Hiking in Tucson, Arizona – Bear Canyon Overlook

Sunset in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Trails

Feb 16, 2009

Desert Sunset from Bear Canyon Overlook, Marlene Dawn Gray

Excellent hiking in Tucson, AZ - go to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Miles of trails for hiking and biking lead to "best views of Tucson"

“Bear Canyon Overlook provides one of the best panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains,” according to the 2009 Arizona State Visitor's Guide. “Hit it at sunset and make sure your camera's memory card has lots of room.”

What the visitor's guide doesn't mention is that the information kiosk closes at 4:30 and that the last shuttle bus runs at 4:00.

Any visitor who really wants that Tucson sunset view will need to either bus up early and wait for sunset, or come in after the info desk is closed and walk up. Either way, once the sun sets, darkness falls quickly. This means snapping the photos, then departing promptly.

For safety's sake, sunset-lovers are advised to take the road down rather than the trail. This will

Reduce the risk of sprained ankles, wrong turns, and encounters with pathside cacti.
Increase the chances of reaching the parking lot before it gets too dark.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

"Nestled in the foothills of Arizona's southern Catalina Mountains 12 miles from downtown Tucson, the oasis of Catalina Canyon is one of the most scenic spectacles in Arizona," states the web site of DesertUSA.

The area is easy to find; it's just northeast of Tucson. North Sabino Canyon Road starts off Tanque Verde (accessed by Grant, Speedway, Kolb, or Wrightstown, depending on direction of approach in Tucson) and winds into a corner of the Coronado National Forest. Clear and easily followed signs mark the route into the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area itself.

There are two ways to reach the Bear Canyon Overlook.

The first is to take a shuttle bus up the two miles of paved road through Bear Canyon. The driver will give a talk on the history and ecology of the area.
The second method is by foot up the road or trail. Trail details are given below. The road is an easier and faster walk than the trail. (It is also permitted at some times to cycle on the roadway. Consult the park information office for details).

The Bear Canyon Overlook provides spectacular views of the Sabino Creek canyon and of Tucson and area. After sunset, the Sabino Creek canyon is in shadow, but Tucson and the surrounding desert glow red against the backdrop of blue and purple mountains.

What to take to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area for a Sunset Hike

Hikers should prepare as for any desert excursion.

Water
Hat
Sunblock

However, take special precautions for a sunset hike to Bear Canyon Overlook:

Flashlight (in case the trip back takes longer than expected)
Warm clothes are a must (the temperature can drop dramatically after sunset)

The hike itself to Bear Canyon Overlook is an easy forty-minute trek of about 1.2 miles with a fair amount of vertical. Coming down on the road takes about 30 minutes at an easy walk. Allow at least twenty minutes for a rest break and photo session at the top. Be aware of what time the sun will set on the day of the hike and plan accordingly for a safe return in the short desert twilight.

Is the view worth the walk, the wait, and the rush back? Judge from the photos below.

The copyright of the article Hiking in Tucson, Arizona – Bear Canyon Overlook in Arizona Travel is owned by Thomas Alan Gray. Permission to republish Hiking in Tucson, Arizona – Bear Canyon Overlook in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.