Back to Tanque Verde Falls & Nudists

Rather than enter the canyon in which the falls are located via the same trail as last week, we drove a little higher on Reddington Road.  There, another trail and an even more foreboding sign, warning of the danger that exists below.

Beautiful and a canyon filled with boulders that have fallen from the slopes above.  This region has some seismic activity so you never know when a car sized boulder will tumble down.

We work our way upstream.  The water level is diminished so there are more opportunities to cross the stream without getting our feet wet.

I've hiked up a number of canyons like this and I always marvel how there is always a way around every point that appears to be a dead end.  Then, walking past a wall we notice.....

…..what?  Later, I researched this a little and discovered an area between the lower and upper falls is a popular destination for nudists.  

We reach the lower falls.  Just a spectacular location.  Unfortunately, my hiking buddy injured her knee.  There is a wall on the right.....

….side of the falls that must be climbed to access the 70', upper falls.  The rock is smooth and not a great surface for climbing.  I could go up but was concerned I'd have an issue with the down climb so I didn't get to see the upper falls.  I know by driving a little higher on Reddinton, there is another trail that leads to the upper falls so I'll come back and do the entire canyon.

We headed down canyon, my friend hobbling and in some pain.  It only hurt when full body weight was placed on the knee and unfortunately, many of the steps required that.  Some of the crossings are tricky too.  Fun time and I'll be back soon to do the entire canyon.