TEP is making a lasting impact at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area with philanthropic contributions and volunteer service to support one of Southern Arizona's most iconic and popular outdoor destinations.
We're funding an expansion of the park's electric shuttle service and supporting updates to its visitor center. We've also contributed to other improvements at the recreation area, which attracts about 1 million visitors annually. These contributions come from corporate resources and employee volunteerism, not customers' rates.
Electric Shuttles
In 2019, TEP funded a new zero-emission electric shuttle service for visitor tours, creating a quieter, more environmentally friendly experience. TEP provided a $1.5 million donation to the Regional Partnering Center (RPC), along with a $1 million interest-free loan to purchase and run the shuttles.
This year, TEP agreed to forgive half of the loan now and forgive the rest if RPC is awarded an extension of its contract to operate the shuttles. The loan forgiveness will offset RPC's expenses for future vehicle replacements.
"We're providing support for new, emission-free vehicles that will help protect the environment in Sabino Canyon," said Steven Eddy, TEP's Director of Public Affairs.
RPC plans to buy a few smaller, 23-passenger electric shuttles for use during slower periods and to extend shuttle service to the Bear Canyon area, said Mary Carter, Director of Mobility Management and Services for Pima Association of Governments (PAG). PAG manages RPC, a nonprofit group focused on policies, practices and solutions for regional planning, environmental and energy challenges.
The new shuttles will supplement the original 62-seat Canyon Crawler shuttles, which need either replacement or new technology upgrades after five years of heavy use on the canyon's steep, windy roads.
"The experience for the visitors has improved dramatically since the new shuttles have come online," Carter said. "This investment from TEP will allow us to continue making special memories for our visitors."
Read a previous story about the Canyon Crawler and see a video.
Visitor Center
TEP also has supported a master planning process to re-imagine the park's visitor center.
TEP contributed $15,000 to the Friends of Sabino Canyon, a nonprofit organization that is raising funds for the project. In 2023, TEP representatives joined other stakeholders in brainstorming how the visitor center experience could be improved.
A new center has been discussed since the U.S. Forest Service adopted a Sustainable Recreation Concept Plan a decade ago. A new facility would better accommodate the dramatic increase in visitors since the current Gateway Plaza was built 60 years ago.
The new plan calls for an energy efficient facility with a solar power system, according to the Friends newsletter. The Master Plan for the Visitor Center Re-Imagined was completed in 2024. The Friends group is working on securing funding and hopes to begin construction as early as 2027-28.
"Our commitment to Friends of Sabino and the new visitor center aligns with TEP's focus on sustainability," Eddy said. "We are stewards of these natural resources, and we want to see them brighten our community for generations to come."
Ongoing Support
TEP also supports the canyon's ongoing community and electric needs.
In 2019, TEP provided a solar-powered kiosk to sell tickets for the Canyon Crawler in the overflow parking lot, which is in a remote area that did not have electric facilities.
The kiosk was designed by University of Arizona engineering students. Later, artist Joe Pagac painted a mural on the kiosk to help it blend in with its natural surroundings.
TEP volunteers also have helped make improvements at Sabino Canyon by pulling buffelgrass, an invasive plant that threatens the survival of saguaros and other native plants.
Read more about TEP's focus on environmental sustainability.
