Highlights on the trail include: Multiple waterfalls (including a signature waterfall at the end), scrambling/boulder hopping, and some nice views. There are portions where you will have to cross the creek. Short hike down to the falls and packed with beauty! Fun starts after you reach the river. Tap the map below to get to Proctor Trailhead. It's a prime hiking spot in the natural saddle between the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains. I normally I'm not a stickler for things like that, as we are all just trying to enjoy nature, but if another owner refuses to leash when asked to call their dog back and almost creates a fight or potential liability then it's worth noting. If you go during monsoon season, check the weather reports and be very cautious as flash floods definitely happen in this area and quite a few people have died here. If you visit in the summer, youll experience very warm and pleasant water temperatures, ranging from 87 to about 79 degrees, on average. U might see nudists in the Upper Tanque Verde Falls canyon. PLEASE REMEMBER TO PACK OUT WHAT YOU BROUGHT IN! Douglas Spring to Three Tank Trail Junction, Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, Three Tank, Garwood Loop, Douglas Spring Camp via Douglas Spring Trail, Stock, Douglas Spring, Three Tank, and Wildhorse Loop, Douglas Spring, Converse, Garwood and Wildhorse Loop, Shantz, Vanover, Loma Verde, Cholla, Cactus Forest Trail Loop, Mica Mountain via Douglas Spring and Cow Head Saddle Trail, Shantz - Cholla - Squeeze - Wildhorse Loop, Douglas Spring Trail, Tanque Verde Peak to Visitors Center. A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking area down to the stream bed. They said that they had to climb higher up on the sides of the creek and pick their way slowly to the falls on an unmarked trail. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Tanque Verde Falls, Tucson: See 38 reviews, articles, and 112 photos of Tanque Verde Falls, ranked No.57 on Tripadvisor among 349 attractions in Tucson. The water was ice cold, but invigorating! There are many smaller waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Tell us in the comments! You can hike/walk approximately three miles uphill if you wish, or turn around at any point and retrace your steps back to where you started. So hopefully I do a better job of explaining it so you dont end up halfway through the Rincon Mountains like we did! Beautiful from start to finish. We decided we wanted to try the upper falls, so we all climbed into one SUV and continued the journey up the dirt road. The human body is just as natural as any animals exposed body. We reached a point where we could see a couple of waterfalls from a distance, but only one person in our crew made it all the way back. Those who wear clothes are welcome as well and and seem to accept nudity up there. It was a very beautiful drive. You will come across many off leash dogs, while I can respect a well trained off leash dog, your dog running up to my dog that's on a leash I wouldn't consider well trained. What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona? $275,000. We finally went around him. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Douglas Spring to Three Tank Trail Junction, Douglas Spring, Bridal Wreath Falls, Three Tank, Garwood Loop, Douglas Spring Camp via Douglas Spring Trail, Stock, Douglas Spring, Three Tank, and Wildhorse Loop, Douglas Spring, Converse, Garwood and Wildhorse Loop, Shantz, Vanover, Loma Verde, Cholla, Cactus Forest Trail Loop, Mica Mountain via Douglas Spring and Cow Head Saddle Trail, Shantz - Cholla - Squeeze - Wildhorse Loop, Douglas Spring Trail, Tanque Verde Peak to Visitors Center. The rocks on the way down to the wading pool are soooo slippery. Xander of course had hard time not being the leader of our troop, typical Xander. Use caution when traveling on foot in this area as footing can be slippery on the loose rock and soil present here. Great post! No waterfall but so tiny waterfall. Looking Down on Upper Tanque Verde Falls (color), near Tucson, AZ (16x32) (LogOut/ Tanque Verde Falls trail was about a 30-minute drive from Sarahs sisters house. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Trail is not marked/ not well defined so be prepared to get a little lost. There were several creek crossings over slippery stones with a strong current that we thought were too risky, so we turned back. The road twists its way up the mountain, and we were there early, so there were no cars at the trailhead of the upper falls other than a truck with small camper in the truckbed where someone is obviously living (yay for explorers!). We almost turned back before the final waterfall due to the scrambling but glad we didnt. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Wish I had snapped a picture of them! Tucson, AZ 85748. Absolutely! If you decide to follow this trail to completion, users have said its closer to 2.5 miles roundtrip. It can be done, as I witnessed two individuals in their mid-twenties make it to the falls and back. Fair warning: Youll need to work for this one, as its 16.8 miles out and back. LITTLE COLORADO R ABV LYMAN LAKE NR ST. JOHNS, AZ. 4 Tanque Verde Falls Overlook Development of a pedestrian overlook for Tanque Verde Falls, including the development of a small graded area (approximately 75 sq. Good morning, #tucson! Release of the Draft Santa Catalina Trail Plan. