Chiva falls (also sometimes referred to as Chivo Falls) is located in Tucson, Arizona and a part of the Coronado National Forest off of Redington Pass. Chiva falls is a destination that brings many local Tucsonans out to explore (and hopefully some nonlocals too!). The trail is most commonly used for UTV’s or off roading vehicles, but it is also used by hikers and mountain bikers. The trail has a few parts that are very ROUGH! It is not meant for the inexperienced (at least for vehicles). As far as mountain biking goes the trail can be conquered by just about any experience level, especially if you are willing to walk your bike on a few rough areas. Dog are also welcome!
The trail runs for about 8.6 miles and usually takes anywhere from 4 hours to 7 hours to complete on average. The trail leads to multiple small pools (some very deep though!) and a 75 foot waterfall. (trailsoffroad.com) There is very little shade on the trail, at the pools, and at the falls; because of this make sure to pack lots of water, snacks, and wear sunscreen. Pack more than you think may need, just in case. The end destination is Chiva Falls, the trail is a one way.
Being in a desert environment it is important to plan for a day trip accordingly. Tucson can be very hot and dry. You need to plan for weather (you don’t want it to be too hot and you especially do not want to be caught during a flashflood). If you chose a drier part of the season you will probably be disappointed with the lack of water. The most common time to visit Chiva Falls is after the spring rains and around monsoon season. (trailsoffroad.com) If you are going there during the peak times be prepared for the trail to be very busy.
The trail has been rated as moderate difficulty. That is true for the most part, but there are some areas that are very rocky and hard to pass through in a vehicle. This is especially true if you do not have knowledge or experience to navigate these types of trails. Lots of vehicles get stuck here! It might be a good idea to look into getting the number for a local towing company that specializes in off roading, just in case. The best thing you can do is to be prepared. Make sure you have a small tool set, a first aid kit, a couple of tow straps, and pack a little more food and water than you think you’ll need. It’s also important to note that a lot of trails do not have cell phone service and the places that do have service are spotty.
One complaint about the trail that seems to be pretty consistent from the individuals that like to hike or mountain bike to Chiva Falls is that there are so many off roading vehicles. That is one thing I can verify, a majority of people exploring the area have either modified off roading vehicles, quads, dirt bikes, and side by sides. There are a few local off roading groups that plan large group trips, sometimes there will be 30+ vehicles on a ride together. One local off roading group that organizes local rides is 5-2-0 SXS, they can be found on Facebook! In order to avoid a majority of this traffic it is recommended to go on weekdays and start your adventure early in the morning. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/345065042631034)
Chiva Falls is one of the many hidden gems that Tucson has to offer! Never heard of it and need directions to The Falls? Let’s start from the freeway. Take exit 256 to Grant Road, take Grant Road and head east. You’re going take Grant Road until to you reach Tanque Verde Road, you’re going to head easy on Tanque Verde Road. Now all you have to do is follow Tanque Verde road all the way to where Redington Pass begins. You’ll know you are there when the pavement turns into dirt! The dirt road located for the first few miles of Redington Pass is passable in a small car, but still expect it to be rough in some areas. Continue on Redington Pass Road until you’re about half a mile past mile maker 7, then you’ll turn right onto trail FS 4417. FS 4417 will take you all the way to Chiva Falls. (azoffroading.com)
Let’s talk staging areas! Whether you are hiking, mountain biking, or off-roading, you’ll need a place to stage. Luckily there are lots of areas to stage. The downfall is that the area is almost always busy because there are so many places to visit while exploring Redington Pass. There are large dirt areas for trucks and trailers, small camp sites along the road, and if you’re just hiking or mountain biking the road is wide enough in a few areas to park just off the road. If you do plan on hiking or mountain biking the trail to Chiva Falls keep in mind that the trail does not begin until after mile marker 7 and the trail is about 8.6 miles long. If you do not want to hike or mountain bike approximation 22.6 miles, you are going to want to find a staging area that is close to the trail. If you live close enough to Redington Pass and you plan on using a UTV, I recommend just driving your UTV there. You won’t have to find a staging area and you won’t have to trailer!
The following link will send you to a map of Chiva Falls: http://www.sdmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chiva-Falls-Map.jpg
The following link will send you to a map of the closet place to stage near Chiva Falls: https://www.google.com/maps/place/32°16'53.6%22N+110°37'59.4%22W/@32.281464,-110.632571,668m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xb04d2d49a842b6ab!8m2!3d32.281563!4d-110.633176?hl=en
Photo courtesy of Back o’ Beyond
Photo courtesy of Back o’ Beyond
Photo courtesy of Reddit
Photo courtesy of Brittany Noel
Photo courtesy of Brittany Noel
Sources
“Chiva Falls.” AZoffroading.com, 27 Oct. 2021, https://azoffroading.com/arizona-trails/chiva-falls/.
“Chiva Falls.” Arizona Offroad Trail, https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/41-chiva-falls.
“Chiva Falls.” Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists - Home, 25 Oct. 2013, http://www.sdmb.org/trails/chiva-falls/.
“Chiva Falls Map.” Chiva Falls (in Pima County, AZ), http://www.sdmb.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Chiva-Falls-Map.jpg.
Google Maps, Google, https://www.google.com/maps/place/32%C2%B016%2753.6%2522N%2B110%C2%B037%2759.4%2522W/%4032.281464%2C-110.632571%2C668m/data%3D%213m1%211e3%214m5%213m4%211s0x0%3A0xb04d2d49a842b6ab%218m2%213d32.281563%214d-110.633176?hl=en.
Karren Max's early childhood was spent in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah and his teenage years in the red rock desert of Southern Utah. Thanks to his dad and the Boy Scouts, Max. “Chiva Falls Hiking Guide.” Back o' Beyond, 1 Jan. 2021, https://backobeyond.blog/chiva-falls-hiking-guide/.
“R/Tucson - Chiva Falls Was Flowing like Crazy!” Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/Tucson/comments/or885q/chiva_falls_was_flowing_like_crazy/.
