Grand Falls (aka Chocolate Falls)
We’ve had some pretty amazing days during our life here in Arizona, and one recent one was the adventure to “Grand Falls” outside Leupp in the Navajo Nation. The drive north from the Verde Valley took us through Flagstaff with gorgeous cloud-filled monsoon skies. The road once we left the pavement was easy to navigate and only one spot needed a detour because of a small washout from the heavy recent rains. We watched the lightning off in the distance as we made our way down the 10 or so miles of rough gravel road.
Bob has been wanting to see the Falls for as long as we have lived here. On every trip up to the Second Mesa that we have made over the last two years to take supplies to the Hopi, we pass the sign “Grand Falls”, but there was never enough daylight to do both. He had been monitoring the flow of the falls for weeks waiting for just the right time to go up there with our Mingus Misfit group of explorers. It was definitely a highlight of our journeys with them so far. USG Flow Site
The falls are fed by the Little Colorado River with water coming from Mount Baldy, located 140 miles southeast, and the White Mountains. At 185’+, the falls are higher than Niagra Falls. When you first drive up and get out of your vehicle you can hear the roar down below. A very careful walk to the edge, and the view engulfs you with wonder. The falls are stepped, and I think that is why it doesn’t seem as high as Niagra. With limited memory of going there back in 1974, the magnitude of the one major drop seems larger. But the steps are one more thing that makes this Chocolate Falls so Grand. The flow picked up over the hours that we were there, and we watched as different rocks became covered and smaller falls joined together to become one.
It was easy to spend the entire day here, with a hike to the bottom to feel the mud on your face, a picnic with friends, and a beautiful drive. What more can you ask for? When Bob asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year I told him, I just want to be out in the wild making more memories with you. Seems he’s a good listener.
Directions: From I-40, 15 miles east of Flagstaff, take exit 211 at Winona. Drive 2.3 miles north to Leupp Rd. Turn right and drive 20.3 miles to unpaved and unsigned Indian Road 6910 (between mileposts 5 and 6). There is a brown sign that says “Grand Falls” at the turnoff. Turn left and drive along this rough road 9.4 miles to the turnoff on the left, which leads to the falls overlook (do not cross the Little Colorado River). The gravel road is heavy washboard and rough. 4x4 vehicles are not necessary but will make the drive easier.