Seven Falls via Bear Canyon

5700 North Sabino Canyon Road
5.0
9 Reviews
Seven Falls via Bear Canyon
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Details

Distance
8.3 miles
Elevation Gain
1381 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Scenic
Family Friendly
River
Easy Parking
Waterfall
Swimming Hole
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About this place

Added by Danny McGee

The search for an oasis in the middle of the desert led us through Bear Canyon in the Coronado National Forest near Tucson, AZ. The Seven Falls trail winds up through 2 1/2 miles of the most beautiful landscape Tucson has to offer, and leads to a surreal set of waterfalls that cascade into large pools.

At the main parking lot of Sabino Canyon, there are a few different trams you can take to nearby trailheads. You have the option to either hop on a tram that will take you to the 7 Falls trailhead for $4 a person, or walk the 2 miles yourself. Once at the trailhead, signs will lead you into Bear Canyon and eventually to 7 Falls. The towering walls on each side provide shade in certain times of the day. We visited in early January, and there was a small stream (That is there for most of the year) that the trail flanks for most of the hike. There are several river crossings along the way which are very easily traversed with a little hop, skip and a jump. The trail ascends through forests of saguaros, sycamore, and cottonwood trees as teddy bear cactus, buckhorn cholla, and barrel cactus line the path. The trail is 2 1/2 miles one way. As you near the waterfalls the trail turns to switchbacks, before the falls finally reveal themselves around a bend in the canyon. You are rewarded with a stunning view. Water cascades down the granite cliffs into clear pools that you can relax around, and swim or wade into. The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and it is recommended to bring at least 1 quart of water per person.

Dogs are not allowed. 

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Arielle Gunther
7/29/2026
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Lucas Bremer
Club
9/22/2020
awesome oasis in the desert
this cascade doesn't seem possible to exist in the desert, but thanks to the limestone springs in the area it is usually wet even in summer.
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Crystal Sibson
8/12/2020
Beautiful Desert Waterfalls
The waterfalls are worth the hike. They are quite impressive for being in a dry desert landscape. There are often people laying ...
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Jenna Mulligan
6/18/2020
Worth it
This was well worth the entrance fee - I had clear weather in April and an almost deserted trail on a Tuesday. Watch for ...
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BennieBlanco FromDaBronx
12/8/2019
Help Me Find 7 Falls :)
I went looking for these falls but couldn't find them, ended up up the hill at Soldier Trail ..Went to the top which i ...
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Evan Dilling
12/19/2017
Can Anyone Help Me ?
Hi I'm looking to hike this in the beginning of march and was wondering if anyone thinks the swimming will be good then ? ...
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Nathan Hudson
8/6/2017
Absolutely beautiful
This is my new favorite hiking spot. It was a 9 mile round trip from the visitor center with a medium difficulty but it ...
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Sarah Levant
12/23/2016
Protip: Arrive at the falls before 2pm!
Beautiful hike in Sabino Canyon! The tram mentioned in the description above runs once per hour on the hour so we opted to walk ...
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Kayla Kelley
4/30/2016
Rainy Day Adventure!!
This is a beautiful hike! We decided to head out from the parking lot on a Sunday morning. It was overcast and sprinkling intermittently ...
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