Located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Tucson, seven waterfalls tumble overcanyon walls, creating a ladder of pools for hikers to swim and splash in. But the pools are only part of the fun. Hiking the moderately difficult Bear Trail involves crossing Bear Creek several times, sometimes in thigh-high water, and zig-zagging up to Seven Falls. As you climb, you’re rewarded with saguaro-studded views of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
Getting to Seven Falls
To get to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center from I-10, take exit 250 for Orange Grove Road and drive east to where it ends at E. Sunrise Drive. Turn right and drive six miles to N. Sabino Canyon Road. Turn left, then take the first right at N. Pantano Road and the visitor center’s parking lot.
The Basics
When to go
Because water is what makes Seven Falls so special, the best time to visit is from mid-February to April when the Mount Lemmon snow cap begins to melt. Depending on how much rain the summer monsoons bring, July and August can have decent water flow as well. For the remainder of the year, expect decreased water flow — at times, the falls can even dry up.
What it costs
Admission to the recreation area is $8 per vehicle per day or free with an America the Beautiful or other national parks passes. There’s an additional charge ($8 per adult and $5 per child) for the shuttle, the Sabino Canyon Crawler, if you decide to take it instead of walking to the trailhead. You can purchase shuttle tickets online or with a credit or debit card at the ticket booth kiosk.
What you’ll need
As with any desert hike, you’ll need about a liter of water per hour on the trail (bring at least three for Seven Falls). Hiking poles will help with crossing Bear Creek. In addition, you should wear:
- A swimsuit under your clothes for wading into the pools
- Closed-toe shoes with wool socks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
What to pack
You will get wet, so pack a towel to dry off. You may also want to bring water shoes, extra drinking water if you plan to stay at the falls for awhile and a waterproof backpack or plastic bag to keep your cell phone and other valuables dry.
A Day at Seven Falls
From the visitor center, you can either take the shuttle or walk to the trailhead, but either way, arrive early to find a parking space.
Once on Bear Canyon Trail, you’ll cross Bear Creek seven times. Depending on when you go, the water can be thigh-high and freezing. As you continue, watch for a hard-to-read green sign. It’s easy to get confused and veer right — be sure to stay left.
After about a mile, the trail begins to switch back up the canyon walls, gaining roughly 1,000 feet in altitude from the visitor center. At the signed intersection 15 minutes later, take the trail left to the falls where you can swim in the main pool at the base or climb the rocks to the higher pools.
In total, a round-trip hike from the visitor center is about 8.5 miles. Taking the shuttle eliminates about 1.5 miles from the total duration. Note that the last shuttle runs at 4:15 p.m.
Where to Stay
While you can book a hotel anywhere in Tucson, staying in north Tucson puts you closer to the park entrance. Lodging here ranges from five-star resorts along Orange Grove and In a roads to budget-friendly options closer toI-40. Here are two hotels to get you started:
- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort: The closest accommodations to the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, this resort has two swimming pools, two golf courses, a spa, plus pickleball, tennis, complimentary stargazing and multiple restaurants.
- Graduate by Hilton Tucson: Even though this university-themed hotel is minutes from downtown (instead of in north Tucson), it’s still just a half hour from the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. It showcases boutique vibes and a rooftop restaurant with city views.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations near Seven Falls
Some resorts and hotels offer electric charging for guests. If yours isn’t one of them, La Encantada shopping mall on Sunrise Drive (2905 E. Skyline Drive) has 10 Tesla charging stations. Nearby, Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo Del Norte) has one J-1772 charger and Nanini Library (7300 N. Shannon Road) has two. In total, there are more than 500 charging stations in Tucson.
Leave No Trace
Keep Seven Falls and the surrounding Sonoran Desert pristine for future visitors by following the Appreciate AZ guidelines.
Teresa Bitler
Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.
