Tanque Verde Falls
Tucson, Arizona
| Address: | 14911 Redington Rd, Tucson, AZ 85748, USA |
| GPS: |
32°15'14.4"N 110°39'54.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 1.60 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.5 mi |
Rivers
Hike and Swim
Tanque Verde Falls are a set of waterfalls and pools inside of Tanque Verde Canyon near Tucson, Arizona. The canyon is located within Coronado National Forest. There is a parking area on the side of the road, near a trailhead. From there, it's a short hike to the water. An optional trail leads directly to the falls themselves, although this portion is a slightly more difficult climb due to boulders and such along the path. Due to the short hike distance, this is a popular location to cool off.
The best time to go is from September through May, avoiding the summer heat.
This area is considered the "most dangerous" waterfall hike in Arizona, as there have been around 30 deaths since 1971 due to flash flooding and cliff jumping. The area is at high risk for flash floods during monsoon season, and the water level varies, so be very cautious. Pay attention to local weather conditions, stay away from slippery rocks, and don't jump if you're unsure of how deep the pool is.
More Information
Lower Tanque Verde Falls Hiking Guide
This article is part of a two part hiking guide on Upper and Lower Tanque Verde Falls. Overview Lower Tanque Verde Falls is a short hike near Tucson, Arizona that rewards its visitors with several waterfalls set in a narrow canyon. The final waterfall is the largest and most picturesque of them all. Although the route is only one mile each way, it presents some difficult challenges. For about two-thirds of the distance there is no trail. Instead, hikers must scramble up the stream bed. This requires one to wade through water, boulder hop, and locate narrow paths to avoid
https://backobeyond.blog/lower-tanque-verde-falls-hiking-guide/tripadvisor.com
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https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60950-d4155593-Reviews-Tanque_Verde_Falls-Tucson_Arizona.htmlUpper Tanque Verde Falls Hiking Guide
This article is part of a two part hiking guide on Upper and Lower Tanque Verde Falls. Overview While not as tall as the lower falls, Upper Tanque Verde Falls are easier to get to and still beautiful. The upper falls plunge over a 25-foot drop below a gravelly-sand beach that’s perfect for swimming and clothing optional. Both falls are located in Tanque Verde Canyon. It’s been said that this is the most dangerous hike in Southern Arizona. At least 30 people have died here in the last 50 years. Be cautious and know the forecast before you go! Flash
https://backobeyond.blog/upper-tanque-verde-falls-hiking-guide/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Tucson, Arizona
- Head west on E Broadway Blvd toward S Country Club Rd (39 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Country Club Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto E Speedway Blvd (4.0 mi)
- Turn left onto N Wilmot Rd (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto E Tanque Verde Rd (1.7 mi)
- Keep left to stay on E Tanque Verde Rd (6.8 mi)
- Continue onto E Redington Rd (3.7 mi)
Take Redington Road into Coronado National Forest until you reach the trailhead. The forest boundary is marked by a sign, and a cattle guard that stretches between the paved portion of the road and the gravel path that extends within the park.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Chiva Falls
Mount Lemmon, Arizona
2.7 miles NEA desert waterfall tucked in Coronado National Forest, best reached by mountain bike or motorized vehicle on rocky double-track — with a pool at the bottom to cool off in (check depth before diving).
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim 1.2 mi
La Milagrosa Canyon
Tucson, Arizona
4.9 miles NWA hidden canyon east of Tucson with rock-climbing walls and a seasonal waterfall pooling into swim basins — best after fall or winter rain, with boulder scrambling required.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Cactus Forest Trail
Tucson, Arizona
5.0 miles SWA flat, multi-use 2.5-mile desert trail through old-growth saguaros and cholla in Saguaro National Park East — welcoming to hikers, horses, and bikes, with the Rincon Mountains as a stunning backdrop.
Hike, Mountain Bike 0.2-4.6 mi
Frog's Hollow
Vail, Arizona
6.4 miles NEMultiple small pools and shallow waterfalls in a frog-filled Arizona canyon, best in fall through spring after rain — hike via the Arizona or Indian Springs Trail.
Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim 2.4 mi
Sycamore Reservoir
Tucson, Arizona
6.6 miles NWA small lake up in Bear Canyon on Mount Lemmon with a sandy shore and a dam that creates a small waterfall — best hiked in fall, winter, or spring, when the desert foliage is at its most striking.
Hike, Swim
Seven Cataracts
Tucson, Arizona
8.3 miles NWA set of waterfalls deep in Willow Canyon near Tucson, reached by off-trail canyoneering scrambles — visible from the Catalina Highway pulloff after rainfall.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim 0.5-3.8 mi
Hutch's Pool
Tucson, Arizona
10.0 miles NWA famous desert pool in Sabino Canyon — 8 miles round trip from the trailhead, plus up to 8 more if you walk from the visitor center — with spectacular desert views the entire way.
Hike, Swim 1.3-3.5 mi
Seven Falls
Tucson, Arizona
10.0 miles NWSeven Falls crosses a stream seven times through Bear Canyon before arriving at pools best visited in late winter when snowmelt keeps the water flowing strong.
Hike, Swim 1.0-1.2 mi
Maiden Pools
Tucson, Arizona
12.7 miles NWGranite pools carved smooth by the Ventana Stream, best filled in late winter and spring, with shading oak trees and big rocks for picnicking — 2.4 miles up Ventana Canyon Trail.
Hike, Rock Climb, Swim 3.6 mi
Lemmon Pools
Mount Lemmon, Arizona
13.1 miles NWA steep, rocky 8.5-mile trek through the Wilderness of Rocks to hidden pools tucked in the Santa Catalinas.
Hike, Swim 1.4-1.8 mi
Romero Pools
Tucson, Arizona
18.5 miles NWA two-hour canyon hike through Romero Canyon leads to year-round stream-fed pools surrounded by Catalina State Park desert — best enjoyed September through May.
Hike, Swim 1.0 mi
Montrose Pool
Tucson, Arizona
18.5 miles NWA seasonal catchment pool about a mile up the Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, filling after rainfall — best hiked October through May and dog-friendly to the pool.
Hike, Swim
