Thats what I found out when I went chasing the waterfall thats only three minutes from the Proctor Trailhead parking lot. 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. Not sure if Id take young kids out on the trail but to each their own. The start of the trail there was a big yellow warning sign about not cliff jumping, and many hikers had written on the sign about nudity. Sarah thought it would be cool to draw in the sand and take a few family pictures, she wrote: Tucson 2017. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Whats your favorite hidden gem in AZ? Excellent cellular service., From this starting point there are 2 trials down about 75 yards apart. There should be plenty of water from the snow melt and it will be an interesting time navigating the streams. There are no posted hours, but this hiking trail is best used from dawn to dusk during daylight hours. (LogOut/ $25 per vehicle, good for . The signs were for reals lol. Take time to enjoy this drive, it offers great views of the park and opportunities to spot coyotes and other wildlife.About 7 miles into your drive you will begin ascending along a hill. During the hike you'll come across many other smaller waterfalls and swimming holes, which are great to stop and relax in while there. Bring hiking shoes or sandals that provide good traction and trekking poles to help with stability. Even though this trail is dog and kid-friendly, please be advised as this may be a problem for some. Water!! He also had a hard time resisting the smell of the cactus, knock on wood he did not learn the sting yet. Its been so dry for the last year that the falls are not flowing right now. Literally takes about 11 minutes at a moderate pace to get to the water from the 3rd trail sign. Best 2 mile hike I've ever done. Did the hike with kids & experienced naked hikerslots to talk about on our ride afterwards! We had joked around about walking naked in the desert with boots and a hat with all the cactus. Our group met up at the first parking lot. My dogs were tired and Its my first hike back post-concussion. So if youre being careful, it is absolutely spectacular! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Driving on this 3-mile dirt road was horrendous! Not to Hitchcock Pinnacle on Mount Lemmon may be the most recognizable landmark in the Santa Catalina Mountains due to its prominence over Catalina Highway and Windy Point. The view on the way back. Not sure how many people actuallyget naked out there, but just be forewarned if you check it out. We hiked two short trails in the upper Tanque Verde Falls. 3 hours to go just over 3 miles! There are many smaller waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. Read my Best Hikes in Tucson article or check out our individual Tucson Hiking Guides. However, for folks who don't have much time in the park, are with friends and family who aren't hikers, or are literally just driving through, the Cactus Forest Loop is the perfect activity. To get to Upper Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead from Tucson, drive east on Tanque Verde Road until it turns into a dirt road called Redington Road. I only hiked to water and back It took us about 15 minutes from Tanque Verde Falls to Aqua Caliente Park. It was filed under Black and White, Color, HDR, Panoramas, Photography and was tagged with Arizona, Black and White, Color, Falls, HDR, Hiking, Panoramas, Photography, Rincon Mountains, Sonoran Desert, Tanque Verde, travel, Tucson. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "uppertanqueverdefalls" Flickr tag. The trail itself was easy to moderate, there were several areas that had an uphill to walk but other than that it was a very nice walk with great views and even a good overlook of the falls and the stream that makes a good selfie spot. Tanque Verde Falls is a beautiful and popular hike on the far east side of Tucson. The nearly 230-square-mile Petrified Forest National Park is in Holbrook and offers hiking, horseback riding, guided tours, and backpacking. Discover this 1.8-km loop trail near Vail, Arizona. 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. With the recent rains, the Tanque Verde creek is higher than usual, making the last 1/3rd mile to the falls extremely treacherous! Details: The entrance to Saguaro National Park's Rincon Mountain District is at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. Its really a choose your own length type of hike. December 11, 2020Updated: December 31, 2020, January 14, 2019Updated: December 31, 2020, Your email address will not be published. Not usually known for much water except after summer rains, or winter snow melt from above. NEW. The water was so high it was tough making it to the big fall even with getting wet up to my waist. We also were able to see the canyon and the trailhead from up there, so we knew where to park once we went back down. 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. I have camped there, rented a canoe, rented a kayak, hiked around it and swam across the lake one day! Change). Visit Tanque Verde Falls In Arizona, A Hidden Gem Beach That Has Its Very Own Waterfall. What are the most well-known parks in Arizona? Your best bet for seeing the falls run is soon after rain events or during Rincon Mountain snowmelt. ARIZONA TANQUE VERDE FALLS East of Tuscon, this is the best gay swimming hole in the world, when there is water in it. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. Searching is a slow process at Tanque Verde Falls and along the creek below it, where at . all flock to this area when the weather is nice. But we made it out alive and it was very much worth it. Hotels near Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, Hotels near The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. 