In the 1980s and early 1990, and a few times since then, we have visited Sabino Canyon, mostly to hike the trails to Seven Falls or to do the loop trail, up the Phone Line Trail, around the back through Sabino Basin, and then down Bear Canyon back to the parking area.

Sabino Canyon has always been a very popular recreation area, partly because there is usually running water, and in the desert that is an invitation to cool off and enjoy. You'll generally find clusters of college kids laying claim to sections of Sabino Creek, carrying in coolers of "refreshments" and often their ghetto blasters for music. The lower stretches of the trails, and even up to Seven Falls, are not the best places to gain solitude. But if you keep on going and get back out of the main canyons and into the Sabino Basin area you'll generally find the solitude that you crave.

There is usually water back in there that can be filtered, and you may run into interesting wildlife. On on 12 mile hike we came across a western diamondback who was too busy soaking up the sun on the trail to pay much attention to us. We were able to get a close look at the critter without it getting all defensive. We watched for a few minutes, then continued on our way, leaving the creature to its normal daily routine.

We've found that it is best to visit Sabino Canyon in the cooler winter months, or in the early morning during the rest of the year. And, of course, the earlier you get out the greater the chance of spotting javelina, birds, snakes, lizards, and the other desert critters.