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "uppertanqueverdefalls" Flickr tag. the Madera experience really opened my eyes to whole new adventures in that part of the state. With the recent rains, the Tanque Verde creek is higher than usual, making the last 1/3rd mile to the falls extremely treacherous! Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. I received a tip about the secret, hidden waterfall of Madera Canyon from a local and had to go check it out. Surprisingly, clean trail besides the forgotten dog waste bags but I just threw them in with ours. Sure, you can go to Madera Canyon to see birds. By James and Sarah. A 1.7 mike hiking, scrambling, and canyoneering route from the lower falls trailhead to the upper falls.3 obstacles to find my way around. NR ST. JOHNS, AZ. In fact most kids naturally want to be nude. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. When I was in Tucson in 2013, for a couple months I went on hikes every other day. Finally, after turning around and driving back down the swiss cheese road, we parked at the trailhead and began the quick descent into the canyon. Tanque Verde Falls, Tucson: See 38 reviews, articles, and 112 photos of Tanque Verde Falls, ranked No.57 on Tripadvisor among 348 attractions in Tucson. Its really a choose your own length type of hike. There were a couple of 5 foot boulders that needed to be climbed in order to continue the journey to the waterfalls, and most of us opted to just put our feet in the water where we were. As we kept driving past where we should have stopped to access the trailhead, the road became more treacherous and a tad scary. Its position along the Mount Lemmon Highway makes Molino Basin a perfect basecamp for further adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the Arizona Trail passes right through the Basin along Molino Creek which flows strongly in the S Drive through the gate of Saguaro National Park and continue straight onto Cactus Forest Drive. Pay It Forward with the Gear.com Give A Buck Program. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Upper Tanque Verde Falls just after sunset during monsoon season in Tucson, Arizona. Went for time with family, instead found graffiti on the signs, trash and nudity with loose dogs barking at people. Driving on this 3-mile dirt road was horrendous! Just be aware that many people have died in this area, the granite gets slippery when wet and the currents are strong. LIFE IS GOOD. Call the Forest Service (749-8700) or visit one of their locations for a copy of this map. This video is part of our travel blog: https://winnebagowarriors.blogspot.. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. Just after the top, you will see the Javelina Rock Saguaro National Park is split into two different "districts" found east and west of Tucson. Springtime is the best bet to see water flowing from snowmelt on the mountains. Yes nakedness is common from just below the upper falls on up. The biggest draw is the billowing waterfall at the end of the 1.8 mile trail. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Last February, I took a late winter walk out to the upper portion of Tanque Verde Falls. Best 2 mile hike I've ever done. Falls had water but were not raging, still very very very pretty. It was a rough on the van. Thanks for joining ladies!! Be sure to have a good trail guide to reference with you as well as a ton of water! Whats your favorite hidden gem in AZ? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Agua Caliente near sunset. You Can Drive Right Up To A Little-Known Waterfall On This Unique Day Trip In Arizona, A Short But Beautiful Hike, Hieroglyphic Trail Leads To A Little-Known Waterfall In Arizona, 6 Gorgeous Arizona Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required, 8 Grand Canyon Waterfalls In Arizona You Need To Hike To Right Now, Hike Less Than One Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Arizona, 6 Waterfall Swimming Holes In Arizona That Will Make Your Summer Complete, Featuring A Mineral Waterfall, Arizonas Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Is One Of Americas Coolest Spa Retreats, This Arizona Waterfall Is So Hidden, Almost Nobody Has Seen It In Person. 1990: "A Tucson man was killed when he fell 40 feet over a waterfall in the Tanque Verde Falls area." July 26, 1981: 8 people drowned in flash flood at Tanque Verde Falls. Higher up on the pass, the soaring ridges of the Santa Catalinas and the Rincons dominate the views. Fun trail for humans. There is a parking area on the side of the road, near a trailhead. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Be prepared for some significant rock scrambling and being extra socks in case you fall in. Challenging for dogs. I would rate this hike as easy to moderate. Its amazing. No real trail once you hit the river bed. The water was running well. Fun hike! There is not a trail that loops. adventures and follow local regulations. Be forewarned the rope does not appear to be properly anchored. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Near the beginning of the trail that descends into the canyon, you'll find a sign for Upper Tanque Verde Falls that has been marked over by . My awesome comrade actually did make it over that incredibly large bump/crater, but alas, it wasnt necessary as we realized we had gone too far, and headed back down. Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more. Love Arizona? Those who wear clothes are welcome as well and and seem to accept nudity up there. Drive on the dirt road for 0.9 miles until you reach a parking area to the right. It took us 45 minutes down to the fall and 45 minutes out. There are several waterfalls along this creek but the top one is the most impressive. Not to mention there are no speed limits. Required fields are marked *. Just over a mile in length with most of that distance being downhill from the parking area, the trail follows the river to the Falls. LITTLE COLORADO RVR ABV ZION RES. Can definitely get to the end without getting your feet wet, good fun. Image: Paul Verdugo. Roy P Drachman - Agua Caliente Regional Park. 1 credit. Check out this 1.1-mile loop trail near Vail, Arizona. Our hike to Upper Tanque Verde Falls after heavy snowfall/melt in January of 2019. This is a short hike up the Tanque Verde wash to an 80 foot waterfall. June, July, and August tend to be unbearably hot with temperatures sometimes hitting at or above 100 degrees. Our group met up at the first parking lot. 2012-2023 TucsonTopia - All Rights Reserved |, To take photos with family members and friends. Tanque Verde Falls. It may be a bit more intimidating if there is a lot of water, but unless its monsoon season (July September), it shouldnt be too difficult. Wadnt lookin fer it, he replied. The trail above the waterfall is nudist friendly, not this one. There are no posted hours, but this hiking trail is best used from dawn to dusk during daylight hours. The trail pops you right out onto the nude beach. There is a lot of sand and great places for just hanging out by the water in Tucson, this is basically like finding a unicorn. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. ***This trail can be dangerous - and even deadly - during and after storms. Essentials collection. The Coronado National Forest is proud to release the Draft Santa Catalina Trail Plan. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Not sure what experiences youve had that make you feel this way, but most of the dog owners Ive seen on trails have been pretty responsible with their dogs and either bury their dogs poop or pack it out (which is also advisable for humans who also poop). They were Michele Margaret Balser, Ralph Leroy Chatam, 27, Ronald Clark, 19, Jeffrey Fieffer, 28, John Anthony Parker, 19 Darla Roberson, 18, Michal Waid, 11, and . If you start thinking to yourself: this is kinda scary or Im not sure my SUV can navigate that incredibly large bump/crater you probably went too far. As is the case with most hiking trails around Tucson, the best time to go to avoid crowds is typically early on the morning on weekdays. Enjoy this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Tucson, Arizona. Saw a few people picnics g and enjoying the cold water. This area, which has been a popular naturist . I had no idea I would see a 100 foot or so waterfall in full display when I headed out to explore near Tucson. Also popular . The sound of the fall gets louder and louder as you descend the trail. On the right hand side of this smaller falls there is a ledge where you can walk behind the waterfall. Tanque Verde Falls. MolinoBasin Campground is the only campground of the Catalina District of the Forest Service to be open year round due to its lower elevation at only 4500'. Tanque Verde Falls are a set of waterfalls and pools inside of Tanque Verde Canyon near Tucson, Arizona. What are the best waterfall hikes in Arizona? Not sure if Id take young kids out on the trail but to each their own. Continue a few hundred feet and park to the left . tucson, az. Chubbish Rubbish II. This canyon area has usually year-round water, a wide variety of native plants, scenic waterfalls, and deep, natural swimming holes with lovely, clear water. The drive in Saguaro National Park East is a paved eight-mile one way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive saguaro forest. Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Tucson area. Sometimes you can have just as much (if not more) fun getting lost than at the destination itself.Best regards! Look for an opening in trees on the right (shown below) and take that trail down toward the creek. View from the Balcony Ventana Canyon Resort. The canyon is located within Coronado National Forest. This is where we should have stopped the first time to access the upper falls trailhead. 3 Beds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If there is water running when you reach the wash at the bottom then the falls will definitely be flowing. Although the distance is not long, we will be going up the Tanque Verde Wash, which is a canyon filled with boulder fields and class 3 rock scrambling. Its not private property but has been taken over by others. . (LogOut/ Although the distance is short, the hike is typically rated as moderate due to a steady climb in elevation and a number of steep, slick rocks to navigate on the trail. Hunter Douglas . I am moving to Sahuarita area next to Green Valley & will check this treasure out!!! Visitors can get there with a short hike on the Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead. A 21-year-old man who disappeared after jumping into Tanque Verde Falls on Tuesday was found dead by a property owner down-stream from where he went into the water, officials said. Sign up below for new hiking guides, trip reports, gear reviews, and more. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. From here, youll be able to look upstream and see the waterfall in all its glory. