Chiva Falls - Hike, Mountain Bike, and Swim near Mount Lemmon, Arizona
Arizona Trail, Vail, AZ 85641, USA,Mount Lemmon,Arizona
32.281563, -110.63317599999999
14.4 miles SE of Mount Lemmon, Arizona
Address: Arizona Trail, Vail, AZ 85641, USA
GPS: 32°16'53.6"N 110°37'59.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trail Length: 8.00 miles
MTB Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: Out & Back
Hike Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 2635 feet
Trails/Routes: 4.4 mi

Waterfalls Streams Rocks Bicycles Motorized Use

Hike, Mountain Bike, and Swim

Chiva Falls is a waterfall nestled within Coronado National Forest. The path to get there is quite rocky, proving a favorite for mountain biking and motorized vehicles, although hiking is also possible. At the falls, there is a pool to swim in, but be cautious before diving to make sure it's deep enough. 

This is a popular route for motorized recreation, so the trails are now basically double-track and be aware of where you are among all the social trails and paths. Courtesy of sdmb.org

This is a trail that requires previous experience with off-roading or mountain biking, due to the difficult terrain. As with most of Arizona's desert waterfalls and pools, take care to avoid flash-flooding conditions. Even though the best time to view the falls is when they've been replenished with precipitation, a heavy rain or monsoon could prove dangerous on the trail.

2.0K Written by camilledupar

Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Mount Lemmon, Arizona

  1. Head south toward E Ski Run Rd/Summit Rd (0.1 mi)
  2. Turn left onto E Ski Run Rd/Summit Rd (0.3 mi)
  3. Slight left onto E Ski Run Rd (3.0 mi)
  4. Turn left onto N General Hitchcock Hwy (2.0 mi)
  5. Continue onto N Mt Lemmon Hwy (22.6 mi)
  6. Turn left onto N Mt Lemmon Short Rd (0.5 mi)
  7. Continue onto N Soldier Trail (3.5 mi)
  8. Turn left onto E Tanque Verde Rd (1.1 mi)
  9. Continue onto E Redington Rd
    Destination will be on the right
    (7.5 mi)
or

Redington Road is rough, but there are places to park along the road, both a couple of miles from the trailhead, and further along the rocky, gravel road. Once the pavement stops, it will be rough, but will ease up. 

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2.0K

Added by camilledupar

Trails

Distance ?

4.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

25 feet

Real Ascent ?

755 feet

Real Descent ?

730 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-33° to 38°)

-66% to 79%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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