Sabino Canyon after rains: Green, wet and wild

Sabino Creek was surging this week with runoff from recent heavy rains, and the moisture has nurtured so much green growth and wildflower color that the surrounding canyon can barely pass for desert terrain. “Beautiful!” said hiker Lizette Williamson as she and Liv Tegenu watched water cascade over Sabino Dam. Vegetation along some stretches of the creek has grown uncommonly dense, and many desert plants including ocotillos have taken on deep hues of green. Wildflowers dot the landscape. Sabino Canyon is at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. Maps at the visitor center show the way to the creek and Sabino Dam.