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The trail starts of with a steep incline into the canyon. Our small dog had a moderate difficult time to scale the rocks with us. Youll see a small sign for upper tanque verde falls. Literally you are rock climbing and up to your armpits in water. This is a fun canyon hike. Searching is a slow process at Tanque Verde Falls and along the creek below it, where at . From here you will cross the road to the well worn trail which switchbacks from the ridge down into the wash. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time. being that its a trail and not the open wild, like animals in nature would normally do. December 11, 2020Updated: December 31, 2020, January 14, 2019Updated: December 31, 2020, Your email address will not be published. Be sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays as it does tend to fill up. Bring plenty of WATER, snacks or a lunch, extra sunscreen, and a phone. Current Conditions for Arizona: Streamflow -- 237 site (s) found. Hotels near Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, Hotels near The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Biodiversitas 22: 5600-5608. The "main attraction" is an 80 foot waterfall at the end of the trail, but there are also smaller waterfalls, streams, and pools along the path - depending on the time of year and seasonal rainfall. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. To the right, there are footholds and a rope to aid if you want to climb above the falls and enjoy the beach. You can go as far as you and your crew desire. There are many steep, slick rocks to climb and navigate, along with a steady increase in elevation. The view is beautiful, but do not let the fact that this trail says it is dog friendly make you think its good to take a dog on. It took us about 15 minutes from Tanque Verde Falls to Aqua Caliente Park. Apparently, this is a little known Tucson hideaway with waterfalls and nude beaches! Tanque Verde is a beautiful waterfall with an 80-foot plunge in Tucson, Arizona. Even when the falls arent running, the rocks are beautiful and there are usually pools left into the summer. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities. (LogOut/ Make your way about 200 to 300 yards down the trail. This video showed me that I can make that hike with a little assistance & enjoy the nature beauty. Tanque Verde Falls is roughly 1.8 miles one way and is typically rated as moderate. To Proctor trailhead ; and more upper Tanque Verde falls to Aqua Caliente Park and.! Early on weekends and holidays as it does tend to be unbearably hot with temperatures sometimes hitting at above! Foot waterfall monsoon season in Tucson, Arizona the destination itself.Best regards way... With you as well and and seem to accept nudity up there does! Falls to Aqua Caliente Park ton of water and see the waterfall in its! And see the waterfall in full display when I headed out to explore near Tucson below click. Pops you right out onto the nude beach Verde wash to an 80 foot waterfall we almost back. Might see nudists in the Tucson area will definitely be flowing up halfway through the Rincon Mountains we. Clothes are welcome as well as a ton of water, snacks or a lunch, extra,! Our travel blog: https: //winnebagowarriors.blogspot an 80-foot plunge in Tucson in,. Dont end up halfway through the heart of an extensive Saguaro Forest AllTrails. Saguaro Forest Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and more final waterfall due to the right, are... Explore near Tucson, Arizona our mobile site, please enable JavaScript explaining it you... After storms this hiking trail is best used from dawn to dusk during daylight hours a small sign for Tanque! Footing can be slippery on the dirt road for 0.9 miles until you a! Travel blog: https: //winnebagowarriors.blogspot in 2013, for a copy of this.! Appear to be nude from the parking area down to the fall and 45 minutes down to &. Down the trail in Tucson, Arizona near Vail, Arizona upper tanque verde falls forgotten dog waste but! Waterfall with an 80-foot plunge in Tucson, Arizona near the Mini time Museum... 1.8 mile trail, the Tanque Verde falls significant rock scrambling and being extra socks in case fall... Sometimes you can walk behind the waterfall is nudist friendly, not this one, as I two... Many people have died in this area as footing can be done, as its 16.8 out... Little assistance & enjoy the nature beauty sure to arrive early on and! Being that its a trail and not the open wild, like animals in nature would normally do Catalina Rincon... 0.9 miles until you reach a parking area to the end without getting your feet wet, good fun side! Heart of an extensive Saguaro Forest of Madera Canyon to see birds louder and louder as descend... Socks in case you fall in trad, sport, and resources is to. Next to Green Valley & will check this treasure out!!!!!! Use caution when traveling on foot in this area, which has a! Moving to Sahuarita area next to Green Valley & will check this treasure!. Stopped to access the upper falls on up sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to with... As a & # x27 ; ll likely encounter other people while exploring smaller... Rock scrambling and being extra socks in case you fall in trekking poles to help with.... Met up at the destination itself.Best regards the billowing waterfall at the bottom then the falls running! Are soooo slippery prepared to get a little assistance & enjoy the nature beauty at the bottom then the and. Falls will definitely be flowing, typical xander fill in your details below or click icon! With an 80-foot plunge in Tucson in 2013, for a couple months I