Sabino Canyon at a glance
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is part of the Coronado National Forest on the northeast edge of Tucson. A road follows the canyon floor, and private motor vehicles are not allowed on it. You walk, or you ride the shuttle that visitors often call the tram. A second shuttle serves Bear Canyon and the trail to Seven Falls.
Two payments are involved and people mix them up. The recreation area charges a vehicle fee for parking. The shuttle is run by a separate nonprofit, the Regional Partnering Center, and is paid for on its own. A Coronado or interagency pass covers the vehicle fee but not the shuttle.
Sabino Canyon tram and Bear Canyon shuttle
Fares and times as listed for 2026. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
| Shuttle | Adult | Child | Departures | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabino Canyon tram | $15 | $8 (3 to 12) | Hourly, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | A narrated ride of about 1 hour, short walks |
| Bear Canyon shuttle | $8 | $5 | Hourly, 9:15 am to 4:15 pm | Start of the Seven Falls trail |
Children under 3 ride free on both. In the busy season the Bear Canyon shuttle can run every 30 minutes from 9:15 to 12:15, but that is not guaranteed. The shuttle rests on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, and tickets bought on the day depend on space.
Tucson tours and desert activities
Guided walks, desert hikes, stargazing and day trips around Tucson, with live prices and availability.
The hike to Seven Falls
Seven Falls is the best known walk from the Bear Canyon side. The Forest Service describes a suggested route from the visitor center of 8.4 miles (13.5 km) round trip, with 1,448 feet (441 m) of climbing and seven stream crossings. If you ride the Bear Canyon shuttle, the walk from the drop-off is shorter. The Forest Service gives 2.5 miles for the upper part and the shuttle operator 2.7 miles one way, because they measure from different points.
Water in the canyon is seasonal. Do not plan around waterfalls or swimming, and do not cross a stream that is running high. When the creeks flood, the Bear Canyon shuttle is usually suspended and the Sabino shuttle takes a replacement route.
Rules in the recreation area
These apply inside the recreation area, not across the whole national forest.
No pets
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the recreation area.
No private motor vehicles
This includes e-bikes. Walk or take the shuttle.
No overnight camping, alcohol or glass
Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted, and you cannot camp overnight.
Leave things in place
Do not change or take away natural or cultural objects such as plants, rocks or artifacts.
Fees, passes and hours
What to budget and when to arrive.
Vehicle fee
$8 per day or $10 per week in 2026. Put an interagency pass or a Coronado day, week or annual pass on the dashboard where it can be seen. Press coverage in 2025 gave $40 for a Coronado annual pass, so check the current price.
Visitor center hours
8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, according to the Forest Service brochure. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Night tours
The operator offers night tours on Saturdays in summer. For 2026 it announced dates from 4 July to 31 October, with changing evening departures and cancellation in bad weather. Check the current dates and the fare when you book.
Heat, water and timing
From June to September the canyon is hot, and the operator advises bringing water and sun protection. Start early, take more water than you think you need, and turn around before you are tired. The monsoon season runs from 15 June to 30 September and can bring flash floods in washes and creeks.
Autumn through spring is the comfortable time for walking. Our weather page lists the monthly highs and lows. If you are staying on the north side of the city, where to stay explains which areas are closest to the canyon entrance.
Combine Sabino Canyon with
Other places in the Catalina Mountains and the west of the city.
Sabino Canyon: frequently asked questions
How much does the Sabino Canyon tram cost?
An adult ticket is $15 and a child aged 3 to 12 pays $8, listed for 2026. Children under 3 ride free. The $8 daily vehicle fee for parking is separate.
Do I need to book the Sabino Canyon shuttle?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in the busy season. Tickets on the day depend on availability.
How long is the hike to Seven Falls?
The suggested route from the visitor center is 8.4 miles (13.5 km) round trip with 1,448 feet (441 m) of climbing and seven stream crossings. From the Bear Canyon shuttle stop the walk is shorter, at 2.5 to 2.7 miles one way.
Can I bring my dog to Sabino Canyon?
No. Pets are not allowed in the recreation area. Private motor vehicles, e-bikes, alcohol and glass containers are also banned.
Is the Sabino Canyon shuttle running in a flood?
Not always. When the water is high, the Bear Canyon shuttle is usually suspended and the Sabino shuttle uses a replacement route. Ask before you travel after heavy rain.
When is the Sabino Canyon visitor center open?
Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road.