Nudist hiking in a national park: find out before you go!

Nudist hiking in a national park – Coronado National Forest

National Parks may have secluded areas where nude hiking is entirely possible, it even occurs frequently. Of course, care must be taken not to offend visitors who do not appreciate nudity or who may even dial 9-1-1 to report their activity. But if you choose areas where nude hikes are normally done, the hikers you come across will likely be just as naked as you are.

If you are among the many who like to get back to nature by finding a remote area (spelled private) where you can take off your clothes and wander natural Through the great outdoors, there are many hidden places around America where you can make this happen.

Unlike in Europe, our puritanical American instincts make outdoor nudity more difficult in the United States, but one of my favorite places to go nude hiking is at Tanque Verde Falls. It has been a popular naturist area for many years.

Tanque Verde is located east of the city of Tucson, Arizona, in the Coronado National Forest. After leaving the sidewalk, a dusty path takes you to the park and to an area where naturists take it all away. Although I don’t recommend it, some visitors walk naked from the parking area to popular spots.

A note of caution: Tanque Verde Falls is located in a narrow canyon. At the northern end of the canyon, the rocky terrain flattens into a giant funnel that feeds sudden rain into the canyon. After a heavy rain (which rarely occurs in Tanque Verde), water levels can rise rapidly and few people have the strength to swim in the currents. There are reports of several hikers being swept to their deaths in an unexpected wave. So plan a quick exit route before you get sleepy in the daytime sun.

As you walk into the canyon, you will come across the first naturist area where the falls are located. In a dry season, the cliffs are about 30 feet high. These become the location of the waterfalls when the water rises when snow from the mountains melts or heavy rains fall upriver. Otherwise, there is usually a sandy beach or large flat rocks for sunbathing. This area is the easiest to access and is frequented by straight singles and couples.

Gays and lesbians generally hike about a half mile higher up the canyon on well-traveled roads to an area above Tanque Verde Falls. Descending the main trail is not difficult, but it is a steep descent and presents a more demanding climb to get out of the canyon after hikers are weary from sun exposure.

Once you’ve reached the riverbed, remove your clothing and keep your hiking boots on. (I recommend that you bring a pair of old canvas walking shoes, as you may have to go through some foot-deep pools of water.)

This area is like a garden of Eden in the middle of the desert. Just make sure to bring water and maybe some beer or wine. And don’t forget a sandwich or snacks. There are no nearby services.

Have fun. But beware of the dangers of nature. A rattlesnake has observed me and I once almost stepped on a hissing gila monster. You will see white frogs, beautiful songbirds and raptors, and of course many saguaro cacti among other desert plants and flowers.

Have a naked walk!