Seven Falls

Length: 5.6 – 8.4 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 1,448 ft

Overview

This trail leads to a series of picturesque waterfalls and pools, providing a rewarding destination for hikers. The round trip to Seven Falls is approximatively 8 miles from the Visitor Center. If you use the Bear Canyon shuttle, the round trip is reduced to about 5.6 miles.

Directions

From the visitor center take the Bear Canyon Trail east for a half a mile. Here you can choose to either stay on Bear Canyon Trail or to walk the paved Bear Canyon Road, which parallels the trail for the next 1.2 miles. If you choose to follow the road, you can rejoin the trail at the end of the pavement near Bear Canyon Shuttle Stop 3 and continue northeast on Bear Canyon Trail. From here the trail runs 2.5 up Bear Canyon Creek and this segment includes 7 stream crossings before reaching the base of Seven Falls. Round trip distance is 8.4 miles.

Note: You can reduce the total distance of this hike by 1.7 miles each direction if you take the Bear Canyon Crawler to Shuttle Stop 3. Taking the crawler both out and back reduces the hike to 5 miles total.

Safety

Seven Falls is a beautiful destination in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area that is often featured online and in media, but what often isn’t highlighted is the long journey to get there. While the route is generally flat, 8.4 miles is a significant distance, and the sandy hike through Bear Canyon combined with its 7 creek crossings can take its toll on underprepared visitors. Flash floods are a major risk along Bear Canyon Trail. Check the weather before you leave and turn around if it begins to rain during the hike in. Be sure to visit the Know Before You Go page for additional safety information.