Ernie's Falls Trail

Ernie’s Falls is a 6.6-mile round-trip out-and-back from Douglas Spring Trailhead in Saguaro’s Rincon Mountain District. Follow Douglas Spring Trail to a four-way junction, then take the Ernie’s Falls branch down to the ravine. Allow about four hours and roughly 1,200 feet of climbing. This is a full desert hike for a small seasonal waterfall, not a quick stop at the falls.

Douglas Spring Trail climbs east on narrow switchbacks, then continues through a canyon to a clearing and four-way junction. Take the left branch toward Ernie’s Falls. It drops about 200 feet over roughly six-tenths of a mile, so the way back adds a short uphill before you retrace the longer approach. The tread is rocky and uneven in places; the lower approach passes saguaros and desert shrubs.

The destination is a small cascade and pool in a shaded bedrock ravine. Flow is intermittent: spring snowmelt and strong monsoon rain offer the better chances, while the falls may be dry or only trickling at other times. If water is flowing, frame the pale rock chute with the saguaro beside it; it shows how the falls sit in the desert rather than in a forested canyon.

The trailhead is at the east end of Speedway Boulevard, on the south side. There is a designated parking area, with roadside parking used during the busy season; the access is open around the clock. Carry all the water you need because wilderness sources are seasonal and scarce. Pets are prohibited on this trail.