A beautiful anomaly in the high desert, Grand Falls is a 180-foot plunge in the Little Colorado River. Depending on rainfall and snowmelt, there may be a trickle down its two large steps, a steady flow of muddy water (hence the nickname “Chocolate Falls”), or a torrent of whitewater. It is both a short distance and somewhat longer drive from Flagstaff, owing to the miles of rough road that connect it to paved highway. A property of the Navajo Nation, a permit is required for hiking or camping (see link at end).
Although the access road technically crosses the riverbed just ahead of the falls, it is generally not advisable due to muddy conditions and flash floods. A sturdier vehicle is recommended anyway, given the variations in the road. Expect to encounter cattle or dogs along the way, but not generally at the site.
Within view of the often snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, the landscape is a patchwork of rusty colors and dark grey volcanic rock and sand. Whether clear with crisp clouds, or with a series of storms moving across, it is a unique scenic reward for the I-40 explorer.
Hiking into the basin is possible across and just downriver from the pool. It is a moderate hiker’s descent with some loose soil and gravel. A sort of oasis can be found there, with mist hanging in the air and lush green grass underfoot. The mid-level of the falls can be accessed by this route as well, and great caution should be exercised if doing so. Debris and concealed crevasses are among the incentives to be careful.
Expect an hour’s drive from Flagstaff, or 40 minutes from the Winona Road exit of I-40. You’ll want at least an hour to explore, more if descending.
Navajo permitting is available at http://navajonationparks.org/permits-services/
More information and directions can be found at http://www.flagstaff.com/grand-falls-arizona
A beautiful anomaly in the high desert, Grand Falls is a 180-foot plunge in the Little Colorado River. Depending on rainfall and snowmelt, there may be a trickle down its two large steps, a steady flow of muddy water (hence the nickname “Chocolate Falls”), or a torrent of whitewater. It is both a short distance and somewhat longer drive from Flagstaff, owing to the miles of rough road that connect it to paved highway. A property of the Navajo Nation, a permit is required for hiking or camping (see link at end).
Although the access road technically crosses the riverbed just ahead of the falls, it is generally not advisable due to muddy conditions and flash floods. A sturdier vehicle is recommended anyway, given the variations in the road. Expect to encounter cattle or dogs along the way, but not generally at the site.
Within view of the often snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, the landscape is a patchwork of rusty colors and dark grey volcanic rock and sand. Whether clear with crisp clouds, or with a series of storms moving across, it is a unique scenic reward for the I-40 explorer.
Hiking into the basin is possible across and just downriver from the pool. It is a moderate hiker’s descent with some loose soil and gravel. A sort of oasis can be found there, with mist hanging in the air and lush green grass underfoot. The mid-level of the falls can be accessed by this route as well, and great caution should be exercised if doing so. Debris and concealed crevasses are among the incentives to be careful.
Expect an hour’s drive from Flagstaff, or 40 minutes from the Winona Road exit of I-40. You’ll want at least an hour to explore, more if descending.
Navajo permitting is available at http://navajonationparks.org/permits-services/
More information and directions can be found at http://www.flagstaff.com/grand-falls-arizona