Best of Tucson 1996: Best Riparian Area Within Two Hours Of Town

Best Riparian Area Within Two Hours Of Town

Sabino Canyon
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

READERS' PICK: The most popular canyon of the nearly half-dozen which cut down the southeast corner of the Catalinas, Sabino Canyon remains lush despite its popular appeal. An oasis snug within canyon walls covered in yucca and prickly pear, the canyon floor hides under a verdant canopy of sycamore, cottonwood, willow and walnut. The flora attracts more than people: Some of the richest diversity of wildlife in Arizona exists here as well. Water attracts animals throughout the Catalinas. Canyon tree frogs the size of your thumb can be heard hundreds of yards downstream in the evenings. The hooded oriole, mourning dove, and curve-billed thrasher flit about chasing insects at dusk, just as the great horned owl awakens and stretches its wings for another night on the prowl. Whether you opt for a weekday sunrise walk or a weekend tram tour, the canyon is accessible to nature lovers of all physical abilities and disabilities. And since car traffic hasn't been allowed for nearly a quarter century, Sabino Canyon may well survive the city expansion which now ends just across the street from the ranger station and visitor center.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: If you ever grow tired of crossing bridges in town that say such-and-such river, only to see dry rock and sand, it's time to meander off the beaten path. Tucson's well-planned growth destroyed the Santa Cruz and Rillito riparian areas, but their cousin in the country lives on 60 miles southeast of Tucson in the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. Operated by The Nature Conservancy, Patagonia Creek boasts the largest and oldest Fremont Cottonwood trees anywhere. The boughs of these 100-foot tall, century-old trees shade you as you amble along creek, cienega or railroad trails. Guided weekend tours offer a glimpse into the natural history of the perennial desert stream and the 260 bird species that thrive there. To reach the preserve follow Highway 82 to Patagonia, and turn right on Fourth Avenue just before McGraw's Cantina. Turn left on Pennsylvania, cross the creek and go 3/4 mile to the entrance.

STAFF PICK: Sierra Vista looks pretty much like any other medium-sized southern Arizona town--dusty lots adjacent to malls and strip developments, with maybe a little more "old western" charm than some places. But turning off the main strip is like transporting yourself to another world. First, some scrub appears. Travel a bit farther and trees begin to line the road. Finally, a dead end at a dense, hilly forest. Coatimundi prowl around the car, and troops of wild turkeys have turf wars with stray deer, all inches from the quiet humans who watch from picnics tables and rock perches in Ramsey Canyon. The area boasts hundreds of species of humming birds and rare sightings of the colorful trogon. The trail is lined with ruined cottages and tired hikers, but after the first mile it narrows into a quiet, winding set of tiny pathways dense with high-desert foliage. Get there early, though, because if you're not staying inside the canyon itself you can't enter after 5 p.m.