Are there fees or permits required for Chiva Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Chiva Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Chiva Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Chiva Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s

Chiva Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Chiva Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Chiva Falls.

Arizona • Saguaro National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Coronado National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (1)

666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠ CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

6.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Chiva Falls

Chiva Falls sits in the Rincon Mountains just east of Tucson, tucked into the Coronado National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This seasonal cascade is at its most dramatic after summer monsoons or heavy rains, when water spills through desert canyons and contrasts with the surrounding saguaro-studded slopes. The spot’s mix of rugged desert scenery and a short, lively waterfall makes it a rewarding goal for hikers who don’t mind a rough approach. The route to Chiva Falls is popular with off-road enthusiasts but is also reachable on foot for experienced hikers. Expect a fairly strenuous outing: the commonly used approach is an out-and-back of about 6.5 miles with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, and it’s rated hard. Its location near Saguaro National Park means you’ll be hiking where high desert and mountain environments meet—bring plenty of water, sun protection, and plan for variable trail conditions after storms.

The Setting

Chiva Falls sits at 4,029 feet within Saguaro National Park, fed by the Rincon Creek, in the mountains of Arizona.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard 6.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Length: 6.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~800 feet. Difficulty: Hard. Surface and grade: the route is rugged and primarily unpaved—expect rocky tread, loose soil, and washes; short steep pitches make sections strenuous. Trail use: commonly traveled by off-road vehicles and hikers, so tread can be irregular and minimally maintained. Conditions change after rain, with occasional water crossings and muddier footing; plan accordingly and be prepared for route-finding in places.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chiva Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Chiva Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring fall winter

The best time to visit is after significant rainfall, typically during the monsoon season (July to September) or in the spring when water flow is more likely.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Saguaro National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail is remote and rugged. Bring sufficient supplies, including water and a first aid kit. Be cautious of flash flooding during the monsoon season. Cell service may be limited.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Based on 59 years of record

1.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

RINCON CREEK NEAR TUCSON, AZ.

USGS 09485000

9.0 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 45 sq mi

Altitude: 3,132 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Tanque Verde hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Chiva Falls is accessed via Redington Road, a dirt road that requires a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle. The trailhead is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Tucson.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but space may be limited. Ensure your vehicle is parked safely off the road.

Elevation

4029 feet above sea level

Coordinates

32.258130° N, -110.595914° W

Land Management

Coronado National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become impassable after heavy rain. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. If driving, ensure your vehicle is equipped for off-road conditions.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 6.5 miles trail gains 800 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

MOLINO

7.9 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Visitors are drawn to Molino Campground for its group camping area, scenic mountain surroundings and hiking and mountain biking opportunities. While most other campgrounds in the Catalina Mountains are closed in winter, Molino Campground and its picnic area are open in late fall, winter and early spring. The pleasant winter weather at this elevation makes it a great time to visit. Molino Basin is conveniently located 5.5 miles from the base of Mt. Lemmon on the Catalina Highway, and abou

Book on Recreation.gov