Random Monday off~ Let's do Seven Falls!!
Seven Falls is a popular hike in Sabino Canyon, a little too popular. If you can walk it on a random weekday, this is the way to go. It gets crowded. We still saw a few people, but it was a pleasant 6 mile out and back without any lines on the trail. This is a sunny hike with very little shade. On hot days, you are very grateful for the water, which is seasonal. On this particular Monday the hiking weather gods smiled upon us with cloudy skies and cool breezes. As a result I chose NOT to swim this trip. It is a fun spot to do so with crystal clear, cold pools plenty deep enough to take a dip.
We started at the Sabino Canyon visitors center and there were beautiful blooming cactus, noticeable right from the road. Something about a Saguaro in bloom really brings springtime to life. There is nothing more awe inspiring than the desert when you add a little water. We have been lucky to have a few spring rainstorms, so the cacti are absolutely loaded with buds bursting at the seams this year. What a welcome renewal to witness.
The Bear Canyon trail is fairly sandy and incredibly gradual for the first two miles from the tram stop. It meanders nearby, occasionally crossing the creek fed by Seven Falls. Wherever there is water there is life, and there was no shortage of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, bees and other cool bugs. The insect varieties were diverse and I really enjoyed being fluttered around for a lot of the lower portion of the hike. Mile 3 is about where the switchbacks begin. They are not too steep and not too many. As you start to rise above the creek bed, you get beautiful views of the city and the other mountains surrounding it. I think this really is the quintessential “Tucson” hiking experience.
All in all this hike took about 5 hours. It’s always a really great time on the mountain. Please make sure to note this hike is MUCH more brutal in hotter months and it is absolutely essential to stay hydrated in the desert. In addition, the water is seasonal. You can get updates in the visitors center and some of the trail websites also have this information available so you know before you go. I think my favorite thing about this hike is remembering the day spent there 11 years ago when most of my kids were still little. The hike was A LOT easier than I remember, without kids in tow, but I’d LOVE to try to convince them to come back with me as the young adults they are now.
Seven Falls is a core memory for my family. What’s that one trail in Tucson you first hiked with your kids (or as a kid) that you still return to today? I’d love to hear your “then and now” stories in the comments.
Looking forward to your stories!!
Always Kurious Kelly
Every photo tells a story, and stories are better with company. If you enjoyed this glimpse of our life in the Sky Islands, pass it along to a fellow explorer.
If you want to cut almost 4 (relatively boring, just on a paved path) miles off your hike to Seven Falls, I thought the tram to the Bear Canyon trailhead was well worth the $8 per person.
There is a kiosk to purchase the tickets at the visitor center. But they were sold out for hours when we went back in February. This time I bought them online the night before:
https://sabinocanyoncrawler.com