Tucson, AZ
December 23, 2016
There is alot of history in Sabino Canyon. Flat grindstones, stone points, and other tools found in the Sabino Canyon date back to the Cochise culture which hunted small game and food about 8000 years ago. But even before them, the Clovis culture visited the area some 13500 years ago to hunt large game.
Its no wonder visitors since, including the Hohokam people, made this oasis their home. The peak of their culture occurred around 1100 AD. The Hohokam were farmers and built villages along the rivers. There is evidence of early dams to store water and collect soil as well as farming tools left behind from them.
Jump forward to the 1930s when plans were made to build a dam to provide a lake for swimming and boating. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) along with ERA crews built bridges, campgrounds, picnic tables, outhouses, and retaining walls which are still used. Today the dam is a popular attraction although the lake has long since been filled in with silt and plant life.
Our second hike in Sabino Canyon on 12/22 took us close enough to the dam to take a picture from an overlook. Not much water flowing over the dam that day.Our third hike (12/23) was on the Sabino Lake Trail, Creek Trail, and Sabino Dam Trail. A nice easy loop ! What a difference a day of heavy rains made.
We had planned to connect to the Phoneline Trail, but Sabino Creek stopped us. We weren't prepared to get wet.
Looking left...
It couldn't have been a prettier day. The birds were singing...umm...some were fussing ! 
We could hear the distinct loud sound of this Cactus Wren. It's the largest wren in North America.
The cacti were showy with fruit.
And the best part, I was with my honey !
Until next time,
HAPPY TRAILS !
Water in the desert - wonderful! It's always surprising how much water travels the canyons and arroyos after what seems like "a bit" of rain. Your pics are beautiful, love seeing the cactus so healthy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jodee! Maybe we will have time to go to Sabino Canyon when you are here in February! There is a trolley ride we can take! Tessa will love it!
DeleteBeautiful scenery. The water looks like it was moving pretty fast.
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty! We had a very heavy rain the day before and yes, it was moving fast!
DeleteLooks like a wonderful area to explore thanks for the great pictures of your hike.
ReplyDeletePerfect place to explore George. Very easy walks to very hard hikes.
DeleteWhat a beautiful area! It's nice you're able to check it out. There's so much to see and do in the winter.
ReplyDeleteWe make at least one visit to Sabino Canyon every visit Jeri. December has been especially nice because it hasn't been crowded. Sometimes in February it's way to many people.
DeleteHow wonderful to see the creek so full of water! I can't even imagine how the 7 falls must have looked during the high flow!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you both!
Merry Christmas to you and Hans! We didn't make it to 7 Falls...it's alittle to far Joe right now! I bet it is beautiful Lisa! Can't imagine all the creek crossings to get there!
DeleteGood morning--safe travels as you head to San Diego area. We will be hanging out near Tucson after the first of the year--can we ask you guys for favorite haunts and restaurants--obviously Sabino Canyon is one of them!
ReplyDeleteHi Janna.....for exploring try Saguaro National Park ( there is an east and a wesr, both are beautiful) , Catalina State Park and a drive south to Madera Canyon are all awesome. The Desert Museum is wonderful! It's an outdoor museum. Sunset on Gates Pass Road is another favorite. Joe and I don't eat out much....mostly lunch..., but we have enjoyed Mi Niditos and yesterday we discovered Tucson Tamale Company which was very good! San Xavier Bac is an old mission still in use today and quite pretty. Also the Titan Museum is close by if you like that sort of thing. There really is a lot to do here.....enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh, Gay, you did my heart good:) What lovely hikes among my good friend, the saguaro!! That is a lot of water!! The last time we did the Seven Falls the water was like this. We were wet just getting to the trailhead as we walked up the road. Looks like perfect weather. Love the photo of you and Joe:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam...can't wait to see you and John in February! A lot of people were headed out to Seven Falls yesterday...I'm sure with all the creek crossing they were wet to their knees!
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