Sabino Canyon/Seven Falls

I was planning on running Phone Line Trail in Sabino Canyon today.  It has been consistantly rated one of the top trail runs in the country.  For its beauty, ease of access and pure fun.  But to my dissapointment, it was closed.  Last summer was a very wet monsoon for Tucson and much of the trail was damaged or washed away.  And still after almost a year it is closed.  I don't understand how a hiking/running trail could be closed for so long.  We are people that actually don't mind a little risk in the great outdoors!  I would have crossed the sign, but the $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail made me reconsider.  Instead, I ran back down the one mile steep lead up and took a left turn and headed to Bear Canyon and Seven Falls. 

The trail to Seven Falls is a lot less steep and easy.  It is approximately a 7.6 mile round trip from the parking lot.  But with all the trails to find in Sabino Canyon, you could make it whatever you wanted to.  My run today ended up being around 10.  Bear Canyon is a bit cahanged since last summer's monsoon as well.  The many creek crossings have changed and some areas have been cut out completely.  The falls are still very beautiful.  Although the pools no longer exist.  They have been filled in with sand and debris and are only a little creek runing through them.  The way back from Seven Falls and you see the deception.  You actually were running up hill.  Because now the downhill goes fast and fun.  It is a fairly non-technical run and can go fast.  I ran back the last mile and a half on the road since it was getting dark.  I did run into a fat dark rattle snake.  After we gave eachother our space we were both on our marry way.