Tanque Verde Falls

From the Tanque Verde Road and Catalina Highway junction in Tucson, drive about 4.6 miles east until Tanque Verde Road becomes Redington Road, then 3.7 miles more to the Lower Tanque Verde Trailhead; the last section is bumpy dirt but fine for most cars. Lower, Middle and Upper trailheads have improved free parking on the north side of the road; the Middle area has a toilet and shaded picnic tables. Trail #342 and the overlook trail descend steeply to the canyon; there is no path along the creekbed, so expect scrambling. No water, no public transport, not wheelchair accessible. Day use only.

Guides describe the canyon as a desert oasis with deep, clear pools and a long tradition of naturist use, while forum users advise keeping clothes on near the road and trailhead and only undressing deeper in the canyon. Local reports focus on safety: slippery rock, heat exhaustion and flash floods, with frequent rescues. Litter has been a long-running problem, though volunteer clean-ups say it has improved. Weekends are busy with clothed swimmers.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

Coronado National Forest has no designated clothing-optional area here and nude use is informal custom only; Arizona's indecent exposure law applies if someone present is likely to be offended. Since 2024 the site is day-use only, with camping banned at the parking areas and within 650 feet of the road under a Forest Service order.

Naturism at Tanque Verde Falls sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.

Full country law: United States public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.