A year-round swimming waterfall in the Tucson foothills, but watch for flash floods after storms — camping is currently closed.
No day-use fee documented; camping in the immediate falls area is currently closed under a Forest Order (effective April 26 2024 – April 29 2026), but day hiking to the falls remains open.
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Year-round access, but flash floods can occur minutes to hours after storms — check weather before entering the canyon.
Lower Tanque Verde Falls is a year-round swimming destination in the Coronado National Forest near Tucson. Day-use hiking to the waterfall remains open, and there is no day-use fee. However, a Forest Service closure order currently prohibits camping in the immediate falls area (effective through April 29, 2026), though this does not restrict day hiking to the cascade itself.
The primary hazard at this location is flash flooding. Tanque Verde Canyon can flood minutes to hours after storms, even if rain fell upstream and was not visible at your location. Before entering the canyon, check the weather forecast carefully and avoid the area if storms are predicted or recently occurred. Swimming is permitted in the pool when conditions are safe. The trail provides year-round access, but conditions vary seasonally; water flow and depth fluctuate significantly.
This is a good choice for a local Tucson day trip during clear weather and dry conditions. Always prioritize safety: do not enter the canyon if there is any risk of flash flooding.
Year-round access, but check weather before entering the canyon (flash-flood risk after storms).
NOT wheelchair accessible.
Storms or heavy rain have occurred; check weather and canyon conditions before visiting.
No day-use fee documented; camping in the immediate falls area is currently closed under a Forest Order (effective April 26 2024 – April 29 2026), but day hiking to the falls remains open.
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.
We track 3 waterfalls in Tucson Sky Islands.
There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Pima. All Tucson Sky Islands waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USDA Forest Service trail page and Coronado NF closure alert, both checked 2026-09-03. Confirmed the closure order applies to camping only, not day-use hiking.
Checked September 2026.