Grand Falls — 185ft Segmented in Arizona

Grand Falls is a 185-foot segmented waterfall in Coconino County, Arizona, reached by an easy walk over 0.6 miles.

Grand Falls is a 185-foot chocolate-brown segmented waterfall on the Little Colorado River, on the Navajo Nation about 30 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona — a waterfall that runs only briefly each year, during spring snowmelt and after major monsoon storms. The water is heavy with red sediment from the Painted Desert watershed, giving Grand Falls its 'Chocolate Falls' nickname. When flowing, it's wider and arguably taller than Niagara; most of the year it's a dry sandstone ledge. Access is via rough dirt road on Navajo Nation land — respect closures and never drive off-road.

What to expect

Watch flow conditions on Twitter/X (#grandfalls) and Coconino Forest reports during late winter and monsoon season. From Flagstaff, drive east on I-40 to Leupp Road, then north on rough dirt roads into Navajo Nation land. The final approach is graded dirt, sometimes muddy. Park at the small lot, walk a short flat path to the rim view. Multiple overlooks; do not climb down into the canyon. Pack out everything; respect tribal land regulations.