Hiking the Seven Falls Trail in Sabino Canyon, Tucson
Hiking the Seven Falls Trail in Sabino Canyon is one of Tucson’s most iconic outdoor experiences, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty, moderate physical challenge, and the chance to enjoy Arizona’s natural water features. Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, this hike is well-loved by locals and visitors alike for its breathtaking desert-meets-oasis landscape, where cactus-dotted terrain contrasts with flowing creeks and stunning waterfalls. This trail’s unique combination of diverse vistas and refreshing water crossings makes it a standout in Tucson's hiking scene.
Adventure Guide to Hiking the Seven Falls Trail
Location and Trailhead: Begin your journey at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, located about 12 miles northeast of downtown Tucson. The trail to Seven Falls is accessed via the Bear Canyon Trailhead. To reach the falls, you’ll hike approximately 8.2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 900 feet.
Seven Water Crossings: One of the trail's defining features is its seven creek crossings, especially active during wetter months. These crossings not only provide a fun challenge but also add scenic charm, with flowing water frequently reflecting the blue Arizona skies.
The Falls Themselves: Seven Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls that form natural pools, perfect for relaxing or taking a refreshing dip after your hike. The falls are at their most spectacular in the late winter to early spring when seasonal rains ensure the water flow is vibrant.
Local Insights
Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for desert wildlife along the trail, from hummingbirds flitting between blooming ocotillos to lizards sunning themselves on rocky outcrops.
Cultural Note: Sabino Canyon has long been valued by the Tohono O’odham people for its natural resources and beauty. Hiking here is an opportunity to appreciate its historical significance.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Aim for early morning hikes from October through April to avoid extreme heat.
What to Bring: Pack sturdy shoes suitable for crossing water, sunscreen, 2+ liters of water, and snacks. Don’t forget a towel if you plan to swim!
Getting There: Drive east on Sunrise Drive, turn left onto Sabino Canyon Road, and follow signs to the recreation area. It’s about a 30-minute drive from downtown Tucson.
Adventure Map
Reviews
David Everya year ago
Need to be in ok shape or have a lot of time to take the trail to 7 Falls. It was at least 4 miles one way with 7 stream crossings. When the water is high, be prepared to get wet. It took us 4 hours round-trip without any time at the Falls except to take some pictures. It would be nice to hike up here with a picnic lunch and swim in the deep pools here. Spectacularly beautiful!
Michael “Maranara” Maraglianoa month ago
It would have been pleasant to see the waterfall, but I was content with the pools still reflections. I started at sabino rec and made my way to bear canyon toward seven falls. It's all shade in the early AM. The pathing is magnificent. You can shuttle in, but I recommend hiking in as bear caynon's trail runs parallel to the paved road. This trail is one of the best in Tucson.
Amy Hancock9 months ago
A great hike, so beautiful. My warning is just this is not for beginner hikers. There are 6 water crossings and a few of us in our group fell trying to cross the river so many times with unstable rocks and sometimes not a clear path to cross. It’s also more than 8 miles if you start at Sabino canyon visitor center. Our watches said it was more like 9.5 or so miles round trip. It was amazing to see the falls though! And the mountains in Sabino are beautiful. I’d recommend waterproof hiking sandals or shoes, hiking sticks and bring extra shoes/clothes. We used all trails to guide us the whole way and we didn’t get lost.
Jakob W. Plummera year ago
Really interesting hike that takes you through what is clearly a river at times. It’s through the mountains, and can be tricky if you don’t pay good attention. I actually made some bad turns and added a solid 45 min to my entire home there and back.
Take lots of water. Hard to figure out a good time to go in the summer since the sun can be so unforgiving.
Not a lot of wildlife animals, which is normally my favorite part of a hike. Could’ve been the heat.
Difficulty id give a 6.5/10.
Karen S2 years ago
It’s a definitely a long hike. I honestly had the best time doing it though. Make sure you do wear some sturdy shoes because it can be rocky. At the end, it’s very peaceful and enjoyable to watch the Falls. I passed so many people when I was walking the path. I would definitely say the best resource to use is all trails. It’s very helpful especially for those who are first time hikers like me on this trail. I did it when it was super early in the morning and it was done and back at the entrance by 10 AM. If it’s really hot, I would definitely suggest being there by like 5:30 in the morning to make sure to avoid the heat there’s not much shade to keep you from the sun.
