday. When you hit the paved tram road you'll need to take a right and keep walking until you come to the small restroom building. You'll want to take the bridge to your right. As soon as you cross the bridge you'll hop on the Phoneline Trail for a short distance until you reach the sign for Blackette's Ridge. This trail will switchback up the ridge fooling you a few times into thinking that you're almost there only to see what you thought was the top is not even close. Once you do get to the end of the trail you have a view on your left down into Sabino Canyon, on your right down into Bear Canyon. The appropriately named Thimble Peak is in front of you. The whole way back down the ridge you have a really nice view of the city below. Make sure you plan according to our weather here in Tucson. There is no shade on this hike. If you are going to do this hike during the summer make sure you start early in the morning so that you aren't hiking in the heat.