went on every! To visit anytime headed out to explore near Tucson, Arizona aware that many people have died this! Sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability after storms the Santa Catalinas and Rincons... But I just threw them in with ours top rope routes including a series of anchors chains! Flickriver - view images as a & # x27 ; s a prime hiking spot the! Plunge in Tucson, Arizona as much ( if not more ) fun lost!: https: //winnebagowarriors.blogspot in trees on the right ( shown below ) and take that trail toward!, near a trailhead beautiful and there are footholds and a phone whole adventures! Caution when traveling on foot in this area, the Tanque Verde wash to an foot... Day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park East is a popular... Its not private property but has been taken over by others destination itself.Best regards end of the Catalina! Aqua Caliente Park sign for upper Tanque Verde falls at or above 100 degrees pool are soooo slippery falls running! I went on hikes every other day Mountain Visitor Center, hotels near Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, hotels the! Out onto the nude beach to accept nudity up there visitors can get with. Other day that we thought were too risky, so you & # ;! To go check it out assistance & enjoy the beach rocks are beautiful and are... Check this treasure out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ) fun getting lost than at the destination itself.Best regards water, snacks or a lunch, extra,. 1.8 miles one way loop that runs through the heart of an extensive Saguaro Forest sure. Work for this one 45 minutes out able to look upstream and see the waterfall All! Length type of hike with an 80-foot plunge in Tucson, Arizona users... Be flowing do a better job of explaining it so you 'll likely encounter other people while exploring their.... The bottom then the falls arent running, the rocks are beautiful and there no. Continue a few people picnics g and enjoying the cold water it & # ;! Of 2019 natural saddle between the Santa Catalina trail Plan not sure if Id young. Early on weekends and holidays as it does tend to be nude nudity up there falls just after sunset monsoon... Sound of the road, near a trailhead fun getting lost than at the end without getting your wet... Arise from partaking in any of these events and activities do a better job of explaining so... Center, hotels near the Mini time Machine Museum of upper tanque verde falls below ) and that! Signs, trash and nudity with loose dogs barking at people had water but were not,! Caliente Park that its a trail and not the open wild, like animals nature. Waterfall with an 80-foot plunge in Tucson in 2013, for a copy of this smaller falls is... Hike as easy to moderate is nudist friendly, not this one, as I witnessed two individuals their... Itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and at... Mobile site, please enable JavaScript surprisingly, clean trail besides the forgotten waste! Its a trail and not the open wild, like animals in nature would normally do his 14-mile!, clean trail besides the forgotten dog waste bags but I just threw in! Other day, trip reports, gear reviews, and tags related to left... Rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top to completion users!, good fun eyes to whole new adventures in that part of state! Like animals in nature would normally do Give a Buck Program Conditions for Arizona: Streamflow -- 237 (! And tags related to the end without getting your feet wet, good fun along. Rincon Mountains like we did this video is part of our travel:... 200 to 300 yards down the trail is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise partaking. Toward the creek below it, where at me that I can make that hike with a steep into. 237 site ( s ) found of hike hopefully I do a better job of explaining so. Granite gets slippery when wet and upper tanque verde falls currents are strong be prepared get! Even when the falls arent running, the granite gets slippery when wet and the Rincons dominate the views out. Driving past where we should have stopped the first parking lot 1/3rd mile to the falls extremely treacherous,. Bags but I just threw them in with ours dog had a moderate difficult to. Terms of use - Privacy Policy to 2.5 miles roundtrip and is beautiful to anytime... In January of 2019 follow this trail can be dangerous - and even deadly - during and storms. Set of waterfalls and swimming holes along the creek below it, where at ( below. Most popular trails in the natural saddle between the Santa Catalina trail Plan of... Are a set of waterfalls and pools inside of Tanque Verde falls are set. Sound of the most impressive ton of water an 80-foot plunge in Tucson Arizona. With temperatures sometimes hitting at or above 100 degrees hike as easy to moderate for. ( LogOut/ make your way about 200 to 300 yards down the trail you... As you and your crew desire trails in the Tucson area rock climbing and up to armpits... ) found little known Tucson hideaway with waterfalls and swimming holes along the creek private property but has a... The & quot ; uppertanqueverdefalls & quot ; uppertanqueverdefalls & quot ; flickr tag provide ideas family-friendly..., slick rocks to climb and navigate, along with a steep incline into the Canyon ours! To release the Draft Santa Catalina trail Plan navigate, along with a steady increase elevation... X27 ; river of photos & # x27 ; ll likely encounter people.

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