Basics
- Location:
- Tucson
- Length:
- 8.5 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Intermediate
- Time To Allow:
- 3 - 4 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 2600 feet
- Season:
- All Year
Description
The trails to Chiva Falls features a system of technical double track jeep roads filled with rock strewn surfaces, sand and large ruts. The Chiva Falls ride is recommended for intermediate level riders and above, offering excellent views of the Rincon Mountains and the rugged beauty of the Coronado National Forest.
Chiva Falls, a cascading waterfall fed by a clear spring creek, runs from early winter through early summer in most years, and offers a rewarding goal for riders as they traverse the technical trailways to access the area. Riders may choose the easier option of riding back from the falls via the same route they rode in or spicing things up and picking one of a handful of very technical loop systems that continue on from the falls.
A longer loop, known as the High Chiva Loop, gets riders way ‘out there’ and will clock over 20 miles over tough terrain. This is recommended for very fit and experienced advanced and expert desert riders only due to the remoteness and challenge of rescue in this terrain.
The majority of important trail intersections are marked though trails are constantly being created by both bikers and Jeeps. Riders are advised to pay careful attention in this remote area to follow the correct route.
Details
Location:
Length:
May be completed as loop on difficult side trails. Suggested as out and back.
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Can be lengthened by adding additional trails for mileage
Trailhead Elevation:
Season:
Additional Details:
The Chiva Falls Trail is fairly remote and riders should consider bringing extra food, water and clothing as temperatures may shift dramatically. The trail is loaded with rocks and a repair and first aid kit are essential. The Chiva Falls Trail area is mixed use with Jeeps, Horses, Motorcycles and Hikers possible. Please be considerate on the trails and understand right of way protocol.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From downtown Tucson take Speedway Boulevard eastbound until the Wilmot Road intersection. Turn left here onto Wilmot Road. Shortly after take a right onto Tanque Verde Road. Tanque Verde turns into Reddington Road. Reddington Road is dirt and it is suggested for non 4x4 vehicles to park here and ride from where the pavement ends. Ride or drive 4.7 miles on the Reddington Road to a cattle guard and roadway on the right.
Cross the cattle guard on your bike and ride about 2.6 miles to the Chiva Tank junction. Take a right here. After about half a mile take a left across another cattle guard. Head left at next junction and right onto Chiva Falls Trail. Falls will be on right.
