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| Hiking | 7.52 Miles |
1,320 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.52 Miles | 3 Hrs 59 Mns | | 1.98 mph |
| 1,320 ft AEG | 11 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Sometimes you get to check a hike off someone else’s list and also enjoy a new trail as well. A visit south on Saturday to saunter in the Saguaro National Park East and see the sights and hear the sounds of water streaming down sent us to Bridal Wreath Falls Loop, East of Tucson near Tanque Verde.
The small parking lot at the Douglas Springs Trailhead was overflowing by our 8am arrival. Low clouds hanging on the peaks slightly obscured the snow that arrived the day before.
Already warming, minimal layers were needed which is yet another selling feature of Arizona. Even local residents can migrate South to warm a few degrees.
The trail is in top notch condition and the trail signs for the loop are clear and very present. The climb starts gradually and then builds, creating a nicely paced workout. After stopping to shed the only extra layer, we saw some Fall color in one of the drainages as we approached the spur to the falls.
A little maneuvering in the rocks prior to falls lands you at the base. There was water falling but to describe it we decided it was more of a hand wash than a hair wash level. Nonetheless, we saw water fall at the waterfall.
All that glitters is not gold—sometimes it’s Mica. Shimmering in the southern sun, like the floor of a kindergarten class at Christmas.
Obligatory photos and then a return via the loop which, as the official write up indicates, is a stellar option.
The many drainages and washes indicate the amount of water that is present here. While not flowing, water in the natural catchments were present and most likely keep the critters watered all year long.
No goldfish at Steel Tank but one must honor the triplog by taking time to look and report.
As for other sightings - a few equestrians enjoying the trails and a few sulphurs flying around. In warmer weather, this place would be a wonderland.
An in theme stop at Saguaro Corners restaurant was the end of trail before heading home. An indoor/outdoor establishment which offers a nice selection of Tucson brews and home cooked chips sent us home satisfied. And if seated inside, a view outside to a man-made waterfall if your hike leaves you wanting.
One of the topics discussed on the hike out was the rating systems for hike logs and we both agreed they are skewed higher than lower because hikers are happy people and even more so when they get to do what they love.
Signed,
Self-aware Over-rater
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Route Editor
Route Scout
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Route 
](https://hikearizona.com/dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
After passing the Converse trail things start to get a little steeper. The trail is well maintained with "steps" added in place but there are some bare rocks that you have to climb over. Things level off a bit and you pass the Carillo trail, then you start to climb again. Again, the trail is well maintained with the "steps" added in to help. This is a 1.2 mile leg then you meet up with the Three Tank trail. Toward the end of this leg, and probably about .1 mile from the Three Tank trail is a huge bee colony (I attached a picture) on the left hand side of the trail. A log was placed on the trail (and hopefully is still there). There is room to pass around the colony to the right. From here on out it is a fairly easy hike to the Bridal Wreath Falls. To actually get close up to the falls you have to climb over a bunch of fallen rocks, but if water is running it is worth that extra bit. It took us two hours to climb up, but then I was snapping pictures along the way, and an hour and a half to walk back... still taking pictures, but not as many. Had we got an earlier start we might have ventured to Ernie's Falls. Maybe next time.
