Outbound Collective logo

Tanque Verde Falls

Tucson, Arizona

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

1.93 miles

Elevation Gain

430 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lacie Griego

This is a short hike up the Tanque Verde wash to an 80 foot waterfall. There are many smaller waterfalls and swimming holes along the way.

This hike starts at the Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead, which is a well marked dirt lot on the left side of Reddington Road. A 4x4 would probably make the last half mile or so easier when the road turns to dirt but I made it to the trailhead in a Toyota Carolla without any trouble, so don't let that hold you back. From here you will cross the road to the well worn trail which switchbacks from the ridge down into the wash.

If there is water running when you reach the wash at the bottom then the falls will definitely be flowing. Don't be discouraged by all of the picnicking families with their coolers at the bottom. The farther up the wash you go the less people you'll see as the hike becomes more difficult. You'll want to hang a left and head up the wash into the canyon. There is no specific trail you just have to pick your way along the creek bed. There is some scrambling over boulders and debris with many small waterfalls and swimming holes along the way.

After a long mile of scrambling you will reach a beautiful 30 foot waterfall that cuts through the granite. On the right hand side of this smaller falls there is a ledge where you can walk behind the waterfall. From here you'll also be able to see the star of the show which is an 80ft waterfall spilling over the canyon wall into a deep pool.

People do climb up the rock face to cliff jump and there is a rope swing from a tree next to the water. Just be aware that many people have died in this area, the granite gets slippery when wet and the currents are strong. Also, being in a canyon is very dangerous during the monsoon season when flash flooding can occur.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO PACK OUT WHAT YOU BROUGHT IN!

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Waterfall
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Tanque Verde Falls Reviews

Went for time with family, instead found graffiti on the signs, trash and nudity with loose dogs barking at people. Social distancing wasn’t happening. In time where you’re supposed to be wearing a mask but you aren’t even wearing anything besides cologne and shoes. Hard pass at this time. It’s not private property but has been taken over by others.

I had no idea I would see a 100 foot or so waterfall in full display when I headed out to explore near Tucson. The trail sometimes is hard to follow to the base of the falls but it is worth the effort as this is a sight to see.

This is a fun canyon hike. The trail starts of with a steep incline into the canyon. Once at the bottom, the rest of the hike will consist of boulder hopping and climbing. There are several waterfalls along this creek but the top one is the most impressive.

I made it to the trail head in a Honda Civic, but agreed that something with higher clearance/all wheel drive makes this easier! Great area and swimming hole

Great guide above. Second the warnings about deaths in the area, please be careful! On a weirder note there are little fish in the water that nibbled the dead skin off our feet, so free pedicures!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Molino Basin

Hike to Javelina Rock

Drive the Cactus Forest Loop in Saguaro's Rincon Mountain District

Drive the Scenic Loop in Saguaro National Park East (Cactus Forest)

Rock Climb the Hitchcock Pinnacle

Seven Falls via Bear Canyon