Located in Sabino Canyon (and part of the Coronado National Forest), Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail is an iconic Arizona hike and a must-see if you are in the area during the snow melt or monsoon run-off.
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail Overview
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in Tucson. Highlights on this trail include: a stunning multi-level waterfall (when water levels permit), creek crossings, and beautiful canyon scenery.
If started from the parking lot this is nearly a 9-mile hike with a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain so while moderate it is still a bit of an undertaking.
The biggest drawback to the hike is that it can become extremely crowded so I would advise to head out early.
- Distance: 8.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,066 feet
- Route Type: Out and back
- Pets: No
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time needed: 4 to 4.5 hours
Getting to the trailhead
We parked at the main parking lot and found the parking lot to already be pretty packed on a Friday morning.
One thing about Sabino Canyon is that the actual starting points to several of the trails into the canyon are a little bit away from the parking lot.
You can wait for the shuttle bus to take you closer to the trailheads but we always just hike out directly from the parking lot which basically adds on a couple of miles to your hike.
The trams arrives on average every 30 minutes so if you just missed a tram you might as well just hike in because you can get pretty far on relatively flat ground in 30 minutes.
Trail conditions
This is a pretty interesting trail because it is not the easiest trail to navigate.
For one, it is pretty rocky so I would definitely recommend hiking boots on the trail. We also used trekking poles but I would not say they are necessary.
Also, there is a little bit of route finding necessary so you don’t always know exactly where the trail is in a few spots (we saw several people go the wrong way at times).
With that said, it is still very manageable and I think beginners can handle things pretty good as long as they know what to expect.
Route description
If you are hiking out from the parking lot, it is going to take about 2 miles for the hiking to really begin.
You’ll be hiking along a path/road for at least the 1st mile and then you could jump on a trail or just continue along the road until you get to the water station.
As we were making our way down the dirt road, we saw two gentlemen in a very “fierce” conversation which was a little bit weird and definitely a first on the trails.
At 1.5 miles into the hike, we decided to jump on the Bear Canyon Trail which has a sign for Seven Falls. It is a little bit hidden so just be ready to turn left off the main road when you get to 1.5 miles.
We continued on the trail for a little bit but it was not until we got past the drinking water station that it felt like the trail was really beginning.
(This is also where the closest shuttle stop is.)
Just past the drinking water station, you’ll come into view of Bear Creek and if the water levels are present, you will immediately experience the relaxing sounds of the creek.
One thing I noticed about the creek was that the water was clearer than other similar creeks like Tanque Verde.
It probably is because the water source is closer here versus other places where more sediment gathers but it was a noticeable difference and the water just felt prettier.
About a quarter mile past the drinking water station, you’ll have your first of several creek crossings.
We did this hike when the falls were running pretty good so I think we experienced some pretty average water levels.
I will say that crossing the creek here was much easier than some of the other creek crossings we recently did, especially compared to the scrambling at Tanque Verde.
That was in part due to the very manageable water levels but also because the trail has clearly marked creek crossings with large stones there to help you out.
I think only one or two of the crossings required us to route find and the other crossings had a pretty clear path to follow.
It is not very difficult to stay dry on this hike versus Tanque Verde which was borderline impossible with the higher water levels.
For the next half a mile, you will have a number of creek crossings and you’ll be moving at a slight incline. It’s a very doable grade so this quickly just becomes a very pleasant hike.
We saw quite a few spots along the way that would be perfect for just relaxing in the water or the nearby sandy banks. There are also a number of beautiful boulders sitting in the creek.
Once you get about 3 miles in, that is when the incline begins to become a little bit more noticeable.
From mile 3 to 4, we gained about 400 feet which was the steepest mile of the hike by far. I found it to be extremely doable but it is still a moderately strenuous hike, especially if done during the heat.
At about 3.5 miles in, you’ll hit a small set of switchbacks which are not bad at all. You’ll then be hiking along the side of the canyon which does get a little bit exposed at times but still not very bad.
As you continue to climb, you’ll have some great views of the creek below.
The last half a mile is when you arrive to the falls.
As you get near them, you will see them to your left and it is quite a sight. It honestly was bigger and more beautiful than I expected and it was such a sight to see (and hear) the falls running.
The last quarter mile of the hike is simply trekking down to the actual falls. There are a couple of steep drops heading down to the falls so be prepared for those and just take your time.
Once you arrive at the falls, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy your lunch as you admire the falls. It’s an incredibly serene atmosphere.
If you are feeling adventurous you can jump into the water but be prepared for some very cold snow melt.
Also, if you are confident in your scrambling abilities, you can scramble up to one of the upper tiers for a closer view.
The boulders you’ll be climbing on can be quite slick so be ready for that.
After hanging out at the falls for a few minutes and enjoying a couple of snacks, we decided to head back.
On the way back, we encountered tons of people on the trail. This is one of those hikes that you definitely want to start early for.
Final word
Overall, this is one of my favorite hikes in Tucson. I love how the hike has such a high reward for only a moderate amount of work. The biggest drawback is that the trail gets crowded and that can be a little bit of a problem.