Bear Canyon Loop

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This route is a spectacular loop starting at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center and featuring some great views along the way.

Water sources are fairly reliable for desert standards. Water fountains are located along the North Upper Sabino Canyon Road, but you'll still want to make sure that you bring plenty of water with you.

Start by heading towards Seven Falls then continue along Bear Canyon Trail #29. The boulders, sycamore trees, and water make Bear Canyon worth the trip. The trail will cross over a side draining canyon and climb above Seven Falls to continue further up Bear Canyon. The trails environment soon changes to a grassy, more shallow canyon. After climbing the trail you'll end up on the east side of the canyon. If there is water, there will be a number of pools and falls, and the colorful trees will be sprawled out to take in the moisture. This section of the trail is a great change of pace and provides for unique environmental changes all the way to the end.

The Bear Canyon Trail #29 will connect to the East Fork Trail #24A (part of the AZT - Passage 11 - Santa Catalina Mountains). Head west along Trail #24A until intersection with Sabino Canyon Trail #23.

Head south on Sabino Canyon Trail #23. The trail curves back and forth, following the contour of the hills. You'll pass a junction with the Phoneline Trail - stay to the right here to continue on the Sabino Canyon Trail #23. After a series of switchbacks that provide a view through the canyon overlooking the city, the trail will connect to the top of North Upper Sabino Canyon Road which you'll run back to the visitor center to complete the loop. An optional bonus would be to skip road and exit Sabino Canyon along the Phoneline Trail, which adds approximately 1.25 miles.

Note: The trail can be difficult to follow between Seven Falls and the AZT / East Fork Trail junction. Use the Trail Run Project mobile app to help find your way.