Sabino Canyon

Hi everyone! 🙂

Since my 2024 travel journal is finally posted, I’m diving into planning our September road trip to the part of Arizona we haven’t explored yet and to New Mexico, which we don’t know at all.



Flights, accommodations, and the rental car are all set—I just need to organize the stops. On the day we arrive in Phoenix (we’re staying in Gold Canyon), I’ve planned a visit to Lost Dutchman State Park at sunset with a short hike and a stop at Goldfield Ghost Town. I was thinking of driving as far as Tortilla Flat, but it might be tight, especially since our flight lands at 12:50 PM, and the most scenic part of the Apache Trail seems to be just past Tortilla Flat. The next day, we’re heading to Tucson for three nights. The first day will be dedicated to Saguaro East (near our hotel), the following day to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, then the Bajada Loop Drive with two short hikes, and the North Kidney Road up to the OVL. Finally, on the last day, we’ll visit Sabino Canyon and hike to Seven Falls—and this is where I could use your insights! The hike is 13 km if we don’t take the shuttle. If we do, it’s only 8 km. Are those kilometers flat, or does it climb right from the start? And if we take the shuttle, where should we get off? Is the trail well-marked? I’ve heard it’s not very clearly signposted.

Thanks in advance for your tips, and I’ll be back with more questions soon! Marcalamar 🙂

Enjoying a nice cold beer at Tortilla Flat A great memory....

Hi Martine,

Unfortunately, I can’t help with Sabino Canyon—I had it noted down at the time, but we didn’t end up going. That said, if you’re interested, I wrote a travel journal in 2015 that covers a few of your stops.

Happy planning! !

Good evening! 🙂 For Christian!!! I remember your epic description of climbing the Great Sand Dune sand 😉 For Peggy: Thanks for the info, I’ll check out your 2015 travel journal. Have a great weekend! Marcalamar 🙂

Hi there! 🙂 I just finished reading your amazing 2015 travel journal and jotted down some little gems I’ll pull out when I get to planning those stops. Your little ones must have grown so much since 2015! The photos are gorgeous, your writing is such a pleasure to read, and on top of discovering new things, it’s so nice to revisit places we’ve loved. Thanks a bunch and have a great week! Marcalamar 🙂

Hi Martine,

Thanks for your kind words, and I’m so glad this 10-year-old travel journal can still be useful... Yep, the kids have really grown in those 10 years! 😉 One’s almost 22, and the other’s 19...

Have a great week, and happy planning! !

Awesome dunes! The white sands near Las Cruces are less terrifying than those at Great Sand Dunes. I even made a video about it: https://youtu.be/vTsSRtZZSys?feature=shared

Hi there, I know Sabino Canyon really well. No, it’s hardly a climb at all. The road section can be a bit boring and easier for walking, but there’s also a trail, and when you don’t know the area, it’s not the same experience. The signage is excellent, and you’re sure to meet people. In September, it can still be very hot. Start really early in the morning. Saguaro West is definitely better than Saguaro East, and make sure to go through Gate Pass.

Hi Françoise! 🙂 Thanks so much for your reply and tips!!! We can’t wait to get there. Have a great weekend! Marcalamar 🙂

Hello,

My cousin lives in Tucson... and she’d tell you it *can* get "hot" there, so:

- Take the Sabino shuttle on the way up so you have time to do the interesting part!

- Same goes for visiting Saguaro WEST...

- The Apache Trail isn’t open yet past Tortilla Flat... (unless you’ve got a proper off-road 4x4).

- Hit up the Sonora Desert as soon as it opens!

See you!

🙂 Cool!!! At least for this spot, it looks like I made the right choices!!! We’ll take the shuttle!!! We’ll still be jet-lagged and at the start of our trip, so getting up early shouldn’t be a problem. Marcalamar 🙂

🙂Thanks Christian for the video (I hadn’t replied to you ). I’d watched it while preparing for Great Sand Dunes. Marcalamar 🙂