Round Trip Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation: 2711 - 2888 feet
Cellphone: 1-5 bars
Time: 1 hr. 30 mins.
Trailhead: Catalina State Park
Fee: $7/vehicle
Attractions: Scenic canyon
The Canyon Loop trail is in the Catalina State Park north of Tucson, Arizona. The trail begins by following the Romero Canyon trail for a short distance where it then makes a loop over to the Sutherland trail before arriving back at the trailhead. The trail crosses a stream several times providing welcome opportunities for wading. Although toddlers may have to be carried much of the way the Canyon Loop trail is a good family hike.
The loop begins right at the trailhead.
Bear to the left after crossing Sutherland Wash and follow the trail up the small hill.
After some easy level hiking the Canyon Loop trail breaks off on the left from the Romero Canyon trail.
At the point where the trail drops down into the canyon there are steps leading down a series of switchbacks.
Several dozen varieties of wildflowers lend a garden like atmosphere to the trail in the early spring months.
The cool stream of water and some shade are the hikers reward. Looks like a good spot for a picnic.
The trail continues through the secluded canyon, crossing the stream several times, passing the spot where the Sutherland trail departs on the right.
The rugged Catalinas provide a majestic backdrop to Sutherland Wash.
There is a gift shop with drinks, snacks and other items at the trailhead. If you need to fill up on water there is a spigot in the picnic area. Catalina State Park has 4 hikes that are very family friendly, Romero Ruins, the Birding Trail, Nature Trail and the Canyon Loop. Due to a problem with our GPS while at Catalina State Park all of our maps for these trails are approximations made from our SPOT tracking device that sends our current location to the internet every 10 minutes. The trails are well marked so all that is needed are copies of the free map and hiking guide they have at the fee station. If they don't offer then ask for them and you will be all set. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.