Tanque Verde Falls Trail

Route Description for Tanque Verde Falls Trail

The Tanque Verde Falls Trail leads you up the Tanque Verde Wash, passing small waterfalls and swimming holes en route to the main attraction, Tanque Verde Falls. Most of this route is very family-friendly with little elevation gain, making it a popular picnic spot. If you want to explore around the falls more, be prepared to climb over some boulders. There’s even a rock ledge behind the waterfall you can use to see it from another angle.

While this is an easy hike overall, you’ll want to plan your visit around Tucson’s hot weather. Avoid this hike in the summer months, try to start early to finish before the heat of the day, bring more water than you think you’ll need, and wear sunscreen.

This hike is subject to flash flooding after rain. We recommend postponing your hike if there’s rain or flash flooding in the forecast. Arizona’s monsoon season runs from June through September.

The trail begins in a marked dirt lot on the north side of Reddington Road. The last half-mile to the trailhead is over rough road, but take it slow and most vehicles will be able to make it through.

Cross the road to the trail and follow it as it switchbacks down the ridge and into the wash. If there’s water running in the wash, the falls will be flowing, but they’ll sometimes still flow when there’s less water too.

Continue up the wash, passing people relaxing at the swimming holes. Take a left to head up the wash into the canyon. There isn’t much of a defined trail to the falls, so choose your own path along the creek bed. You’ll have to climb over a few large boulders. You’ll notice the crowd thinning as you make your way to the falls, evidence of the trail getting a bit more challenging.

After about a mile of light scrambling, a 9 m waterfall appears ahead of you, cutting through the granite. Admire this impressive sight, then look for a ledge on your right that you can use to walk behind the waterfall. The real treasure is the 24 m waterfall pouring into a deep pool, which you can see from here.

There’s a rope swing on a tree near the waterfall, but we strongly recommend caution when swimming here. The currents are strong because of the waterfalls and people have died in this area because of slips from the granite or the currents near the falls.

When you’re ready, you’ll return to the trailhead on the same route you used to come in.

Hiking Route Highlights

Tanque Verde Falls

Tanque Verde Falls are a series of waterfalls in the Tanque Verde Canyon. The Southern Arizona Hiking Club maintains the parking lot and trail to the falls, which is popular with hikers who want to enjoy the swimming holes this route features. The two most impressive falls are 9 m and 24 m high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tanque Verde Falls clothing optional?

The beach at the falls is considered clothing optional.

Can you swim at Tanque Verde Falls?

There are several swimming holes along this trail. We recommend exercising caution if you choose to swim near the falls as there have been injuries and deaths in this area, most due to the slippery granite and the currents near the falls.

Do you have to pay to hike Tanque Verde Falls Trail?

No, there is no fee to hike this trail.

Insider Hints for Tanque Verde Falls Trail

• Pack out what you bring in. Leaving trash on the trail lessens the experience for hikers who come after you.
• Water shoes might be helpful as the beach at the falls is gravelly and rocky.