Bridal Wreath Falls, Saguaro East - Rincon Mountain District: Douglas Spring Trailhead, Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Bridal Wreath Falls - 5.6 miles
Saguaro East - Rincon Mountain District: Douglas Spring Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 5.6 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,870' - 3,800' |
| Elevation Change: | +930' net elevation gain |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Bridal Wreath Falls - 5.6 Miles Round-Trip
Bridal Wreath Falls is located 2.8 miles from Douglas Spring Trailhead in the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park. This rare desert waterfall supports a rich biotic community, and is crucial to local wildlife such as javelina, coyote and deer.
The short, moderately-steep hike features an array of desert vegetation that changes with elevation gain en route to the falls. Water volume varies throughout the year, ranging from a nominal trickle to a heavy torrent.
Flow is best after periods of rain, which predictably occur in early spring and throughout the August monsoon season:
The Douglas Spring Trail heads east through a high concentration of saguaro, barrel cactus, prickly pear, ocotillo and various cholla. The terrain is a combination of sandy wash and hard-pack dirt up to the Wentworth Trail split (.6 miles), past which it steepens into the rocky foothills of the Rincon.
The trail tilts sharply up to the Carrillo Trail split (1.1 miles : 3,120'), where it crosses then parallels a stone-slab wash up to the Three Tank Trail split (2.3 miles : 3,695').
Here the Douglas Spring Trail moderates in a more open, isolated setting as saguaro and cacti plots are gradually replaced by grasses, creosote and mesquite. You'll reach the Bridal Wreath Falls spur at 2.5 miles (3,740'), and follow it into a tree-lined canyon up to Bridal Wreath Falls. (2.6 miles : 3,800').
The falls spill over a 20' grotto into a small pool that's shaded by tall canyon walls and a cottonwood-willow canopy. Enjoy prolific springtime blooms and brilliant autumn colors in this leafy corridor.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N32 14.120 W110 41.220 — 0.0 Miles: Douglas Spring Trailhead
Worth Noting
- Africanized Bees inhabit the Bridal Wreath Falls area. Be cognizant of your surroundings and avoid provocations by remaining on the trail.
- Be mindful of delicate vegetation and varied terrain; missteps and stumbles can be harmful to both plant and human. Rattlesnakes and scorpions inhabit this area. Remain on designated trails at all times, and never place your hands or feet where you can't see them.
- This is a popular destination with limited parking. Arrive early to secure space and avoid crowds, especially after heavy rains that increase interest in the falls.
- Bottled water is longer for sale in Saguaro National Park. Water bottle filling stations have been installed at both visitor centers and the Rincon District bike ramada for visitors to refill reusable water bottles.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- A permit is required for all overnight backcountry stays in Saguaro National Park. There is a $6 fee per campsite per night.
- There are 3 individual campsites at Douglas Spring. The maximum number of people allowed per site is 6. The maximum size of any one group is 18.
- There are no guaranteed water sources in the area. Backpackers should plan to carry all of their own.
- All water sources in the Saguaro Wilderness are intermittent streams or springs. In dry seasons, water is often unavailable. Do not rely on finding water at campsites. If you're exiting on the same trail you entered, consider caching water along the trail. This will ensure a source of water on your way out. Label water caches with your name and date.
- Fires are not permitted at the Douglas Spring campsite.
- A small population of bears inhabit the Rincon Mountains. Bear boxes are provided to secure food.
Directions to Trailhead
The Douglas Spring Trailhead begins at the east end of Speedway Blvd. Travel east from Tucson to the end of Speedway Blvd. Parking is limited. Park only in designated spaces.
Contact Information
Saguaro National Park Headquarters and Rincon Mountain District
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730-5601
520.733.5153
Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District
27 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
520.733.5158
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