Tanque Verde Falls

One bright + early morning I decided to take a little hike to Tanque Verde Falls. I had time before work, so I drove to the eastern side of Tucson while the sun was starting to rise. The colors of sky + the tranquil saguaro-filled canyon invited me in to a morning I will always remember.

TANQUE VERDE FALLS

Tanque Verde Falls is a wonderful oasis where one can enjoy desert terrain, canyon rock + refreshing water! It’s also a versatile area; you can relax by the pools of water at the bottom of the canyon, or trek to the lovely waterfall area! Either way, you’ll have a blast!

THE HIKE

Follow your GPS up the dirt road + to the trailhead parking lot. It will be on the left if you are coming from Tucson. After, cross the street + find the sign marked “Lower Tanque Verde Canyon Trail.” The trail weaves back + forth down to the bottom of the canyon. When you arrive at the bottom, start heading left from the way you came in. At this point there’s not a specific trail. I saw a brightly colored flag at this transitioning point.  Keep the flag in mind (if it’s still there) on your way back out so you don’t miss the trail. You’ll climb over boulders + discover pools of water throughout the trek. (Keep in mind that I went during the dry summer season, so there’s most likely more water other times of the year). Take your way around the bend. Approximately one mile from the trailhead, you’ll reach a narrow space with a sharp drop off on the left + it may seem as if you’ve reached a dead end. In reality, you are so close to the falls! Look up to the right, climb over the rock, walk just a little bit further, + BAM! The gorgeous swimming area + falls appear!

THE FALLS

I went in the summer when the falls were dry, so unfortunately I didn’t get to experience it’s full potential. What I did experience was pure solitude in the middle of a desert canyon. Not one person was around; it was just nature + me. I remember feeling grateful that I could experience something so beautiful in such an amazing setting. Everything was calm + so quiet. A bird sang sweet melodies while a breeze drifted by. I tested the murky water + enjoyed the unique wave in the canyon rock.  Mesmerized by reflections of the still, mysterious water, I almost couldn’t fathom that this wondrous place was my reality. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Please remember to pack out what you pack in + be respectful to the environment. Also, know that this area can be dangerous during flash flood season. Lastly, please be aware that people have died from cliff jumping off the rocks in the swimming area at Tanque Verde; use caution. 

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