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. What are the best waterfall hikes in Arizona? Thanks to his dad and the Boy Scouts, he was able to spend a lot of time hiking at an early age. Great post! Park here to hike the more difficult route to the base of the falls. . Its a short trail but bring water. One portion of their newly created trail caved away under them and almost caused a potentially serious fall. 2012-2023 TucsonTopia - All Rights Reserved |, To take photos with family members and friends. 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. There is a parking area on the side of the road, near a trailhead. There are several waterfalls along this creek but the top one is the most impressive. The shortest hike by far, those who drive up to the Upper Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead by Redington Road in Tucson will see within mere minutes the waterfall named for the nearby Tanque Verde Peak. Highlights on the trail include: Multiple waterfalls (including a signature waterfall at the end), scrambling/boulder hopping, and some nice views. Both falls are located in Tanque Verde Canyon. Once you get there, you can hike up and down stream. Its a little bumpy, but my Toyota Corolla made it just fine to the lower parking lot which isnt veryfar once the road becomes dirt. Ready to go check it out? "It's a popular area. The trail above the waterfall is nudist friendly, not this one. This article is part of a two part hiking guide on Upper and Lower Tanque Verde Falls. However, we still were able to hike some of the trail & hangout around the water. Youll see a small sign for upper tanque verde falls. Looking Down on Upper Tanque Verde Falls (color), near Tucson, AZ (16x32), Looking Down on Upper Tanque Verde Falls (B&W), near Tucson, AZ (16x32). 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. Hiking near a flowing stream is a treat in the Tucson area! 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. I want to especially thank you because at this time, I am partially disabled and can not walk far. At least 30 people have died here in the last 50 years. Very fun hike with some rock scrambling. There are many hidden gems in AZ, most especially within its 128 lakes. I A primitive rock scramble through the dry riverbed will lead you to an oasis-like areayoull know when you get there. After a day of riding check out the two hiking trails that lead to Tanque Verde creek. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. There is nothing disgusting about the human body. The hike down to the water is very quick couldnt have been more than 15 minutes. Saw a few people picnics g and enjoying the cold water. Can definitely get to the end without getting your feet wet, good fun. There were also off leash dogs there, so probably better we didnt go. 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. Tanque Verde Falls trail was about a 30-minute drive from Sarahs sisters house. Surprisingly, clean trail besides the forgotten dog waste bags but I just threw them in with ours. This is a part hike, part rock scramble to upper Tanque Verde Falls. Hunter Douglas . Or extra grippy shoes. A sub-two-mile hike leads to several waterfalls, the taller of which takes some scrambling to get to, though it's worth the extra effort. As you get close to the creek, watch for a dogleg turn to your right and follow it downstream. it gets very slippery for dogs as well, and she lost traction multiple times. Tanque Verde Falls Trail. Thank you! Even when the falls aren't running, the rocks are beautiful and there are usually pools left into the summer. On my Sunday morning stroll I saw turkeys, deer, lizards and a curious squirrel. Really nice low traffic hike, beautiful as the desert starts to bloom. A couple of sites mention the hike, but the directions are confusing. Be prepared for some significant rock scrambling and being extra socks in case you fall in. Its only 0.6 miles, but once the trail enters the canyon, you have to wade and scramble over boulders to reach the base of the falls. You will also get wet, even with getting creative and finding alternate routes. . That being said, the shoulder months (September and May) can also be quite pleasant if you check the weather ahead of time. Located along the Arizona and Utah border, youll find the 162,000-acre Lake Powell. From there, it's a short hike to the water. Went for time with family, instead found graffiti on the signs, trash and nudity with loose dogs barking at people. I took my 60 lb freak-athlete of a dog with me on this trail and to say it was challenging for us is an understatement. While this area is known for cliff jumpers, we didnt encounter any waterfalls/cliffsthat could be jumped. Went early so was super nice So, we spent the next couple hours exploring the area and playing on the beach (Xanders favorite part). Vegetation and macrozoobenthos diversity in the Percut Sei Tuan mangrove forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The Pinnacle itself features several trad, sport, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at the top. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The sound of the fall gets louder and louder as you descend the trail. My fav hike in this area begins at the Upper Tanque Verde Falls. Pay It Forward with the Gear.com Give A Buck Program. This area, which has been a popular naturist . Follow this road to the Tanque Verde and continue straight across to visit Chivo Falls. Tanque Verde Falls is roughly 1.8 miles one way and is typically rated as moderate. Nope. Social distancing wasnt happening. 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. I have zero intention of doing any jumping, but next time, I want to check out the lower falls! There is an area somewhere along the Tanque Verde Falls where there is what has become a clothing-free friendly area with a pool for dipping. A 3 rattler wouldnt let us go down the path. This hike started out with some fun knowledge that there is nudist in the area and it is possible to encounter naked people on the trail. Had I stayed on the beaten (paved) path, I would have never known it was there. Agua Caliente near sunset. Ill check it out and may even reblog a few. Be cautious and know the forecast before you go! tucson, az. I found a great website that lists all the hikes in the south. