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One of the finest trails in the Catalinas to an amazing set of waterfalls and pools.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Out and Back

3,355' 1,023 m

High

2,794' 852 m

Low

604' 184 m

Up

604' 184 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Overview

With a relatively easy trail, lots of fun stream crossings, pools big enough to swim in, and waterfalls most of the year, this one is hard to beat!

If the tram is running (it is closed in 2018), take it to the farthest point in Bear Canyon. If you want a longer hike, don't want to pay for the tram, or it remains closed, you'll need to add an additional 1.4 miles of easy hiking (on trail or road, your choice) each way.

Need to Know

The Tram is currently not operating for all of 2018. It should come back, perhaps in 2019, but until then you'll need to hike an additional easy 1.4 miles from the main parking area to the start of this trail. You can take the road or the Bear Canyon Trail #29.

If it has recently rained, the stream crossings might be dangerous or impossible. Hiking poles will help. In general, the first two crossings are the trickiest.

Description

The boulders, sycamore trees, and water make Bear Canyon worth the trip. The hike to the falls follows along the Bear Canyon Trail #29, a gradual but steady climb up to the falls. You'll get to enjoy this trail as a gradual downhill on your way back.

While none of these seven waterfalls are that tall (the largest not more than about 20 feet), they are beautiful sights in the desert landscape. The water flows across the slick rock forming a number of small pools. The place is perfect for sunbathing, or, if you want, you can climb up the rock cliffs to the next fall.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Debbie Gordon

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 23 votes

#502

Overall
  4.6 from 23 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#29

in Arizona

#502

Overall
89 Views Last Month
10,071 Since Nov 1, 2018
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Photos

View looking at Seven Falls!
Sep 9, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
Looking down Bear Canyon from Seven Falls.
Apr 10, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
Cacti and cliffs along Bear Canyon
Apr 10, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
Not much water in that fall
May 1, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
My boy at the top of Sabino Canyon, Seven Falls. It was a day with massive monsoons, where we almost had to be rescued.
Sep 7, 2017 near Tanque…, AZ
Cliffs rising over Bear Canyon
Apr 10, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 7 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 2, 2024
Jacob Grendahl
Feb 19, 2024
DD Demers
Jan 26, 2024
DD Demers
Dec 29, 2023
J Henry
8.5mi — 3h 27m
Feb 1, 2023
Tim Loesch
I parked at the Bearhead Canyon trailhead off of north Bear Canyon Road. Strava says it's 7.7 miles and 925 feet of elevation gain. Was a nice hike. — 3h 05m
Jan 13, 2023
Randy Turner
Aug 26, 2022
Mary Anderson
Stayed there all day. Lots of water. Some groups but got some alone time. Read a lot, had a long drink, cooled off in the falls, relaxed and did yoga 8mi — 10h 30m
Mar 4, 2022
Mark Norgren
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