Seasonal waterfall cascading over layered volcanic rock into a deep canyon, known for its muddy flow, rainbow mist, and dramatic desert surroundings.

General Information

Hours:

Open during daylight hours when accessible
Access may be restricted by the Navajo Nation at any time; check local advisories before visiting

Fees:

No entrance fee or permit required for day visits
No services on site—bring your own water and supplies

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after

Closest cities with hotels:

Flagstaff, AZ (41 mi)

Seasons:

March–April during snowmelt and July–August after monsoon rains; dry most of the year

Location:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3vZ9zqA9z9z7zqA9

Website:

https://www.discovernavajo.com/grand-falls.aspx

How to Get There

From Flagstaff, AZ (41 mi): Take I-40 E to Exit 211 (Winona), drive 2.3 miles north to Leupp Rd, turn right and continue 15 miles to Indian Route 70, then follow signs and drive 8.5 miles to the Grand Falls overlook.

Overview

Grand Falls is a natural waterfall system located 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona in the Painted Desert on the Navajo Nation. It is also called Chocolate Falls because of the color.

It dumps snow melt or seasonal rain into the Little Colorado River below. It is known for its extremely muddy flow, which is a major contributor of Little Colorado River opacity. Heavy rains or snow melt will produce spectacular viewing, photography, and sound, whereas a scarcity of water will produce only trickles or no flow at all.

Grand Falls was formed when lava from nearby Merriam Crater in the San Francisco volcanic field flowed into the Little Colorado River, creating a lava dam. The river was forced to reroute itself around the dam and Grand Falls formed where the river rejoins its original course.

The waterfall is remote and no major paved roads access it. In fact the closest road, Grand Falls Road, crosses the floor of the Little Colorado River and at times during the year, only a four-wheel-drive vehicle can traverse it. The falls are dormant for months of the year and reduced to only a drip. To access the falls a passenger car can reach the south side of the river. However, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is then required and only Navajo guides or experienced back-country people are advised to take the road across the river.