Hike Detail SheetHikesUpper Intermediate

Sabino Canyon – Gordon Hirabayashi key exchange (UI)

By September 14, 2022 July 7th, 2025 No Comments
Approx hike distance (miles): 13.5 Area: Sabino Canyon
Accum.  elevation gain (feet): 1100 Park Entry Fee: $5/car or National Park Pass
Low to high elevation gain: N/A SCAMR All Trails Map: No
Recommended gas donation: $10 Website for reference info: N/A
Unpaved miles: .5 Trailhead GPS Coordinates See Below
Road Conditions: Good High clearance vehicle req’d: No

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure to check -in

Trail Conditions
Maintained Trail: Yes Uneven footing Yes
Steep side drop-offs No Steep Trail: See Below
Off Trial (scratchy) No Slippery Trail Surfaces: Yes
Use of hands required: No Boulder Hopping: Yes
Difficulty: See Below Water Crossings: Yes
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes Gloves Required: No

 

Special Instructions:

This hike is a key exchange that goes by Seven Falls, WWII Internment Camp and offers scenic views of Thimble Peak and Gibbon Mountain. There are several water crossings and the water levels vary. SOUTH TO NORTH: Route is steep and difficulty is strenuous. NORTH TO SOUTH: Route isn’t steep and the difficulty is moderate. Bring a snack, lunch, water, and dry socks. Bring plenty of water and food for a snack and lunch.

THIS HIKE IS CHALLENGING AND MORE DIFFICULT THAN MOST HIKES AT THIS LEVEL. PLEASE CONSIDER ITS SEVERITY AND YOUR PERSONAL CONDITION AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE.

Directions:

Sabino Canyon Parking Lot.  Drive south on Hunt Hwy, turn right on Attaway. Go west on Martin Rd to 287, then south on I-10 East towards Tucson. Take exit 248, Ina Rd and turn left. Drive 7 miles east on Ina Rd, keeping right onto Skyline Dr. In about 2 miles, keep right onto Sunrise Blvd. Travel 6.5 miles to Sabino Canyon Rd and turn left. Drive about 0.5 miles to entry of the parking lot. GPS Coordinates:32.309953, -110.823660

Gordon Hirabayshi Rec Site Parking Lot.  Drive south on Hunt Hwy, turn right on Attaway. Go west on Martin Rd to 287, then south to I-10 East towards Tucson.  Exit at Grant Rd east and follow to Tanque Verde Rd. Turn left. Turn left on Catalina Hwy (Mt Lemmon Hwy). Just past mile marker 7, turn left on Prison Rd and Hirabayshi Campground Parking. GPS Coordinates:32.337934, -110.718831