| when | November 5, 2025 |
| Trip Report : March 21, 2015 | |
| Trip Report : March 29, 2008 | |
| where | Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson |
| the hike |
We last did this hike almost 10 years ago.
so it’s time once again to revisit “one of the best little
hikes in the Tucson area” according to Betty Leavengood’s
Tucson Hiking Guide.
This is a beautiful hike that takes the hiker to the top of a narrow ridge between Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon, with spectacular views of Tucson and both canyons along the way, as well as all four of the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson – the Santa Catalinas and Mt. Lemmon to the North, the Rincon Mountains to the East, the Santa Rita Mountains to the South, and the Tucson Mountains to the West. With sheer cliffs and drop-offs of 500 feet or more from the top of this ridge, we need to exercise extreme caution and not get too close to the edge. After you park your car in the lot, walk over to the Bear Canyon trailhead - it will be off to the right of the visitor's center. Shortly after you start the hike, there will be a paved tram road. Turn right and walk along the paved tram road to a small building. Cross the bridge on the right and start along the Phoneline Trail. Shortly you’ll see the trailhead sign for Blacketts Ridge Trail. At the top, you’ll have incredible views of Thimble Peak to the northeast and a fantastic view of the Phoneline Trail way down below. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
| distance | 5 - 7 miles round trip |
| time | Drive Time: 4 hours RT. Hike Time: 4-5 hours. |
| EC | +-1810' elevation change |
| elevations | 2600' (Sabino Canyon) to 4410' (Blackett’s Ridge) |
| type | round trip |
| starting at | East end of the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center parking lot. |
| on trail | 100% — Phoneline trail, Blackett’s Ridge Trail |
| rating | "B-" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? | no |
| cost | $5 per vehicle to park at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center. Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 for non-members. |
| weather | Tucson |
| leader | You must email the leader to confirm. |
| meet |
6:00 AM in the parking lot south of
Home Depot at South east corner of Ocotillo and Arizona Ave. For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the west curb of the parking lot and not in the Home Depot common parking area. We will make carpooling arrangements here and depart no later than 6:15 AM. The Sabino Canyon Visitor Center parking lot fills up fast. or meet at 8 AM in the Sabino Canyon Recreational Area visitor parking lot |
| drive |
Take Arizona Ave. south at I-10 continue south toward Tucson and take the Ina Road
exit east into Tucson. Continue east on Ina Road which will turn into Skyline
Road and then Sunrise Road. Simply stay on this until you come to the end.
Turn left (north) on Sabino Canyon Road and then take an immediate right
into the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.
The hike starts from the east end of the Visitor Center parking lot.
Restroom facilities are available outside of the Visitor Center. GPS coordinates: 32°19' N, 110°49' W [NAD27] |
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| updated November 2, 2025 | © Copyright 2025, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |