Tallest Waterfalls In Arizona
Let’s be real here for a moment – Arizona isn’t exactly known for being an oasis or anything like an oasis. In fact, most folks think about cacti and sagebrush when they imagine the Copper State, but perhaps they ought to think about our assortment of waterfalls, too. Perhaps obviously, some of these waterfalls are taller than others, and Arizona’s tallest waterfalls are SO incredible that they’ve become something of a legend among the outdoorsy.
1. Cheyava Falls
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona
- Popularity: A Hidden Gem
- Need To Know Cheyava Falls is what’s known as an intermittent waterfall; it only exists after solid rainfall and/or during snowmelt time in the spring. It is accessible only by hiking, and a backcountry camping permit is required.
When people think of the tallest waterfalls in Arizona, they usually think of Havasupai Falls – but this is simply incorrect. While Havasupai Falls is a cascade year-round, Cheyava Falls (which is considerably larger) is only around sometimes. But when it IS around, it’s incredible, coming in at an awe-inspiring 800 feet tall. This hike is recommended only for expert hikers, as it’s about 16 miles long round-trip and requires some difficult river crossings. Remember: more people die in the canyon from dehydration than anything else. Pack more than enough water, and plan your trip well ahead of time. But we promise: should you experience this incredible waterfall, you’ll never forget it.
2. Grand Falls
- Location: Near Flagstaff, Arizona
- Popularity: Popular... once upon a time.
- Need To Know This waterfall is, unfortunately, no longer open to the public. It’s being mentioned in this list due to its significance nevertheless; please do not try to visit. It is CLOSED to non-Navajo residents due to misuse and abuse and there is currently no estimated reopening date.
Grand Falls was once a favorite spot for hikers, campers and outdoors enthusiasts thanks to its remarkable size. Fed by snowmelt from the White Mountains and located just 30 miles from Flag, this cascade is 185 feet high in total (though it’s got some multi-tiered, stair-step action going on) and drains into the Little Colorado River. It’s a natural waterfall and is truly majestic – it's incredibly tragic that folks abused the privilege of visiting, causing the Navajo Nation to end allowing tourists in. Nevertheless, this is one of the largest cascades in Arizona, and it’s definitely worth mentioning.
3. Mooney Falls
- Location: Supai, Arizona
- Popularity: Very Popular
- Need To Know Like the other waterfalls located within the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Reservation, Mooney Falls requires a permit – and camping (no day hikes allowed) – to reach. You will need to apply for a permit as soon as humanly possible on the day permits become available – typically February 1st. These permits are ALWAYS gone within hours, if not sooner, so be READY. Learn more about acquiring a permit – and all the ins and outs – on TheCanyon.com.
Mooney Falls is one of five utterly incredible, beautiful waterfalls within the Grand Canyon, and it is the tallest, coming in at an amazing 196 feet in height. The hike to reach it is actually pretty short, depending on which campground you end up at down there. It’s not easy, though – you'll meander through narrow passages, scale down rockfaces using chains, and navigate ladders. The base of the falls is tough to reach, and some folks have lost their lives going for it – so you MUST be a sure-footed, experienced hiker for this one.