Friendly folks will give detailed information on both Bear Canyon and Sabino Canyon. The guides provide interesting narration and often can spot a bird or an animal that an untrained eye may not catch. The round trip takes about 45 minutes. Whichever way you choose, you'll be awed by the canyon's raw beauty. You may even catch a glimpse of wildlife and most certainly will see all types of birds.
Picnic areas are plentiful.
From the Sabino Canyon Visitors Center, you can also walk or ride the tram through Bear Canyon, where you can then hike the trail to Seven Falls, a favorite of local hikers. The area was established as a National Monument in the 1930s and then upgraded to National Park status in 1992. Recently several thousand more acres were added as part of an effort to preserve the uniqueness of the desert. You'll find thousands of saguaros, plus stands of ocotillo, cholla, prickly pear, and barrel cacti. Creosote bushes and mesquite trees are also plentiful.