The July 31, 2006 storm that hit late at night in the historic canyon caused unprecedented damage. 6 inches of rain fell in 7 hours. So much rain fell that it caused rivers and creeks to overflow their banks and erode the canyon sides in a manner not seen in the Santa Catalina Mts. in 10,000 years according to scientists. 240 slopes failures have been seen in an area where only 5 had been seen previously. As they say, "the canyon walls came tumbling down."
The canyon is once open again for visitors. The tram only goes up the road partway now since the turn around spot at the top was wiped out, as well as parts of the road. Parts of the road are still covered in dirt and boulders. You can hop off the tram and walk on up to the top where the most damage is still very visible.
The future of Sabino Canyon, what to fix and what not to fix, has yet to be decided. If you've not been to the area since the storm, you should make the trip. If for no other reason than to see the how this unique place has been forever changed.