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Seven Falls via Bear Canyon

Tucson, Arizona

5.0/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

8.3 miles

Elevation Gain

917 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Seven Falls via Bear Canyon Reviews

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 think showed me the water flow of the 7 falls only... i'm gonna make it my goal to go here within the next 12 months as I camp and hike all over with and w/o my Jayco Pop Up..! Right now i'm mostly doing sedona and Forest Lakes Area.. if you have the coordinates for the falls let me know

Hi I'm looking to hike this in the beginning of march and was wondering if anyone thinks the swimming will be good then ? Any information would be awesome!

This is my new favorite hiking spot. It was a 9 mile round trip from the visitor center with a medium difficulty but it was so worth it. The view was perfect and the swimming was great. The only down fall is that the falls aren't around all year. Best time to go is a a month or so after the start of the Southern Arizona monsoon season.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Blackette's Ridge

Hike the Sabino Canyon Trail

Rock Climb the Hitchcock Pinnacle

Camp at Molino Basin

Romero Pools via Romero Canyon

Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park