Seven Falls is an out-and-back hike. You can shave off 3.6 miles by taking the tram. However, you'll have to pay and wait for the tram both ways. The parking lot tells the story. It's enormous and crowded. I was expecting it, though, as this is an excellent area attached to a city. Hiking this trail out of season "may" thin the crowds. If the signs along the way are confusing enough, my GPS stats didn't agree with the posted distances. Usually, I'd go with what's posted. However, they seem to be off by a quarter-mile in places.
At the visitor center, check out the maps. From the men's restroom, head out on the trail. Shortly after, at the wide three-way intersection, take a left onto the super-wide trail. It's wide because it used to be the tram road. Be forewarned it gets rather muddy when it rains. Follow the old dirt road to the 0.5-mile point at which you encounter the paved tram road. Take a right onto the paved road. Follow for 1.3 miles to the 1.8-mile point. Along the way, you have two questionable intersections. Take a right both times. The first is approaching some restrooms. The second comes shortly after crossing a bridge.
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Now 1.8 miles into the hike, you've reached the actual trail. It's 2 miles to Seven Falls. You must cross the small-boulder-lined creek bed numerous times. Each crossing is marked on both sides, so you shouldn't have any problems finding your way. Old concrete dams or bridges (I'm not sure which) have been washed away by flooding.
The seventh crossing comes shortly after some big boulders. A switchback takes you up a bit. Soon you will look over to the left, and Seven Falls is right before you. You come to a sign stating Bear Canyon Trail #29 continues. A short side trail takes you to the falls. It goes down left from the sign. Be careful hiking around the pools. The lowest pool is the largest. I believe the second pool up is deeper as that's where the divers seem to be. Overall this is an easy hike. The obvious attraction is the falls. I don't find the approach very photogenic without running water. Please don't take that wrong; I recommend the hike!
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
Visit overview & permits. 2024 - FAQ
$8 per vehicle per day
$10 per vehicle per week
$40 per vehicle per year (valid for one year from the date of purchase)
There are four specific day-use areas that require a Coronado Recreational Pass or a National Pass/America the Beautiful Pass.
1) Sabino Canyon - located on the Santa Catalina Ranger District (520)749-8700
2) Madera Canyon - located on the Nogales Ranger District (520)281-2296
3) Cave Creek - located on the Douglas Ranger District (520)364-3468
4) Mt. Lemmon at 11 day-use sites.
2022 Catalina State Park
Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00
Individual/bicycle: $3.00
Coronado Forest MVUMs are rarely necessary to review unless mentioned in the description or directions Coronado Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To Sabino Canyon Recreation Trailhead From the intersection of Tanque Verde and Grant/Kolb Rd head northeast on Tanque Verde. Turn left at the second light on Sabino Canyon Rd. Go about 8 miles up Sabino Canyon Rd and you come to a four way stop with Sunrise. Go straight through the intersection and take the next right into the parking lot of Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Signs marking the way start on North Kolb road.
This is the universal directions to Sabino Canyon Recreation Center. Hikes take off from all directions and some you might need to hike another trail to get to the start of your hike. Reference the hike summary for details.
From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 117 mi - about 1 hour 57 mins From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 14.1 mi - about 30 mins From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 261 mi - about 4 hours 1 min
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