Hutch's Pool via Sabino Canyon – Arizona Hikers Guide

by Cameron Jarman on March 21, 2015

Sabino Canyon is one of the most popular and spectacular canyons in the Santa Catalina wilderness.  This canyon is home to Hutch’s Pool and has plenty to offer including mountain vistas, beautiful red rock, desert flora and fauna, and a large flowing creek.  The canyon and creek can be observed by hikers, bikers, joggers, and tram riders.

Length: 16.4 miles (8.2 one way w/out taking tram ride)  Tram ride will shave off 7.6 miles

Elevation: 3300

Gain/Loss: ~550

Difficulty: 1.5

Rating: 3.5

Solitude: 2

Trail Description:

The journey to Hutch’s Pool begins at the busy Sabino Canyon Recreation Center where you can purchase a daily use pass for your vehicle for $5 (As of 2015). A paved road runs 3.8 miles into the canyon and crosses 9 stone bridges over Sabino Creek before the actual Sabino Canyon #23 trail begins.  A fee of $8 (As of 2015) can be purchased to ride the tram to the end of the pavement or hikers can take Phoneline Trail #27 which runs along the southern side of the tram road until it meets up with Sabino Canyon trail.

2015-03-19-12-24-00-1024x576-6376092 Here is a picture of the paved road that leads up Sabino Canyon. 2015-03-19-12-24-39-e1426947097567-1024x576-1965064 The tram

Once on the Sabino Canyon Trail #23 it is a quick 2.6 mile hike up and down to the canyon floor.  Along the trail you will see beautiful Ocotillo’s, wildflowers, and large Saguaro’s.  The trail begins with a few easy switchbacks and then wraps around and into the canyon.  When the trail descends into Sabino Creek look out for cairns (stacked rocks) to help guide you through the creek bed.  From here there are a couple of options.  You can head east and take the East Fork Trail which will connect to Bear Canyon Trail or you can head west up the West Fork towards Hutch’s Pool.  On this trip we decided to go west and swim at Hutch’s pool.

2015-03-19-13-33-26-e1426948885580-150x150-7324910 Wildflowers along the trail 2015-03-19-13-43-09-e1426948901559-150x150-8472440 Yellow, Orange Purple
Pink Yellow Sabino Canyon
Trail Trail 2015-03-20-09-34-34-e1426948848493-150x150-3552912 Little bro on the trail

After you cross the creek bed and onto the West Fork Trail you will stay on the north side of the creek for about .5 miles and then cross to the southern side.  Once on the southern side you will begin to see an abundance of greenery that is fed by the scenic Sabino Creek.  After hiking for 1.6 miles you will come to an unmarked trail that forks to the right (towards the creek) which leads to Hutch’s Pool.  Turn right and head towards the creek.  Hike about 1/4 of a mile and to the right you will see a small waterfall that feeds the long and narrow pool called Hutch’s Pool.  This is quite a sight to behold in the desert and a very refreshing one as well.  Once you have enjoyed the pool you can continue up the West Fork and make a loop to Esperero Canyon or you can go back the way you came.  On this trip we stayed the night in one of the few campsites along the creek.

2015-03-19-14-22-50-e1426949389602-150x150-8221306 Sabino Creek Hutch’s Pool
Small Waterfall Frog More small waterfalls
Looking down into Hutch’s Pool Hutch’s Pool Me and my little bro

My Thoughts:

The hike to Hutch’s Pool was an easy and satisfying overnight backpacking trip.  The pool at the end of the hike is a worthy reward.  Although the canyon and trails are extremely popular and typically overcrowded, I was happy to have Hutch’s Pool all by myself for a few hours in the morning.  I recommend this hike to anyone who is interested in swimming in the desert or someone who wants a great introductory hike to the Santa Catalina mountain range.  Hutch’s Pool is a great way to show off the desert to your out of state visitors who want to get a little taste of the Arizona.

Tips:

  • Bring cash: 5 bucks for parking per day ($10 for overnight) and $8 bucks for tram.
  • I don’t recommend the tram.  You came to hike so hike.  Take the Phoneline Trail or hike the pavement.
  • Buy the weekly vehicle pass if you are going to stay overnight.  Same price as two 1-day passes.
  • Don’t be scared off by the packed parking lot.  Most visitors will take the tram and go home.  Few make it to Hutch’s Pool.
  • Get there early.  The parking lot fills up fast on weekends and during summer months and don’t even think about parking outside the lot because they hand out parking tickets like candy!
  • For more information about the Visitor’s Center click here.

Map To Trailhead:

Trail Signage:

Hutch’s Pool Gallery:

Hutch’s Pool Me and my little bro Hutch’s Pool
Looking down into Hutch’s Pool More small waterfalls
Frog Small Waterfall Trail
Trail 2015-03-20-09-34-34-e1426948848493-150x150-3552912 Little bro on the trail Pink
Yellow Purple 2015-03-19-14-22-50-e1426949389602-150x150-8221306 Sabino Creek
Sabino Canyon 2015-03-19-13-43-09-e1426948901559-150x150-8472440 Yellow, Orange
2015-03-19-13-33-26-e1426948885580-150x150-7324910 Wildflowers along the trail Looking back on Phoneline and Tram Road
Begin Here Trying out the Life Straw Life Straw Demo
Camp Forgot my Spoon Clouds

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