Cactus Ramada 1 Picnic Area

General Information

Natural Features:

The recreation area is located along Sabino Creek at an elevation of 2,800 feet in the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains. For many who come to visit the Southwest, this area provides their first close encounter with the Sonoran Desert and the fascinating variety of plants and animals that make it their home.

Winter temperatures are pleasant, and springtime brings the desert to life with numerous flowering cacti and desert wildflowers.

Recreation:

Hikers are drawn to Sabino Canyon for its beauty, scenery and challenge. Three popular trails begin at the recreation area and offer access to the dramatic landscape of the Santa Catalina Front Range, famous for its deep canyons and soaring ridges. A sunset hike reveals the lights of Tucson framed by the black silhouette of surrounding mountains.

The self-guided Desert Nature Trail at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center provides an excellent way to get to know the plants that have adapted to living in this demanding environment.

Several area trails can also be used for mountain biking and horseback riding.

Facilities:

The group site can accommodate up to 45 people. Amenities include a vault restroom, picnic shelter, four accessible picnic tables, one serving table, two bear-proof trash cans, two grills and a campfire circle.

Access to Cactus Ramada 1 is through the use of the shuttle buses or by foot travel 1/3-mile to the Cactus Picnic Area from the parking area.

There are also many individual first-come, first-served picnic sites scattered throughout area. A visitor center and bookstore are nearby.

Parking is in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and Visitor Center parking lot; visitors using Cactus Ramada 1 may use a shuttle bus (additional fee) or walk a short distance to the site.

Accessible to persons with disabilities.