Visiting Grand Falls Arizona

Grand Falls also known as Chocolate Falls, is a great place to visit in northern AZ. The falls are absolutely breathtaking when the water is flowing. These Falls are less than an hour east of Flagstaff and are fairly easy to get to. The thing is, you need to go in the springtime when the water is flowing! The brown water that flows is from the clay dirt and mimics a chocolate waterfall, just like in Willy Wonka! Below are our pics and tips for visiting this beautiful landmark.

 

Must Read Tips For Visiting Grand Falls Arizona

• This place is a GREAT place to see as a family
• There is no hiking required, you park where you view the falls
• Just east of Flagstaff along I40 North of the 15
• There are absolutely no signs for the falls, you’ll need to use your instinct, a map to get you there, and of course these tips
• Do NOT use your GPS maps, it will take you to the northwest side of the falls and you won’t be able to see them as good as the southeastern view
• If you do use your GPS as a guide, you should put in “Grand Falls Campground” and it will take you to the spot you will want to be
• Follow these exact directions:
  • Take 15 to road 6910, turn left
    • You can also take 70 though it is noted to be a little rougher. Taking the 6910 only adds a few minutes to your travel
    • You will take this road for about 9 miles then look for a turn to the left that heads down a hill
    • If you hit the picnic area, you have only gone a tad too far. You can park here and walk down or you can park closer to the falls by turning around then taking the first right
• 6910 is pretty smooth with the exception of it being a clay dirt road with some dips here and there
• The turnout is filled with lava rocks and should be taken with a vehicle with some clearance
• If you choose to park at the top of that road, it’s less than a quarter mile to the falls and totally walkable
• Cell phone service is spotty, be sure to tell others where you are going before heading out
• Take a screenshot of the map area or bring a map book to ensure you know where to go
• No permit is needed to visit
• There is a bathroom but no other facilities, plan accordingly
• There are really no gas stations once you pass Flagstaff so be sure to have gas in your tank
• Best time to visit Grand Falls is when the snow starts to melt, late winter to early spring (we went the second weekend of March)
• Best time of the day to avoid crowds would probably be between 10-2PM
• There aren’t any type of railings outside of the picnic area so be sure to watch your footing
• There is a trail to the bottom if you head down the turn-off
• Visit the website for more information: http://navajonationparks.org/htm/grandfalls.htm
• This is on the Navajo Indian reservation, respect their land and please be sure to take your trash and don’t destroy the grounds. This will help ensure this area will remain fee and permit free.

Looking for other day trips around the valley? Check out our Sunday Drive posts by clicking the image below!

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