For much of the year, water is a bit of a rarity in the desert Southwest. Then comes the season locals love most (well, many of them): monsoon season.
Come usually July through September, the monsoons bring a seasonal shift in winds and moisture that fuels summer thunderstorms across the region, with its effects particularly pronounced in Arizona and New Mexico. In fact, much of both states receives 40- to 60-percent of its annual precipitation during the monsoon season. During these few fleeting weeks, normally dry washes can run with water, pools collect between desert rocks and— if you're lucky—cascades might even tumble down places that were bone-dry days before.
So, go chasing waterfalls. Or small streams falling vertically. It's the desert, after all. Here are three monsoon hikes to try this summer.
inniemouseaunt, CC BY 2.0
Hieroglyphic Trail | Superstition Mountains, Arizona
Head into the Superstition Mountains near Gold Canyon for the relatively short Hieroglyphic Trail, which travels about 1.1 miles into the mountains before reaching a rocky canyon decorated with centuries-old petroglyphs.
The water here is never guaranteed, but that’s part of the fun. After a good rain, seasonal pools fill among the smooth volcanic rocks and small cascades can appear along the drainage. Even when the desert is dry, the hike delivers classic Sonoran Desert scenery with saguaros, rugged mountains and sweeping views across the valley.
Learn more at alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/hieroglyphic-trail. Plan your trip at goldcanyon.net.
Visit Tucson
Seven Falls | Tucson, Arizona
For something a little more reliable, head south to Seven Falls in Tucson's Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Bear Canyon Trail winds through a landscape of saguaros and canyon walls before arriving at a series of waterfalls and pools that become particularly impressive following heavy rainfall.
The full hike can stretch more than 8 miles round trip, but hikers starting at Sabino Canyon can purchase a ticket for the Bear Canyon shuttle, which covers 1.9 miles each way to the Seven Falls trailhead. From there, expect a rocky trek through the canyon with several creek crossings before the falls provide the payoff.
Still haven't had enough? Nearby Tanque Verde Falls offers another chance to see Tucson's desert transformed by seasonal water, and you can explore other many beautiful Tucson hikes in our recent article.
Plan your trip at visittucson.org.
NMMIMAJ, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jemez Falls | Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
New Mexico gets in on the monsoon magic, too. Jemez Falls in Santa Fe National Forest offers a much greener take on a summer waterfall hike, trading saguaros for tall pines and a shady forest trail.
Unlike its Arizona counterparts, Jemez Falls isn't dependent on a perfectly timed storm to exist. The short, easy trail is less than a mile round trip and leads to an overlook of the falls, with the option to continue down toward the water. Summer rains can add more life to the surrounding forest and waterways, making monsoon season a beautiful time to experience this corner of northern New Mexico.
Learn more at fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/recreation/jemez-falls-trailhead. Plan your trip at santafe.org.
When You Go
- Start early. And we mean early. Arizona summer temperatures climb quickly, so plan to hit the trail around sunrise or even earlier and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
- Bring plenty of water. Carry more than you think you'll need, along with sun protection and salty snacks or electrolytes.
- Check the forecast. Monsoon storms can develop quickly, so check weather conditions before heading out, even if the sky looks clear when you leave.
- Don't chase the storm. Wait until conditions are safe to go looking for waterfalls. Never enter a wash, canyon or other flood-prone area when storms are nearby.
- Watch for flash floods. Heavy rain miles away can send water rushing through an otherwise dry wash or canyon with little warning.
- Be dust-storm ready. Monsoon winds can kick up intense dust storms, particularly in Arizona. If blowing dust is in the forecast or approaching, postpone the hike.