Phoneline Short Loop

The Phoneline Short Loop is an awesome way to spend time in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area without needing to attempt the longer, more difficult hikes in the canyons. You’ll check out Sabino Lake and be able to look into Sabino Canyon from the top of the loop. It’s a moderately difficult hike, so we’d recommend it for strong beginners and active families.

This route can get very hot during the heat of the day, so start your hike early. Also, water and wear sunscreen if it’s hot out. This route doesn’t allow dogs, so leave your pups at home. You’ll need to pay a small fee to access Sabino Canyon, but once you’re parked, look for the trailhead southeast of the visitor center.

Take Bear Canyon Trail #29 as it runs along E Remount Place. Where the trail splits, go right. Continue through the next junction onto Phoneline Short Loop #27. Stay left where a trail branches off steeply to the right.

The route stays above the canyon floor and the tram road as you make your way through the canyon. Enjoy the towering cactus, the beauty of the rugged canyon, and the plants and animals that call the canyon home. Take the switchbacks down to the canyon floor and follow it past the lake to the trail split. From here, continue back to the trailhead.