Tanque Verde Falls

About

Tanque Verde Falls is in Redington Pass on Tucson's far east side, where Tanque Verde Creek runs through slopes covered in saguaros. After rains, the creek fills seasonal pools and waterfalls, including an 80-foot fall you can see from the Overlook Trail. The Forest Service charges nothing for the site or for day-use parking. It is open year-round for day use, and there is no drinking water, so bring your own. There is no trail along the creekbed itself, and getting to the base of the falls means rough going over rock and water. Rain up in the mountains can send a flash flood down the canyon quickly, and the falls have seen deaths and many rescues over the years, so check the forecast first.