Hiking and Biking
The Santa Catalina Mountains are a hiker's and biker's paradise. Literally hundreds of miles of trails are in diverse terrain providing a good trail for everyone. Hike from the base of the mountain to the top, or take a week long backpacking trip exploring the trails in the higher elevations, or do a short day hike in the meadow section at the top of the mountain. The options are too many to explain here, but stop in one of the Visitor Centers (The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center or The Palisades Visitor Center) or stop a Volunteer Patrol member for lots of information and maps. The highway up the mountain is a favorite for bikers, so be careful when driving.
Dogs are permitted on trails in the Santa Catalina Mountains (please keep them on a leash in consideration of other hikers) except in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, where they are not allowed except for service dogs. If you have a service dog, a permit is required and can be obtained from the Forest Service at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. Please read "Hiking with Dogs" for more information.
Trail Maps
Maps can be obtained from many sources, the Southern Arizona Hiking Club has excellent and very detailed trail maps of the Catalinas, the two Visitor Centers have maps that show many of the trails, and topo maps are available for purchase. Trail maps and distances in the Sabino Canyon Rec Area can be viewed and/or printed here.
| SCRA Trail Map | SCRA Close in Trail Map | Trail Distances |
Hiking
The Santa Catalinas are a hiker's paradise. When hiking in lower elevations, especially in the Recreation Area and during the warmer months, carry plenty of water and be aware of signs of heat stress or heat exhaustion. Click here to review some of these signs.
Mountain lions have been regularly seen in the mountains as well as in the Recreati on area. Hikers should pay close attention to their surroundings, especially if lions have been recently seen. The Arizona Game and Fish department has published guidelines for best practices in handling a mountain lion encounter. Click here to review these guidelines.
Black Bears are present in the mountain areas and can pose a serious danger to hikers. Keep children close at hand and if you see a bear follow the guidelines. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Carry bear pepper spray. Hike in a group and do not let children run astray. Make your presence known by calling out. Hike during the daylight hours and stay on the trail. Keep a sharp eye out for bear signs: scat, claw marks, diggings, logs or stumps torn apart, etc.
Rattlesnakes are common in the mountain area. Normally snakes do not pose a serious threat if you take care and watch along the side of the trail. Look for form and color and normally the snake can be spotted before any danger. Listen for the warning rattle, but remember that it is not unusual for the snake to be quiet until closely approached. Bites may not be life threatening if the person is in good health, but bites will inflict serious injury and long term effects so be careful. If you are bitten, call 911 immediately. Do not cut or try to suck the venom out of the wound. Remain as calm as possible, remain still (do not run or walk fast), and ask a friend to contact emergency personnel.
Guidelines for what to do in case of encounters with Lions, Rattlesnakes, and Bears can be found here.
Biking
Biking is permitted in the canyon, but there are many rules and regulations. Bicycles are prohibited at all times on Wednesdays and Saturdays and between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:0 0 pm on all other days. These restrictions mean that you will have to start early and be out of the Recreation area by 9, or you will have to start later in the day at 5 pm and be out by dark.
Biking is not allowed in Wilderness areas (wilderness area boundaries are identified with a verticle sign and are shown on many maps). All vehicles, including non-motorized, are prohibited in the Wilderness areas. This essentially means bikes are restricted to the road from the visitor center to tram stop 9.
The exception to these prohibitions are specially designed wheeled vehicles powered either by hand or by motor and operated by a disabled person.
When biking in the canyon, always give the right of way to a person on foot and maintain a reasonable speed (maximum allowed speed is 15 mph) to avoid hitting the walker. It is also a good idea to let the walker know you are approaching so they don't move at the last minute into your lane. The bike should be equipped with a speedometer or gps so that the rider knows the speed he or she is going.
In case of an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, use your cell phone and call 911. If you encounter an injured person, do not try to provide physical assistance if you are not a doctor. Guidelines for your use are covered by the Tort Agreement and Good Samaritan laws and they can be reviewed here.
To review the emergency organizations in the area, click here.