Pontatoc Canyon Trail

Route Description for Pontatoc Canyon Trail

The Pontatoc Canyon Trail leads you through the southernmost of the three canyons in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. While less explored than nearby Sabino and Bear canyons, this route offers similar rugged scenery and a nice challenge. Give all three canyons a go and let us know which is your favorite.

This trail can get extremely hot in the summer, late spring, and early fall. We recommend visiting outside of these times and bringing lots of water with you. Wear sun protection and bring good boots and poles if you have them. Note that there is a small fee required to use the trails in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area and dogs are not permitted on the trail.

From the trailhead, follow the road north and take FS 410 east towards the mouth of the canyon. After your quick warm-up, you’ll launch into a set of narrow switchbacks to climb the canyon wall. Keep left where FS 411 intersects and begin your traverse across the canyon, crossing over to the northern wall before climbing more switchbacks to gain elevation. You’ll cross over the middle once again before the most difficult part of the climb, which takes you up a cheer canyon face to the end of the route. From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Insider Hints for Pontatoc Canyon Trail

• While most trails in this area are closed for bighorn sheep lambing season from January through April, the USDA has an exception for Pontatoc #410 that allows hikers on the trail year-round. This exception begins the closure 400 feet from the trail, so stay on the route as you always would.