Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol (SCVP)
The Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol (SCVP) is a volunteer association that works under agreement with the U.S. Forest Service in the Coronado National Forest Ranger District. Our primary focus is the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA) and nearby Mount Lemmon, which receive over 1 million visitors each year from around the country and the world.
The objective of the SCVP is to patrol the trails, roads and picnic areas within the SCRA and on Mount Lemmon. While patrolling, we provide information and assistance to visitors by answering many types of questions, including information on trails and trail head locations, Forest Service rules and regulations, and safe environmental practices.
The SCVP has over 100 current members from many backgrounds who share a love for the unique and beautiful canyons and Sky Islands of the Coronado National Forest. As Forest Service volunteers, they patrol in uniform, complementing the official presence of the Forest Service.
We frequently up-date information including wildlife sightings, special announcements regarding forest or trail closures, etc on the News page. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to join SCVP on the Volunteer Opportunities page.
To review the history of SCVP, click here. To review the history of the Bicycle Patrol, click here.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA)
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750 Phone: (520) 749-8700 Fax: (520) 749-7723
The visitor center is located on the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Sabino Canyon Road at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday-Friday and 8:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday-Sunday. The phone numbers above are staffed every day of the year, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The visitor center has nature books, maps (some free), volunteer sign up sheets, trail information, and most importantly, personnel who can assist you and answer questions.
A public restroom is located in the adjacent building.
Call the Visitor Center or visit their website, SCRA, for hours, fees, tram schedule, and other information.
Santa Catalina Mountains
There is a visitor center on the mountain located at the Palisades area. In the visitor center you can find books, maps, trail guides, and campground information. The volunteer there will be happy to answer your questions and can point out interesting sights and conditions, including trail conditions, wildflower status, recent mammal sightings, etc, and will give you a bird list if you are interested in bird watching.
For a detailed article describing the many areas to visit and enjoy in the Santa Catalina Mountains in pdf format for reading and/or printing, click here.