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Bridal Wreath Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 3.9 (28)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Southern Arizona and Tucson
  4. …Saguaro National Park
  5. Rincon Mountain District (East)
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“A pleasant route leading to Bridal Wreath Falls. ”

Yanko Limón
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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.4

KM

Out and Back

3,802' 1,159 m

High

2,757' 840 m

Low

1,066' 325 m

Up

1,066' 325 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Though the full route is a bit long for younger kids, older kids will enjoy the chance to see the waterfall at the end of this route!

Overview

This route climbs through the foothills of the Rincons to get to the base of Bridal Wreath Falls. It can get crowded on weekends, as the falls are a popular destination. Be aware that due to lack of shade, the trail can be hot during the day.

Need to Know

The sun is quite intense in the Arizona desert, so come prepared with adequate sun protection and water.

Description

From the trailhead, follow the Douglas Springs Trail. There will be several trail junctions along the way but they are always well marked with signs. Stay on Douglas Springs Trail until about 2.5 miles in. The trail up to this point will have a combination of easy, moderate grades punctuated with a few short, steep climbs. Shade will be at a premium, so make sure that you've brought a good sun hat and plenty of water!

After about 2.5 miles on the Douglas Springs Trail, turn right onto the Bridal Wreath Falls Trail. This trail is short and sweet, bringing visitors up the last 1/4 mile or so to the actual falls. You'll continue to climb, but at a gentler rate than on the Douglas Springs Trail. The last hundred yards takes you through a wash with stones and boulders that you have to navigate around, so use appropriate caution here.

The waterfall is about 25 ft tall and has a small pool at the base, a striking feature in the desert! Take your time to enjoy the water, and to cool off from your ascent. Once you've had your fill, return the way that you came, and descend back to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Desert natives dot the landscape, like cholla and the saguaros that give the park its name.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Saguaro National Park

Shared By:

Yanko Limón
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 28 votes

#1

in Rincon Mountain District (East)

#758

Overall
  3.9 from 28 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
36%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Rincon Mountain Distri…

#36

in Arizona

#758

Overall
63 Views Last Month
10,994 Since Apr 22, 2015
Intermediate
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4%
74%
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22%
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Photos

Bridal Wreath Falls
Jan 3, 2020 near Tanque…, AZ
My impression of a giant saguaro.
Oct 1, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
A wonderful place to relax and enjoy your day on the trail. You can see the amount of water that can be in there at times.
Aug 18, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
Big cactus in Saguaro Wilderness
Apr 29, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
The trail crosses the wash... depending on time of year and weather can be dry or full and flowing really well.
Aug 18, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
A trail through the lowland desert beneath the Rincon Mountains.
May 26, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 31 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2023
Andrew Rush
Jan 24, 2023
Acy Crawford
Lovely hike! Chilly day and the most people I had yet to see at the Park. 5.8mi — 3h 30m
Jan 8, 2023
Brett Miller
Aug 20, 2022
Haden Smith
Lots of wildlife 3mi
Nov 15, 2021
Stephen Gorzynski
5.9mi — 3h 27m
Aug 1, 2021
Ashley Hendrickson
7.1mi
Mar 24, 2021
Nick Wilder
Mar 20, 2021
hdjohnson
Nice! Not much shade until the falls 5.8mi

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