Sabino Canyon

Our last day in Tucson was spent with Maria in the lovely Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains.  During the Great Depression, the bridges over Sabino Creek and the Sabino Dam were constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corporation (CCC).

 

The canyon was originally open to cars but since the road was steep and the bridges very narrow it was closed to autos in October, 1978, and the first trams began operating in the canyon. The tram has nine stops along the tour with several restrooms and picnic areas along the creek and riders can get on and off the tram as many times as they like.

Ready to ride to the top of the canyon.

We rode the tram to the top and decided to walk from stop nine down to stop eight.  It was a beautiful day and the wildflowers were in bloom.  Apparently it is quite popular to ride the tram to the top and hike down the road because there were plenty of people hiking down and not many hiking up.

 

 

 

Can you see the face in the rock formation?

There are several swimming holes which are very popular in the summer.

When we passed this tram we actually scraped side bumpers on the narrow road.

It is time to say goodbye to Tucson and our sweet little ride that we rented for the week.  It has been quite different to have a car to drive to the wedding, run to the store, do laundry and make those all important In ‘n Out Burger runs.

The next morning as we headed down the highway we could easily see the San Xavier del Bac Mission.  It is easy to see why they call it the White Dove of the Desert.

Today's 3 Fun Facts:
     1.  In the 1870's, pony soldiers from Fort Lowell enjoyed horseback excursions to the "ol' swimmin' hole".
     2.  About 1,200 AD, irrigation dams were placed in the creek by Hohokam Indians.
     3.  When the trams scrap bumpers passing it is an ear splitting noise.