The Santa Catalina Mountains on the north edge of Tucson provide the beauty and depth of perspective that frames the city. They are both rugged and serene, lush and barren, and host to 5 separate ecosystem. They are also host to magnificent canyons. The most spectacular and popular of these is Sabino Canyon. A gem of the area, Sabino Canyon is a most do stop for anyone coming to Tucson and it is a place we take all of our visitors.
The canyon is a National Forest Service recreation area with hiking, walking, biking jogging and nature study. There is a paved path running the length the canyon that makes for a nice 4 mile one-way walk. There are only stone bridges and fords across Sabino Creek, Picnic and rest areas all along the route.
This past weekend we were lucky to have old friends visit us from South Carolina. We have known Chris and Becky since our time living in England back in the mid-80’s. That is over 30 years for your math majors.
Our favorite time to walk Sabino Canyon is the early morning, first light, just after sunrise. Besides the wonderful shadows of a low sun, in the summer it is the only time when the heat is bearable:)
The monsoon season has provided some rains for us this year, so Sabino Creek was running and the Ocotillo were leafing out and green. We had a nice walk with some extraordinary views. The highlight of the walk was the Desert Tortoise we saw on the way back. A rear sight, we took it as an sign we were supposed to be out on a walk that morning.
So next time you are in Tucson, if you come to visit us, expect a trip to Sabino Canyon. If you are just here on your own, be sure and take a morning walk in the gem of Tucson.