Sabino to Phoneline Loop

The Sabino to Phoneline Loop is a perfect way to explore the Sabino Canyon since you’ll hike both sides of the canyon in a loop. The views are excellent and there’s an impressive array of plant and animal species to look for. This hike is a bit longer, but the elevation gain should be suitable for strong beginners and better. 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 area 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. 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 the Sabino Walkway into the wash and then into the canyon. Your outbound trip follows the canyon floor. There are restroom facilities partway up if you need them, and you might see the tram go by (the narrated tram ride is a fun way to learn more about the canyon). After the final tram stop and the end of the road, take the switchbacks up the canyon wall and then go right to return to the trailhead via Phoneline Trail, giving you a bit more elevation to check out the views from. This will lead you back to the visitor center.