Check out Tucson's scenic Sabino Canyon

On a quick trip to Tucson, I had a few hours to get a look at some classic desert scenery, but not enough time (or energy) for a big hike before catching a flight home. A friend suggested Sabino Canyon, 17 miles (27 kilometers) from downtown Tucson. It proved to be the perfect fast and easy way to sample Arizona's beauty without a lot of fuss.

For the time-crunched traveler, the best thing about Sabino is that the nature trails begin just steps from the parking lot. I strolled the well-marked footpaths and within just a few minutes, I'd seen towering saguaro cactus, spectacular mountain backdrops and a variety of other vegetation and scenery. I even had time to take a tram shuttle that offers a narrated tour on a loop drive. The tram round-trip is 45 to 50 minutes total, but there are also a series of hop-on, hop-off stops if you have time to explore or hang out. When you're ready to go, just catch the next shuttle that comes through.

A favorite spot for visitors is a stop by a creek with a tree-shaded area.