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Chiva Falls - 2 members in 15 triplogs have rated this an average 3 ( 1 to 5 best )
15 triplogs
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Aug 31 2024
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 Guides 11
 Routes 2
 Photos 3,776
 Triplogs 334

48 male
 Joined Jun 09 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
4x4 Trip avatar Aug 31 2024
cw50must • Triplogs 334
4x4 Trip7.85 Miles 1,100 AEG
4x4 Trip7.85 Miles
1,100 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
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Went out to Chiva falls with 2 others. We drove the 4x4 route, taking the "three feathers" sections, which is the shorter route. If you do decide to drive this you will need 4wd and high clearance this is a very steady rocky route with lots of climbs and descents.
The falls were nice. There was water flowing. The area expert did note that he has seen it flowing more at other times. He recommends winter for the highest flow. Hiked down to the falls and enjoyed lunch before heading back the same route. Ran across some other groups but it was not crowded.

[ youtube video ]
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Feb 24 2024
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 Guides 16
 Routes 81
 Photos 1,269
 Triplogs 1,144

51 male
 Joined Apr 30 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 24 2024
azdesertfather • Triplogs 1,144
Hiking10.28 Miles 1,397 AEG
Hiking10.28 Miles   5 Hrs   16 Mns   2.24 mph
1,397 ft AEG      41 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hiked to the falls, then took the 4405 to the 4405B to get on top of the falls. Nice day out.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Chivo Falls Medium flow Medium flow
Pretty healthy flow, over a gallon a second.
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"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." — Henry David Thoreau
 
Feb 13 2024
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 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Chivo Falls, AZ 
Chivo Falls, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2024
markthurman53 • Triplogs 864
Hiking8.40 Miles 1,479 AEG
Hiking8.40 Miles   5 Hrs   19 Mns   1.73 mph
1,479 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Chiva Falls
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mamakatt22
With all the rain and snow visiting the waterfalls in the Rincon Mountains is a must. This time Chivo falls. Took the usual route that I have taken for over 50 years. The Jeep road is in much worse condition now than it was way back when. I would rather walk it than drive it. Water was in every little stream crossing. The Rincon Mountains were snow capped and stood out quite well with the sun glancing off the snow. Instead of the cross country portion near Chiva Tank we opted to stay on the road. Added a little mileage to the trip but Chiva Tank was full and worth the extra distance. Crossing Tanque Verde and Joaquin Creek was a little of a challenge until you just got use to the idea your feet are going to get wet. Once you were ok with that it was easy.

A good amount of flow over the falls. We had the falls to ourselves in fact we didn't see anyone the whole day until we were heading back and saw 3 other hikers. Always a good hike but walking along jeep trails is hard on the body joints, they typically just head straight up hills and are rather rocky. On the return trip we stayed on the road again rather than the short cut up the hill, this meant walking up the place along the road that use to be referred to as the chute. I would definitely rather walk it than drive it. It is also advisable to take the cross country short cut down the hill to avoid this section, you will have to deal with a few catclaws but it is easier.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Chiva Tank 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Chivo Falls Heavy flow Heavy flow

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Joaquin Canyon Medium flow Medium flow
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Jan 14 2022
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 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Chivo Falls, AZ 
Chivo Falls, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2022
markthurman53 • Triplogs 864
Hiking8.32 Miles 1,185 AEG
Hiking8.32 Miles   5 Hrs   8 Mns   1.82 mph
1,185 ft AEG      34 Mns Break
 
Linked   linked  
Chiva Falls
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mamakatt22
Chivo falls has been a favorite of mine since the mid 60's. There is a west and north route for this hike, This hike will be from the western end. I call it a route because there is no trail, just a connection of FSR and cross country with many variations possible. We hiked in using the route I was shown many years ago and our return trip was along FSR for the most part.

Started the hike on top of the hill along FSR4417 just east of the new parking area for the trail. From the top of the hill rather than follow 4417 we head down hill and reconnect up with 4417 (short cut) then follow 4417 a short distance but when 4417 heads north toward the Chute we head down the hill to reconnect up with 4417 (another short cut). Follow 4417 to the high point, about 1 mile (.2 before Chiva Tank) and head cross country to FSR4405. From here we follow the FSR up to Chivo Falls. On the return Trip we pretty much stayed on 4417 past Chiva Tank and up the chute. I have heard about the Chute but never seen it, figured it was time I check it out.

We did not see anybody all day with the exception of one motor cycle and a few people at the trail Head. FSR4417 is pretty chewed up but looks like there are still off roaders that use it. The last .3 miles to the falls use to be a trail but it is now a mess of off road trails. I guess the .3 miles was too much to walk so they created a hodgepodge of routes to the falls. They can only drive to within 100 yards of the falls because of massive rocks so they do have to walk a bit. Thanks to the massive rocks the falls isn't a parking lot.