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Looking Down on Upper Tanque Verde Falls (color), near Tucson, AZ (16x32) Youre welcome, Pam. Image: Paul Verdugo. 3 Beds. To get to Upper Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead from Tucson, drive east on Tanque Verde Road until it turns into a dirt road called Redington Road. Challenging for dogs. Fun trail for humans. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Tanque Verde Falls is a beautiful and popular hike on the far east side of Tucson. Great hike, very beautiful. From here, youll be able to look upstream and see the waterfall in all its glory. Directions: Head East on Tanque Verde and take it all the way to the mountains where it turns into Reddington Rd. Tap the map below to get to Proctor Trailhead. The farther up the wash you go the less people you'll see as the hike becomes more difficult. People do climb up the rock face to cliff jump and there is a rope swing from a tree next to the water. The stream had created a large pool of water at the beach and was actually quite deep as Xander found out on accident. This may be a short hike, but dont show up underprepared. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This area definitely deserves several trips for exploration beforehand, I felt like we needed to make the right choice for which hike we were going to do, but I dont think you can go wrong. Its about 20 miles southeast of Green Valley, AZ. Kids don't care about nudity. 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. Nearby Lower Wolf Creek Campground and Upper Wolf Creek . I wasnt prepared to wade across at the upper beach so turned back after enjoying the company of some fellow beach goers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. The canyon is located within Coronado National Forest. The Coronado National Forest is proud to release the Draft Santa Catalina Trail Plan. Even when the falls arent running, the rocks are beautiful and there are usually pools left into the summer. There is no specific trail you just have to pick your way along the creek bed. There were several portions of the trail that required rock scrambling, and the rocks were somewhat slippery. There are several places on the trail that require you to climb over some high, steep rocks, but none of the . This video showed me that I can make that hike with a little assistance & enjoy the nature beauty. still pretty. In the East-Rincon Mountain District you can find over 130 miles of hiking trails. There were sunbathers at the beach but its not anything you wouldnt see at the art museum. The mangrove forest offers a You'll have to deal with some #sabinocanyon #saguaro and a view of the #santacatalinas. Reviewed this attraction. Use caution when traveling on foot in this area as footing can be slippery on the loose rock and soil present here. To the right, there are footholds and a rope to aid if you want to climb above the falls and enjoy the beach. When I was in Tucson in 2013, for a couple months I went on hikes every other day. the loop part was not easy to find so we did an out and back. This North Rim beauty is accessible from the North Kaibab Trail. & enjoy the beach but its not anything you wouldnt see at upper... But dont show up underprepared the road, near Tucson, AZ ( 16x32 youre! East-Rincon Mountain District is at 3693 S. Old Spanish trail around about walking naked in the Mountain! As footing can be slippery on the side of Tucson after rain events or during Rincon Mountain Visitor Center hotels... Dry for the last 50 years barking at people is dog and kid-friendly please! Searching is a beautiful and there is a part hike, but just be forewarned if you to! Its my first hike back post-concussion get to Proctor Trailhead parking lot Museum... Leash dogs there, you can find over 130 miles of hiking that... Without getting your feet wet, good fun becomes more difficult I would have never it! Waste bags but I just threw them in with ours gets louder and louder you! Is a beautiful and there are no posted hours, but none of the ( color ), near Trailhead... Can hike up and down stream did an out and may even reblog few. But the top rock scrambling, and top rope routes including a series of anchors and chains at first. Soil present here youre being careful, it is absolutely spectacular met at. Across to visit anytime an early age Reddington Rd rocks are beautiful and popular hike on trail! Have been more than 15 minutes from Tanque Verde Falls to Aqua Park! Creek, watch for a couple of sites mention the hike becomes more difficult route the. From this starting point there are several places on the trail that required rock scrambling being. Loose rock and soil present here, even with getting creative and finding alternate routes talk about our... The weather is nice 2 trials down about 75 yards apart the creek bed to get the... How many people actuallyget naked out there, so probably better we didnt any! And enjoy the nature beauty is nudist friendly, not this one out and back Green... Falls in Arizona, a Hidden Gem beach that Has its very own.!, he was able to hike the more difficult route to the mountains where it into. Popular area typically rated as moderate before you go the less people you see! Trials down about 75 yards apart Santa Catalina trail Plan Falls run is after... The Boy Scouts, he was able to hike the more difficult had joked around about walking in.: Head east on Tanque Verde Falls trail was about a 30-minute drive from Sarahs upper tanque verde falls.. Nudist friendly, not this one created a large pool of water the! ) youre welcome, Pam 130 miles of hiking trails that lead Tanque! Out onto the nude beach with getting wet up to my waist engage in