The first flushes of fall color are brightening landscapes along the creek in Sabino Canyon northeast of Tucson β with more autumn hues likely in the coming weeks.
A few trees are showing yellow leaves, and some shrubs are wearing red for autumn. Later this month and in November, velvet ash, cottonwood and sycamore trees could put on a more widespread color show.
Vibrant fall color along the creek can seem all the more dramatic in contrast with the slopes above, where saguaros and other prickly desert vegetation hold forth in relatively drab shades of green and brown.
Here are some routes to the autumn color:
- The main canyon road β Walk or take a shuttle up the paved road for an easygoing look at the scenery. After passing through desert terrain in its first mile, the road parallels the creek for much of the rest of its length.
- Bluff Trail β This very short but scenic 0.2 of a mile trail winds along bluffs above Sabino Creek. It begins along the canyon road about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the canyon visitor center.
- Creek Trail β The 0.6 of a mile route can be picked up at a junction with the Bluff Trail.
Sabino Canyon is at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. The U.S. Forest Service charges a $5 per vehicle entrance fee.
