Grand Falls - One of Arizona’s Greatest Hidden Gems

When people think of Arizona, their minds often jump to the dramatic cliffs of the Grand Canyon, the iconic silhouette of saguaro cacti at sunset, or the endless red rock vistas of Sedona. But tucked away in the remote reaches of the Navajo Nation lies one of the state’s most awe-inspiring and yet lesser-known natural wonders: Grand Falls—a spectacular seasonal waterfall often called Chocolate Falls due to its muddy, chocolate-colored water.

Though it remains under the radar for many travelers, those who have witnessed Grand Falls in full flow know it is among the most unique and breathtaking natural sights in the American Southwest.

A Waterfall Taller Than Niagara

Grand Falls at Sunset

Standing at an astonishing 185 feet high, Grand Falls is taller than Niagara Falls. But unlike the roaring spectacle of Niagara, Grand Falls is a more elusive beauty. It doesn't flow year-round—its appearance is dictated by the rhythms of nature. The falls reach their peak in early spring, when snowmelt from the White Mountains surges into the Little Colorado River, or after heavy summer monsoon rains when flash floods sweep through the region.

This seasonality gives Grand Falls a kind of mythical status. Most of the year, it’s a quiet and dry rock formation with only a trickle of water, easy to pass by without a second glance. But after a good rain or thaw, it comes to life in the most dramatic way.

Why "Chocolate Falls"?

Chocolate Falls

The nickname Chocolate Falls comes from the waterfall’s distinctive color. Instead of the crystal-clear or aquamarine water seen in most famous waterfalls, Grand Falls pours over the cliffs in a thick, muddy cascade. This is due to the silty sediment picked up by the Little Colorado River as it flows through the arid terrain of northeastern Arizona.

When the waterfall is at full force, it looks as if an enormous molten chocolate fountain is spilling down the canyon walls. The visual is surreal and mesmerizing, especially under the golden desert sunlight or during a vivid Arizona sunset. For photographers, it’s a dream; for nature lovers, it’s a moment of pure wonder.

Formed by Fire and Water

What makes Grand Falls even more fascinating is its geologic origin. The waterfall was formed thousands of years ago when lava from nearby Merriam Crater flowed into the Little Colorado River channel, creating a natural dam. As the river was forced to reroute, it eventually spilled over this hardened volcanic rock, creating the tiered waterfall we see today.

This blending of volcanic history and desert hydrology makes Grand Falls a powerful symbol of Arizona’s complex and dramatic landscape, where earth, fire, and water have shaped the land in unexpected ways.

A Sacred and Now Inaccessible Place

Grand Falls is located on the sovereign land of the Navajo Nation, and the surrounding landscape holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Diné people. For years, it was possible, though remote and rugged, for respectful visitors to make the journey to this natural wonder. Many of us who travel and photograph the land have long loved to share not only the beauty of the places we visit, but also guidance on how to find them.

However, this time is different.

Due to ongoing issues with non-Navajo visitors failing to respect the land—leaving trash, venturing off designated paths, disturbing sacred areas—access to Grand Falls is now restricted, and the area is no longer open to the public.

This is a heartbreaking but necessary decision made by the Navajo Nation to protect both the land and its cultural legacy. As much as we would love to point the way for you to visit this awe-inspiring place, we must instead share it only through stories and photographs, and ask that others honor the Navajo Nation’s rules and sovereignty.

Holding on to the Wonder of Grand Falls

While Grand Falls may no longer be physically accessible, it remains a symbol of nature’s fleeting power and beauty. It reminds us that not every wonder is meant to be easily reached, and not every experience can be repeated. Some places ask only to be remembered, respected, and cherished from afar.

We are grateful for the chance to have seen Grand Falls in its full, roaring glory. And we hope that by sharing its story and imagery, we can help others appreciate its rare beauty—and understand the importance of treating sacred places with reverence.

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