Chivo falls had a good flow with a large pool at the bottom. Hasn't changed much in 60 years. Tanque Verde Creek had a light flow but not as much as I expected. Ginny made it across Tanque Verde and Juaquine Creek with out getting wet. The cross country route from 4417 to 4405 was covered in low catclaws that tore at your pants so we opted to just follow 4417 back. Did not see any cattle that are normally grazing this area and is probably the reason the grasses were quite high. Of the many times I have been to the falls this was one of the best, good amount of water but not too much to make access a problem.
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Jan 19 2019
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 Guides 6
 Routes 183
 Photos 5,612
 Triplogs 1,647

male
 Joined Mar 12 2004
 Scottsdale, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 19 2019
John9L • Triplogs 1,647
Hiking9.27 Miles 1,143 AEG
Hiking9.27 Miles
1,143 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Got together with a few friends and headed down south for a nice hike to Chiva Falls. We met off Elliot & the I-10 at 5:15am and drove down and headed all the way to the trailhead off Redington Rd. We met a couple peeps from Tucson and were hiking around 8am.

This hike follows a beaten up road that is perfect for modified 4x4s. Our going was easy as we navigated the ripped up tread. We passed Three Feathers and made solid progress. We took a couple of breaks along the way and the falls came into view about two miles out. They were flowing well! We continued on and arrived at the impressive falls! The area received a lot of snow the past few weeks and this led to a wonderful waterfall. We had the area entirely to ourselves and we really soaked it in. Just as we start to pack up another group arrived followed by two more groups as we walked away. We timed it just right.

The return hike went well. There were a few 4x4s that came through but it wasn't bad. We did watch some rigs playing on Three Feathers. Besides that, it was easy going and we were back to the cars around 1:30pm. This was a nice day and I'm glad I got to see Chivas flowing. The overall hike is fairly boring but the payoff is worth it. I only recommend this hike if the fall are flowing so check stream gauges before going.
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  1 archive
Mar 11 2018
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 Routes 54
 Photos 1,508
 Triplogs 325

39 male
 Joined Mar 18 2015
 Payson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 11 2018
The_N • Triplogs 325
Hiking10.20 Miles 1,600 AEG
Hiking10.20 Miles
1,600 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Walked the 4x4 road to the falls with a few friends. Clouds kept the tops of the mountains hidden, and us cool. Good flow at the falls. Myself and Daniela continued up stream from above the falls while the other 2 stayed back. We found a decent swimming hole and enjoyed the water for a few. Sun finally broke through on the walk back.
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If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
 
Feb 12 2017
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 Routes 386
 Photos 49
 Triplogs 792

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Feb 12 2017
emilystardust • Triplogs 792
Hiking7.40 Miles
Hiking7.40 Miles
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
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Jan 14 2017
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Run/Jog avatar Jan 14 2017
fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124
Run/Jog12.16 Miles 1,732 AEG
Run/Jog12.16 Miles   2 Hrs   57 Mns   4.50 mph
1,732 ft AEG      15 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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snuck in a good run early before the storm hit. did one of the high loops and dropped down to the check out the falls at the end of the loop portion. awesome water flowing and the falls were really impressive for this area!

did this with a couple buddies from work and we had a good time.

didn't see anyone until we were almost done

BIG rain followed :y:
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Feb 05 2015
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 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Redington Road Chivo Falls Douglas Spring, AZ 
Redington Road Chivo Falls Douglas Spring, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 05 2015
markthurman53 • Triplogs 864
Hiking14.20 Miles 2,908 AEG
Hiking14.20 Miles   7 Hrs   56 Mns   2.52 mph
2,908 ft AEG   2 Hrs   18 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Chiva Falls
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This hike starts at the Chivo Falls parking area along Redington Road. The route I take to Chivo Falls has been the same for the last 50 years. It is a combination of two tracks and cross country, leading to the coral at the junction of Tanque Verde Creek and Joaquin Creek. From there it's a short jaunt to Chivo falls. The falls was flowing better than I have seen it in a long time(just went at the wrong times). From Chivo Falls I take the two track up toward Anillo Tank and head west for about .5 miles along the two track. From here I take a cross country route along a ridge east of Canyon Del Pino for about .5 miles then head west across a small creek toward Canyon Del Pino. The rest of the route to Douglas Spring follows along the east side of Canyon Del Pino.
It was a nice time of year to do this hike, there was water everywhere. Not sure whether this cross country route is allowed anymore because for the last .75 miles you are in Saguaro National Park. The policy use to be you were allowed to hike along streams when not on a trail. The last I heard this is not allowed. Not sure if this just pertains to certain areas in the park.
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Sep 13 2013
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 Guides 187
 Routes 989
 Photos 12,068
 Triplogs 864

