Molino Canyon, Canyon in Santa Catalina Mountains, United States.

Molino Canyon is a steep-sided, boulder-strewn canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson, Arizona, within Coronado National Forest. At its bottom, Molino Creek, a seasonal stream, flows southwest over large granite outcroppings, forming small waterfalls and pools. The creek banks are lined with willow, cottonwood and Arizona sycamore trees.

The Catalina Highway was cut into the western side of the lower canyon, giving road access to the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson. The Molino Canyon Vista, one mile south of Molino Basin Campground, was established along this road where Sonoran Desert cactus forest meets oak-studded grassland, providing foot access to Molino Creek.

The name Molino, Spanish for mill, is the canyon's main cultural marker; the sources record no mill or settlement within it. Visitors today follow the Catalina Highway to the Molino Canyon Vista, a roadside pullout one mile south of Molino Basin Campground that gives foot access to Molino Creek. Spring snowmelt and monsoon rains draw walkers to the creek's granite pools.

Access is available through Coronado National Forest trails, with parking at Molino Canyon Vista for visitor convenience. The terrain can be challenging, especially when wet or when crossing the seasonal creek.

The area displays a rare ecological transition from Sonoran Desert saguaro cacti at lower elevations to pine forests in its upper regions. This shift in vegetation makes it remarkable for visitors seeking to experience different landscape types on a single hike.