Hike to the Big Falls

My 3rd attempt at finding the 70' water fall within Tanque Verde Canyon. On this Wednesday, there were quite a few others who were enjoying the beaches, flowing water, pools and scenery.

Two of us head up canyon where we enjoy seeing several, less notable falls.

This combination of hiking, boulder hopping, wall climbing is always different as rather than follow a defined trail, it's just a series of probes as we seek a way forward.  At about 1.5 miles, we reach a platform that appears to be a dead end but as I scanned a hill side above I spotted a trail so we climb and find.....

….the big falls.  A spectacular setting with a nice beach, rock walls soaring above us and in the water I spotted.....

….a turtle!  Also some fish.  The pool appears to be about 6' deep so I wondered what it looked like in June, before the monsoon arrives and after a month or two of no rain.  Have to come back and find out.

I did some climbing of the surrounding cliffs as my friend soaks up some rays.

The granite walls were a mix of colors as I....

….climb higher but soon reach a wall that appears to be a doable climb but then above it is nothing.  Not wanting to be yet another statistic in this canyon, I climb down and soon....

….we are on our way back as other begin their way in.  Finished with 3 miles and 600' of climbing.  Very fun time and it was good to finally reach the big falls.