Sabino Canyon Recreation Area within the Coronado National Forest is one of the premier natural areas in southeastern Arizona. It is located in the Santa Catalina Ranger District on the edge of Tucson. Very scenic with steep rock cliffs and foothills covered with unique desert vegetation, yet it is only a 30 minute drive from the heart of downtown Tucson. It is very popular with hikers as well as tourists like us.
The canyon is closed to all vehicles except a shuttle tram that runs up the 3.5 mile canyon and stops at any one of the 9 shuttle stops. So you can ride all the way up and walk down or walk part way then catch a shuttle the rest of the way down as we did. But if you are really hardy you can hike all the way up and down!!!!!
If you look close you can see hikers up on top.
Awesome!!!!
A look down at the road the shuttle travels on it’s way to the top of the canyon.
The saguaro seem to be growing out of solid rock.
Saguaro cactus do not grow “arms” until they are 50-60 years old.
Prickly Pear cactus
Steep cliffs with cactus and vegetation of all kinds.
The ocotillo are just starting to flower, note the orange “tufts” on the ends of the stalks.
There are no natural springs in the canyon, the stream is run off from Mt. Lemmon (just under 8,000 feet) which is a popular ski area in winter.
These folks are “panning” for river rubies which look like ruby red sand!
A few more shots of flowers and vegetation in the canyon.
Saguaro cactus with City of Tucson in the background. 
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