Hiking

Bear Canyon Trail. Also known as Seven Falls Trail, this favorite route in Sabino Canyon is a three- to four-hour, 7.8-mile round-trip that is moderate and fun, crossing the stream several times on the way up the canyon. Kids enjoy the boulder-hopping, and all hikers are rewarded with pools and waterfalls as well as views at the top. The trailhead can be reached from the parking area by either taking a five-minute Bear Canyon Tram ride ($6) or walking the 1.8-mile tram route. Moderate. Sabino Canyon Rd., at Sunrise Dr., Foothills, Tucson, Arizona, 85750. 520/749–2861; www.fs.usda.gov/coronado.

Catalina State Park. This park is crisscrossed by hiking trails. One of them, the moderately easy, two-hour, 5½-mile round-trip Romero Canyon Trail, leads to Romero Pools, a series of natural tinajas, or stone "jars," filled with water much of the year. The trailhead is on the park's entrance road, past the restrooms on the right side. Moderate. 11570 N. Oracle Rd., Northwest, Tucson, Arizona, 85737. 520/628–5798; azstateparks.com/catalina.

Resources

Sierra Club. The club's local chapter, the Rincon Group, welcomes out-of-towners on weekend hikes, ranging in level of difficulty. 738 N. 5th Ave., University, Tucson, Arizona, 85705. 520/620–6401; www.sierraclub.org/arizona/rincon.

Summit Hut. For hiking on your own, this store has an excellent collection of hiking reference materials, supplies, and a friendly staff who will help you plan your trip. Packs, tents, bags, and climbing shoes can be rented and purchased here. The other store branch is located in the Northwest at 7745 North Oracle Road. 5251 E. Speedway Blvd., Eastside, Tucson, Arizona, 85712. 520/325–1554; www.summithut.com.