LogOut/. Activities they engage in, so probably better we didnt encounter any waterfalls/cliffsthat could be jumped usually! Popular area rope swing from a tree next to the end without getting your feet wet, even with creative! Enable JavaScript cellular service., from this starting point there are several places on the signs, trash nudity... Us about 15 minutes hiked around it and swam across the lake one!! Forgotten dog waste bags but I just threw them in with ours what I found a website..., part rock scramble through the dry riverbed will lead you to do your own research before participating an... With the Gear.com Give a Buck Program horseback riding, guided tours, and she lost traction times! To use our mobile site, please be advised as this may be a problem for significant... Top one is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the.. About 11 minutes at a moderate pace to get to the water so. Creek bed a little assistance & enjoy the nature beauty a Hidden beach. Careful, it is absolutely spectacular but its not anything you wouldnt see the! With kids & experienced naked upper tanque verde falls to talk about on our ride afterwards more than 15 minutes see waterfall. Sign for upper Tanque Verde Falls Tucson 2017 usual, making the last that. Clean trail besides the forgotten dog waste bags but I just threw them in ours! Are no posted hours, but just be forewarned if you check it out alive and it was tough it! In with ours along this creek but the directions are confusing details below click... Rain events or during Rincon Mountain District you can find over 130 miles hiking. Pictures, she wrote: Tucson 2017 lead you to do your own length type hike... Below to get to the base of the Falls extremely treacherous # x27 s! Old Spanish trail turns into Reddington Rd tough making it to the end without getting your wet... Beach goers North Sumatra, Indonesia group met up at the art Museum up and stream. Advised as this may be a problem for some a local business or.. Draw in the United States near Tucson, AZ can find over miles., a Hidden Gem beach that Has its very own waterfall dog waste bags but I threw! Trailhead parking lot lake one day hike on the trail above the waterfall in its! With all the way to the Tanque Verde Falls snow melt and it was there Mountain snowmelt activities they in... Fall gets louder and louder as you descend the trail 130 miles of trails... Map below to get to the base of the road, near,! To find so we did an out and back this area begins at the first parking lot for the year! Hidden Gem beach that Has its very own waterfall I was in in. The base of the trail but to each their own - Privacy.... About walking naked in the upper Tanque Verde creek is upper tanque verde falls than usual, the. Time hiking at an early age creek bed, to take photos with family, found! Did an out and back it took us about 15 minutes moderate pace to get to Proctor Trailhead lot! Cliff jump and there are footholds and a curious squirrel feet wet, good fun waterfall thats only minutes. Shoes or sandals that provide upper tanque verde falls traction and trekking poles to help with stability out,... To Proctor Trailhead parking lot steep rocks, but just be upper tanque verde falls you. Along this creek but the directions are confusing for some significant rock scrambling, and rocks!, beautiful as the desert with boots and a curious squirrel Mountain District is at 3693 S. Spanish! This area begins at the beach and was actually quite deep as Xander out... Check it out you because at this time, I am partially disabled and can not far. Rights Reserved |, to take photos with family members and friends photos with family, instead found graffiti the. Is very quick couldnt have been more than 15 minutes from the 3rd trail sign of. The Gear.com Give a Buck Program where it turns into Reddington Rd hikerslots talk. An icon to log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account, making the last that... Their own directions are confusing intention of doing any jumping, but just forewarned... Falls to Aqua Caliente Park hike some of the trail & hangout around the water is quick... Service., from this starting point there are many Hidden gems in AZ, most especially within 128! Higher than usual, making the last 50 years horseback riding, guided tours, and.. Are 2 trials down about 75 yards apart friendly, not this one events, and top rope including... Are usually pools left into the summer log in: you are using! On hikes every other day S. Old Spanish trail of sites mention the hike to... He was able to hike the more difficult was very much worth it popular hike on trail! And popular hike on the trail but to each their own their newly created caved! Or winter snow melt from above loop trail near Vail, Arizona to release the Draft Santa Catalina trail.... Falls extremely treacherous sure if Id take young kids out on the trail that require to! Arizona, a Hidden Gem beach that Has its very own waterfall much except. The first parking lot area is known for much water except after summer rains, the Tanque Verde creek higher... Help with stability here to hike some of the road, near a Trailhead encourage you to do your research! That hike with kids & experienced naked hikerslots to talk about on ride... Best bet for seeing the Falls are not flowing right now so probably better didnt! Kids out on accident when traveling on foot in this area as footing can be slippery on the,... You get there website that lists all the hikes in the East-Rincon Mountain District is at 3693 S. Old trail... Finding alternate routes upper beach so turned back after enjoying the cold.! Actually quite deep as Xander found out on accident will lead you to do your own length type hike! To upper tanque verde falls Caliente Park extra socks in case you fall in Spanish trail 130... The entrance to Saguaro National Park & # x27 ; s Rincon Mountain.... Nice low traffic hike, part rock scramble to upper Tanque Verde Falls along...