Sabino Lake, Creek Trail, and Rattlesnake Loop

The Sabino Lake, Creek Trail, and Rattlesnake Loop is a great moderate hike in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area near Tucson. 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 a good pick if you want to enjoy the canyon area’s scenery but want to pass on the more strenuous trails that lead into the canyon.

This area is known for its diversity of bird species, so birders and casual enthusiasts alike will want to keep their eyes on the sky. You can also appreciate the flora of the desert in all its glory.

This hike requires several water crossings. If there’s been heavy rain or snowmelt recently, the water levels might be a bit too high for everyone’s comfort. Bring wading shoes no matter when you choose to hike, but should you visit and find the water too high, you can always come back another day or turn around early to avoid the crossings.

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 the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

This loop can be done either way. We’ll describe it counterclockwise as we prefer the view this way, but feel free to try it both ways. From the trailhead, take Bear Canyon Trail #29 as it runs along E Remount Place. You can also take the trail directly north of Bear Canyon and then take a few steps down to Bear Canyon Trail where the route ends.

Where Bear Canyon Trail splits, go left. Follow the Lower Sabino Service Road. You can dip down to check out Sabino Lake as you pass it. Cross Sabino Creek and then stay left. Take Creek Trail to where it splits, then stay left and cross the creek again.

Walk a few steps south on N Upper Sabino Canyon Road and then go right onto Rattlesnake Trail. You’ll cross the creek several times before looping around to the left onto Esperero Trail. Follow this trail past a picnic area. Join N Upper Sabino Canyon Road, which will lead you back to the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

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 anchored around this canyon, providing walking trails, hiking routes, and biking trails. The recreation area 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.