Located just 40 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Grand Falls is one of the great unknown wonders of Arizona!  Hidden in the Painted Desert on the Navajo Nation reservation, this truly amazing waterfall can only be found if you know exactly where to look! At 185 feet, Grand falls is higher than Niagara Falls and is known to many as “Chocolate Falls” because of its muddy color. The enormous waterfall was created when lava from a nearby volcanic eruption poured down into the canyon and blocked the river's course, causing the water to seek a new path around the lava dam until it found its way back down into its original canyon; forming this waterfall in the process. The best time to see the falls is after snow melting in early spring and after a summer thunderstorm.  Free admission, amazing views and available picnic tables and grills makes Grand Falls perfect for a family get-away to one of Arizona's best kept secrets!

 

Directions

From Flagstaff,  take I-40 east towards Albuquerque to exit 211 for Winona. Turn left toward Co Road 394 and continue straight onto Co Road 394/Winona Road. Turn right at Co Road 419/Leupp Rd, left toward Indn Route 70 and continue straight until you reach the Grand Falls. Website

 

*Note: the falls do not run all year round. Only when it is rain or during the spring run off.