Tanque Verde Falls, Waterfall in Rincon Mountains, Arizona.
Tanque Verde Falls is a waterfall in the Rincon Mountains that drops roughly 80 feet into a basin surrounded by steep granite walls and desert plants. The water collects in turquoise pools, with saguaro cacti and palo verde trees visible along the canyon walls.
Apache and Pueblo peoples relied on this water source for centuries before Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1500s. The area later became part of territorial ranches during the Mexican and American periods.
The name Tanque Verde comes from Spanish, meaning 'green tank,' referring to the water pools that form below the falls. Today, the site serves as a gathering place where hikers enjoy swimming in the natural basins during warmer months.
Good hiking boots and plenty of water are essential for the roughly 3-mile round trip, as the path gets steep in places and offers little shade. Starting early in the morning or going in late afternoon helps avoid the strongest desert heat.
During monsoon season from July through September, the normally gentle stream becomes a surging torrent with multiple tiers of cascades. This dramatic shift can surprise hikers who have only seen the falls during drier months.
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