The Canyon Chronicle

Posted March 4, 2011

Sabino Creek—Prior to last weekendʼs rain and snow, the flow in Sabino Creek was at a

slow and plodding level. An increase can be expected as the warm days of March melt

the mountain snows. As of now flows are below all bridges on the Canyon Road, and

pending further rains, hikers are unlikely to encounter water hazards.

Trail Information—All trails are open in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and nearby

foothills.

Repairs and renovations—Restrooms at Stops 2, 4 and 6 are being re-built and remain

closed. Porta-potties are available. The drinking fountain at Stop 8 has been shut off,

but is now operable. The Canyon Road is open to all authorized traffic (e.g. bicycles,

walkers, shuttles) to its end at mile point 3.8 at Stop 9. The Shuttle provides service

to Stop 9, departing every half hour from 9:00 to 4:00 Monday thru Friday, and 9:00 to

4:30 on weekends and holidays. The cost is $8 for adults for the 50-minute circuit.

The Bear Canyon shuttle is running hourly from 9:00 to 4:30 every day for $3.

Wildlife Sightings--Josh Taiz, Forest Service District Wildlife Biologist, reports that no

creditable mountain lion sights have been confirmed since early in February. The

sightings were of a large female and two smaller lions, which may or may not have

been the mother and kittens sighted frequently in the fall. At least for now, they seem

to be roaming elsewhere.

Other—A popular fixture in the Canyon since 1993, Music in the Canyon, will take place

this coming Sunday, March 6 from noon to 5:00 pm. As in past years, patrol members

attending in uniform can provide valuable assistance in directing visitors on the half-mile

walk to the eventʼs location.

Website—SCVP now has our own website: www.scvptucson.org

The Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists website – www.scvntucson.org - has some

information and links that may be helpful to patrol members. Further information on

Sabino Creek hydrology and temperature can be found at www.sabinocreekarizona.edu.