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A good trail to Juniper Basin Campground and Tanque Verde Peak. Definitely a must do in the area.


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Map Key

11.0

Miles

17.8

KM

Point to Point

7,006' 2,136 m

High

3,107' 947 m

Low

4,205' 1,282 m

Up

1,202' 366 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

You can take the Tanque Ridge Trail all the way to Tanque Verde Peak. That distance is about 8.5 miles one way. This trail is steep, and the starting elevation is about 3,000 ft. Tanque Verde Peak is 7,000 ft or so, so you can see that there will be much gain in those 8 miles.

You can also take this trail just to Juniper Basin where there is good designated camping. That distance is about 6.2 miles one way with about 3,500 feet of climbing.

If you'd like to take the trail to it's terminus, you'll find yourself at the Cow Head Saddle, nearly 11 miles in. If you've made it this far, you'll have the option to connect to a variety of other trails, or return the way that you came.

Depending on season, there may be water about half a mile before reaching Juniper Basin Camp. Juniper Basin Camp also may have water. On the way to Tanque Verde Peak, there may be water down in some gullies where you may find potholes. Some parts of the trail may get lost if you don't pay attention, especially if you are not a savvy route finder. Don't lose the cairns. You can use the Hiking Project mobile app to make sure you don't get lost.

Contacts

Shared By:

Yanko Limón with improvements by Chris McD

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 11 votes

#7388

Overall
  4.3 from 11 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
55%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#200

in Arizona

#7,388

Overall
45 Views Last Month
4,955 Since Jun 12, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Snow and rain in the Desert - on the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
Apr 29, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
Sunset from the bottom of Tanque Verde Ridge
Feb 28, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
Cow Head Saddle with view up to Manning Camp. Juniper Tress and Manzanita in bloom.
May 8, 2016 near Tanque…, AZ
Looking down-trail towards Tucson.
Feb 7, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
Heading west (downhill) on Tanque Verde Ridge Trail.
Nov 10, 2015 near Tanque…, AZ
Sunset light from the rocks below Tanque Verde.
Feb 28, 2021 near Tanque…, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 19 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 23, 2023
DD Demers
Jun 12, 2023
DD Demers
Jan 22, 2023
DD Demers
Apr 24, 2022
Mary Anderson
Hiked to Tanque Verde Peak and back. Beautiful views all around of Tucson, the Catalinas, Mica Mountain, Rincon Peak, and others 18mi — 10h 30m
Apr 2, 2022
Freddie Sanchez
Hiked up Tanque Verde Ridge trail to Juniper Basin. It was warm and a little windy. the trail was in good condition, with little overgrowth and ple…
Apr 2, 2022
DD Demers
Dec 22, 2021
DD Demers
Dec 20, 2021
DD Demers
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