72 male
 Joined Jun 27 2015
 Tucson, Arizona
Tanque Verde Creek Loop, AZ 
Tanque Verde Creek Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 13 2013
markthurman53 • Triplogs 864
Hiking14.20 Miles 2,892 AEG
Hiking14.20 Miles   7 Hrs   20 Mns   2.62 mph
2,892 ft AEG   1 Hour   55 Mns Break15 LBS Pack
 
Linked   linked  
Chiva Falls
Partners none no partners
Very nice route to take during early Spring when the creeks are running. All of this hike is along 4WD roads or in creek beds. The hike starts at Tanque Verde Falls Parking lot and heads up stream to just past the dam (about 1.5 miles), then heads South up a jeep trail west of Aliso Creek. The route then follows a jeep trail east toward Portoritas Tank, crossing the upper reaches of Aliso creek, Canyon Del Pino, Joaquin Canyon and Anillo Tank. At this point it heads back down to Tanque Verde Creek to near the junction of Joaquin Creek. From here the trail follows a jeep trail along the north side of Tanque Verde Creek back to the Dam and then along Creek to the start point.
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Nov 13 2011
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Run/Jog avatar Nov 13 2011
fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124
Run/Jog10.06 Miles 1,445 AEG
Run/Jog10.06 Miles
1,445 ft AEG
 
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
went for a run with some friends from work. started off in drizzle, then nice and then finished in the rain. great temps. despite the recent rain/snow, then falls were but a drizzle. still nice area though

my longest pure run to date
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hi
 
Aug 14 2011
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 Photos 4
 Triplogs 2

43 female
 Joined Aug 09 2011
 tucson, az
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Aug 14 2011
elephantshoe • Triplogs 2
Hiking7.40 Miles
Hiking7.40 Miles   4 Hrs      1.85 mph
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Hope I'm doing this rt....here it goes for my first log.....wasn't sure what the day would hold planned on jus hiking down the first trail past the parking lot heading up redington pass....went down and out fairly quickly water was flowing good...muddy looking....so went on up to the top and out...jus as we came up to the parking lot some younger people asked how to get to chivo falls....as we talked about going ourselves but it was later so we where not sure...after giving them directions and making sure they know what they was in for we continued our drive....up a few more miles u can get a look at the falls....we saw they where flowing and decided to hike out....a lot of up and down but very easy to follow the directions from the descripton on this page....stream was flowing nicely as we crossed over to the up ward climb to the falls...enjoyed the water and falls and returns back same way last stretch was in the dark but being on the big 4x4 trail it was ok....well worth it if u can see the water from the road ....
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Chivo Falls
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Mar 01 2009
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 Routes 2
 Photos 9
 Triplogs 4

55 male
 Joined Mar 26 2008
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Hiking avatar Mar 01 2009
ceasom • Triplogs 4
Hiking8.40 Miles
Hiking8.40 Miles   5 Hrs      1.68 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Headed out from the parking lot on Reddington Road to the falls. Encountered a few 4x4s and quad bikes. Not too much of a problem, except the quad riders decided to use our stretch of the trail as their personal race track and weren't prepared to wait until we'd got through! Oh well.... 4x4 drivers were considerat and even stopped to offer us water on our hike back out. Beautiful day, not too much running water compared to the last time was out here, but had a great hike. Spent 30 minutes or so at the falls - had to wade in and stand underneath the freezing cold falls just for the heck of it, then lay on a rock to thaw and dry out. The 90 degrees and clear blue sky helped :) Total round trip was logged at 8.2 miles on my GPSr and took us 5 hours including rest stops.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Feb 08 2009
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 Guides 15
 Routes 40
 Photos 335
 Triplogs 48

75 male
 Joined Apr 23 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
Horseback avatar Feb 08 2009
BrettVet • Triplogs 48
Horseback15.00 Miles
Horseback15.00 Miles
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Started at the AZT trail head on Reddington Road . Too the AZT south to the Italian Springs Trail head then found the Tanque Verde creek connector trail behind and through a set of corrals to the jeep road to Chiva falls. Picnicked by a stream and made a loop out of it by following a FS road out to Reddington RD.The connector trail is on a few maps but in pretty bad shape.
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Mar 24 2007
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 Photos 95
 Triplogs 28

42 male
 Joined May 09 2007
 Tucson, AZ
Chiva FallsTucson, AZ
Chiva Falls
Tucson, AZ
4x4 Trip avatar Mar 24 2007
Sjcorrea • Triplogs 28
4x4 Trip10.80 Miles
4x4 Trip10.80 Miles
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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went out w SDS. weather was great. a guide had killed a small female lion. too bad. trail was great and water was flowing. would rate as a 3.5 but possible w/ stock 4x4.
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average hiking speed 2.07 mph

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