La Milagrosa Canyon
Tucson, Arizona
Address: | 12985 E Horsehead Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749, USA |
GPS: |
32°17'53.6"N 110°43'50.8"W Maps | Directions |
State: | Arizona |
Trail Length: | 2.90 miles |
Trail Type: | Out & Back |
Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
Elevation Gain: | 345 feet |
Trails/Routes: | 1.1 mi |
Waterfalls Rocks
Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, and Swim
La Milagrosa Canyon is a hidden gem just east of Tucson, Arizona and north of the Tanque Verde area. It features many rock-climbing walls, and even a seasonal waterfall with pools for swimming, best accessed by hiking. The waterfall may dry up depending on how long it's been since the last rainfall. Access to the pools will require scrambling over some boulders, especially if you're trying to reach one of the top two pools.
There is little to no sun on this hike, so be sure to take plenty of water and a hat. Like many such destinations in Arizona, this arena is best enjoyed in the fall, winter, or spring to avoid the summer heat. Though it is common to visit the canyon pools shortly after rainfall, take care to watch the local weather conditions to avoid a potential flash flood, which can be deadly.
More Information
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.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Tucson, Arizona
- Head west on E Broadway Blvd toward S Country Club Rd (39 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Country Club Rd (1.0 mi)
- Turn right onto E Speedway Blvd (4.0 mi)
- Turn left onto N Wilmot Rd (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto E Tanque Verde Rd (1.7 mi)
- Keep left to stay on E Tanque Verde Rd (2.1 mi)
- Turn left onto E Catalina Hwy (3.7 mi)
- Turn right onto E Snyder Rd (1.3 mi)
- Turn left onto N Avenida De Suzenu (0.3 mi)
The nearest place to park is within town a little ways; there is not a formal lot, so you'll have to park on the street before starting out. You have to follow a dirt road for a while on foot before reaching the canyon.
From town, head north on the Catalina Highway as if going up Mt Lemmon. Before the base of the mountain, turn right (east) onto Snyder Road. Follow Snyder east to Suzenu Rd. and turn left. Drive to the end of Suzenu, and park off the road near the large gate. From the gate, hike east down a long, straight dirt road. After about ten minutes of hiking, pass through a chained gate and cross the bed of Molino Creek. Follow the road up a hill until you can see Agua Caliente Creek to the south. Courtesy of mountainproject.com
Trails
Distance ?
1.1 milesElevation Gain ?
91 feetReal Ascent ?
220 feetReal Descent ?
129 feetAvg Grade (1°)
2%Grade (-22° to 24°)
-40% to 44%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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