Phoneline Trail

The Phoneline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Tucson area. It’s conveniently accessible from the northeastern edge of the city near the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. The scenery is excellent and there’s an impressive array of plant and animal species to look for. This hike is long and somewhat demanding, but having the option of using the tram for your return trip can make it more accessible if the full distance is too much for you.

This route travels through the Sabino Canyon, where tall saguaros and big prickly pears line your path. This canyon is known for its diversity of bird species, so birders and casual enthusiasts alike will want to keep their eyes on the sky.

Depending on the season, you may enjoy wildflowers on the trail. For this reason, we like this hike in the spring when the hills are in bloom.

This route can get very hot during the heat of the day, so start your hike early. Also, bring more water than you think you might need and wear sunscreen and a hat as you hike. We generally recommend avoiding hiking around Tucson in the summer months as it presents a risk of heatstroke.

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 Trail #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.

The route terminates just before a set of switchbacks. From here, you can turn around and retrace your steps. If you want to take the tram back, descend down the switchbacks to Stop 9, the last stop on the tram road.

Hiking Route Highlights

Sabino Canyon

The Sabino Canyon is a large canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is a popular destination for local hikers and adventurers, providing walking trails, hiking routes, and biking trails. The canyon is known for its desert vegetation and a wide variety of bird species. It’s popular with local hikers and runners as well as visitors in the Tucson area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a shuttle at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area?

Yes, there is a shuttle that runs from the visitor center, offering a narrated, educational 45-minute tour in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Can you drive through Sabino Canyon?

Traveling through the canyon is only allowed on foot or horseback.

Are there bears in Sabino Canyon?

Bears and mountain lions live in the mountains near Sabino Canyon, but interactions with humans are rare.