Grand Falls (Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand Falls |
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Grand Falls of the Little Colorado River
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 Location in the United States
Location in Arizona
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| Location | Painted Desert, Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Coordinates | 35°25′39″N 111°12′03″W / 35.4275054°N 111.2007011°WGrand Falls |
| Total height | 185 feet (56 metres) |
Grand Falls is a natural waterfall system located about 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. You can find it in the Painted Desert on the Navajo Nation. People sometimes call it Chocolate Falls because of its muddy, brown color when it's flowing strongly.
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Grand Falls: Arizona's Amazing Chocolate Waterfall
Grand Falls is a unique waterfall in Arizona. It is known for its incredible power when water is plentiful. The falls drop 185 feet (56 meters), which is even taller than Niagara Falls!
What Makes Grand Falls Special?
The water that flows over Grand Falls comes from melting snow or seasonal rains. This water then empties into the Little Colorado River below.
The falls are famous for their very muddy flow. This mud makes the Little Colorado River very cloudy. When there's lots of rain or melting snow, the falls are amazing to see and hear! But if there's not much water, it might just be a trickle, or even dry.
How Grand Falls Was Formed
Grand Falls was created a long time ago by a volcano. Lava from a nearby volcano called Merriam Crater flowed into the Little Colorado River. This lava created a natural dam.
The river had to find a new path around this lava dam. Grand Falls formed where the river eventually rejoined its original course. It's a cool example of how nature changes the landscape!
Visiting Grand Falls
Grand Falls is in a remote area, meaning it's far from major paved roads. The closest road, called Grand Falls Road, actually crosses the bottom of the Little Colorado River. Sometimes, only a vehicle with four-wheel drive can get across.
For many months of the year, the falls are quiet and may only have a drip of water. To see the falls, a regular car can reach the south side of the river. However, you will then need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is best to go with a Navajo guide or someone who knows the area well if you plan to cross the river.
The falls used to be open for visitors. However, they are now closed to tourists.
