Tanque Verde Falls is a beautiful and popular hike on the far east side of Tucson. The biggest draw is the billowing waterfall at the end of the 1.8 mile trail.
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.
Drive east on Tanque Verde Road, toward Redington Pass. Once the pavement stops and turns to dirt, watch for the trailhead parking lot on the left.
There are no posted hours, but this hiking trail is best used from dawn to dusk during daylight hours.
Admission is free.
The Tanque Verde Falls trailhead has a small dirt parking lot. Be sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays as it does tend to fill up.
Tanque Verde Falls is roughly 1.8 miles one way and is typically rated as moderate. There are many steep, slick rocks to climb and navigate, along with a steady increase in elevation.
***This trail can be dangerous - and even deadly - during and after storms. Watch the weather, walk carefully, and stay off this trail during thunderstorms as flash flooding can occur.***
You can go as far as you and your crew desire. If you are aiming to complete the entire trail and arrive back at the trailhead, plan for about 2-4 hours.
No.
Yes. The "main attraction" is an 80 foot waterfall at the end of the trail, but there are also smaller waterfalls, streams, and pools along the path - depending on the time of year and seasonal rainfall.
We recommend:
Bring plenty of WATER, snacks or a lunch, extra sunscreen, and a phone.
There are no restrooms along the trail or at the trailhead.
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. Alternatively, you might try late afternoons or close to the dinner hour.
The best months for hiking are October, November, December, January, February, March, or April when daytime temperatures typically range between 65-86 degrees.
That being said, the “shoulder months” (September and May) can also be quite pleasant if you check the weather ahead of time.
June, July, and August tend to be unbearably hot with temperatures sometimes hitting at or above 100 degrees.
All that being said, you can hike year round in Tucson if you watch the weather, hike early, and plan wisely.
You may see saguaro cacti, rattlesnakes, javelina, jackrabbits, birds, lizards, Palo Verde trees, mesquite trees, and wildflowers.
Absolutely! As with all hiking trails, be sure to stow your trash in a backpack or pocket until it can be properly disposed of.
Not many! Tanque Verde Falls is about 10 miles from most restaurants. Our top restaurant picks within a 12-mile radius are:
All ages - although young children may have difficulty in climbing rocks without assistance from adults. Be sure to take into account the fitness level of each member of your party.
We would recommend a baby carrier instead. The trail is too rocky for a stroller.
As far as we know, leashed dogs are permitted at Tanque Verde Falls.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you go:
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