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About Seven Cataracts
Seven Cataracts is a series of seasonal falls in Willow Canyon where it drops into the midsection of Bear Canyon, on the Coronado National Forest in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson. Most visitors see them from Seven Cataracts Vista, a pullout on the Catalina Highway (Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway) at about milepost 9.2. The falls run only after heavy rain or snowmelt and are often dry. There is no maintained trail to the falls.
The Setting
Seven Cataracts sits at 5,210 feet within Coronado National Forest, in the high mountains of Arizona.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Tanque Verde Falls (80 ft) lies 8.5 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Seven Cataracts is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
USFS Trail
SYCAMORE RESERVOIR #39
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.83 miTrail Description
There is no maintained trail to Seven Cataracts; the usual visit is the view from Seven Cataracts Vista on the Catalina Highway. The direct descent from the road into Bear Canyon is off-trail and extremely steep, and HikeArizona warns against it. Its suggested safer route is a longer out-and-back from Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, about 9 miles round trip with about 1,600 feet of gain, followed by travel up the canyon bottom.
What to Expect
Expect a scenic view of cascading waterfalls, especially after recent rainfall or during snowmelt. The area is surrounded by rugged desert and mountain landscapes, offering a picturesque setting.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Seven Cataracts?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Seven Cataracts?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is after heavy rains or during snowmelt in the spring. The waterfalls may be dry during prolonged periods of drought.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Coronado National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution when parking along the highway, as traffic can be fast-moving. The terrain around the waterfalls is rugged and steep, so avoid attempting to climb down to the falls. Be aware of flash flood risks during heavy rains.
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
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 338 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,193 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 252 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 110 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,193 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 338 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Tucson, take the Catalina Highway (Mount Lemmon Highway) up the Santa Catalina Mountains. Seven Cataracts Vista is a signed pullout at about milepost 9.2, past Molino Basin, with views down into Bear Canyon.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the Seven Cataracts Vista pullout on the Catalina Highway near milepost 9. Do not stop on the roadway; the pullout has no amenities.
Elevation
5,210 feet above sea level
Coordinates
32.362020° N, -110.726478° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a period of rain or snowmelt for the best waterfall flow. Be cautious when parking along the highway, as traffic can be heavy. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for better views of the falls.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oro Valley-Tucson North by IHG
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
MOLINO
2.6 miles away · 1 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Windy Point Vista, Sabino Canyon, and Mount Lemmon. The Catalina Highway itself offers numerous scenic viewpoints and hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse desert wildlife, including birds, lizards, and occasionally larger mammals such as deer or javelinas.
Cities near Seven Cataracts
Nearby Waterfalls
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