La Milagrosa Canyon - Swimming Hole near Tucson, Arizona
12985 E Horsehead Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA,Tucson,Arizona
32.298214, -110.730766
12.6 miles NE of Tucson, Arizona
Address: 12985 E Horsehead Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA
GPS: 32°17'53.6"N 110°43'50.8"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trail Length: 2.90 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back
Hike Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 345 feet
Trails/Routes: 1.2 mi

Waterfalls Rocks

Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, and Swim

La Milagrosa Canyon is a hidden gem just east of Tucson, Arizona and north of the Tanque Verde area. It features many rock-climbing walls, and even a seasonal waterfall with pools for swimming, best accessed by hiking. The waterfall may dry up depending on how long it's been since the last rainfall. Access to the pools will require scrambling over some boulders, especially if you're trying to reach one of the top two pools. 

There is little to no sun on this hike, so be sure to take plenty of water and a hat. Like many such destinations in Arizona, this arena is best enjoyed in the fall, winter, or spring to avoid the summer heat. Though it is common to visit the canyon pools shortly after rainfall, take care to watch the local weather conditions to avoid a potential flash flood, which can be deadly.

Updated June 26, 2026
2.0K Written by camilledupar

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La Milagrosa and Agua Caliente Canyon Hiking Guide

Overview In Spanish, ‘la milagrosa’ translates to ‘the miraculous’ and is a fitting name for La Milagrosa Canyon. On the northeast side of Tucson, next to the unincorporated suburb of Tanque Verde, this hike begins at a low-profile trailhead outside of a gated community. The most common route taken is a 6-mile loop that crosses both La Milagrosa and Agua Caliente Canyon. To complete the loop, hikers must ascend two ridges that offer killer views of the surrounding area. Tip: For an off-trail experience, consider exiting the trail at the mouth of Agua Caliente Canyon and scrambling up canyon. At

https://backobeyond.blog/la-milagrosa-and-agua-caliente-canyon-hiking-guide/

La Milagrosa Mountain Bike Trail, Tanque Verde, Arizona

It starts ugly, but rewards riders with a phenomenal finish. Near Tanque Verde, Arizona.

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/306975/la-milagrosa

Rock Climbing in La Milagrosa Canyon, Southern Arizona

Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers.

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105738043/la-milagrosa-canyon

Rock Climbing in Water World, Southern Arizona

Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers.

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/105918507/water-world
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Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

Read More

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Tucson, Arizona

  1. Head west on E Broadway Blvd toward S Country Club Rd (39 ft)
  2. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Country Club Rd (1.0 mi)
  3. Turn right onto E Speedway Blvd (4.0 mi)
  4. Turn left onto N Wilmot Rd (0.5 mi)
  5. Continue onto E Tanque Verde Rd (1.7 mi)
  6. Keep left to stay on E Tanque Verde Rd (2.1 mi)
  7. Turn left onto E Catalina Hwy (3.7 mi)
  8. Turn right onto E Snyder Rd (1.3 mi)
  9. Turn left onto N Avenida De Suzenu (0.3 mi)
or

The nearest place to park is within town a little ways; there is not a formal lot, so you'll have to park on the street before starting out. You have to follow a dirt road for a while on foot before reaching the canyon.

From town, head north on the Catalina Highway as if going up Mt Lemmon. Before the base of the mountain, turn right (east) onto Snyder Road. Follow Snyder east to Suzenu Rd. and turn left. Drive to the end of Suzenu, and park off the road near the large gate. From the gate, hike east down a long, straight dirt road. After about ten minutes of hiking, pass through a chained gate and cross the bed of Molino Creek. Follow the road up a hill until you can see Agua Caliente Creek to the south. Courtesy of mountainproject.com

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Tucson Hikes - Agua Caliente La Milagrosa Loop - i by Dean Cooper
La Milagrosa Canyon Creek by mn survivor Tucson: La milagrosa loop by efmerusa
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Added by camilledupar

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