Near the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park is Tanque Verde Canyon. Look for a parking lot (on the left) when traveling east on Redington Rd. Here is the view from the lot.
Cross the road to a sign that marks the trailhead.
This is a 2-mile, moderate hike, but two-thirds of the way there is no trail. So, it’s basically a rock scramble up a stream bed to the impressive 80’ Tanque Verde Waterfall with smaller waterfalls along the way.
This sign warns of the dangerous terrain ahead. More than 30 people have died here from drowning or falling. Yikes! The area is rugged and remote with slippery rocks along the water. And, leashed pets are permitted.
As we followed the switchbacks, the rushing water of the wash came into view.
Here is a view to the south, but the hike to the falls is through the ever-narrowing canyon to the north. Can you see three hikers in the distance in the third photo?
Once we reached the canyon floor, we saw that what is usually just a trickle of water, was much more. Recent rainfall accounted for the unusually high-water level in the wash.
Several dogs and their owners were enjoying the large pools among the rocks. Our girl, Sadie, also went for a swim, but we kept her on a leash. And that water was cold!
The canyon is beautiful, but the amount of water made it very difficult to make our way towards the falls. Usually, hikers can just follow the wash, but not today.
This is what the canyon walls looked like. There is no trail through them.
After talking with other hikers we met in the canyon, we realized that we were not going to make it to the falls today. This is a good example of when I should have done more research about the best conditions for hiking here! Do not expect to reach the falls after heavy rainfall. Nonetheless, this is a gorgeous place to enjoy the natural beauty of northern Tucson.
We spent some time in the canyon before making the return hike up to Redington Rd and the parking area.
For additional information about this trail, go to www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/tanque-verde-falls-trail.
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