10 Breathtaking Waterfalls in Arizona (With Photos)

Waterfalls are among nature’s most beautiful wonders. Even though they are not found everywhere in the U.S., Arizona’s arid environment is home to some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. However, the size, surroundings, and accessibility of each of the falls differ greatly. Before you decide to hike to a waterfall, it’s helpful to know which ones are worth your time. Here, we’ve got the scoop on ten of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Arizona. Here’s a quick preview:

So, get ready to admire some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arizona before even stepping foot into the state.

1. Havasu Falls

The most popular Arizona waterfall is Havasu Falls, which is located in Supai, Arizona. 

The Havasupai Reservation is located in a remote part of the Grand Canyon National Park and involves a 10-mile round trip trek. The word ‘Havasupai’ refers to people living near blue-green waters. A natural component of Havasu Creek has dissolved calcium carbonate and magnesium, which results in stunning turquoise blue water at Havasu Falls.

2. Beaver Falls

Although Beaver Falls is a challenging climb, the breathtaking beauty is well worth it. From the Havasu campsite, you can hike 18 miles to the falls, which feature a series of beautiful pools and turquoise water that spill over limestone terraces. Once you’ve arrived, take in the scenery and enjoy a relaxing swim in the refreshing pools.

3. Fossil Creek Falls

A one-mile trail leads to the waterfall at Fossil Creek via the Waterfall Trail, where you can view the creek and natural waterfall. Enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arizona with a 25-foot drop to leap off. There are several swimming spots, stunning landscapes, and campsites near the route. Take a dip in some of the state’s most restorative waters after your hard work of hiking over.

4. Cibecue Falls

Arizona’s Cibecue Falls is a hidden treasure that is worth visiting! This hike provides you with a unique opportunity to see a side of Arizona that you can’t find anywhere else. But be warned, a moderately challenging 4-mile trek leads to Cibecue Falls. There is an elevation gain of over 220 feet as you progress on the hike. Get ready to get soaked as you hike between banks and boulders to reach this 30-foot waterfall.

5. Deer Creek Falls

Deer Creek Falls is a breathtaking 180-foot waterfall that cascades into the Colorado River. Although the location is secluded, both hiking and white water rafting can get you there. There are also several companies in the surrounding area that provide rafting tours to the waterfall for those who wish to see it in a hurry.

6. Grand Falls

Getting to Grand Falls requires going off-road, making this one of the more challenging waterfalls in Arizona to explore. There’s no better waterfall in the state than this one. It stands at 181 feet and is surrounded by terraces. One of the most distinctive features of Grand Falls is the murky water that flows over 185 feet from the top of the Little Colorado River to the pool below. This brown water is the reason some people call it Chocolate Falls.

7. Mooney Falls

One of the most scenic waterfalls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation is Mooney Falls. There is no doubt that it is the highest waterfall on the reserve, with a drop of almost 190 feet. It may be challenging to get to this waterfall, but the view is worth it. The waterfall is reached by a six-mile round-trip day climb across some high rocks.

8. Seven Falls

In the Catalina Foothills of Arizona, Seven Falls offers a magnificent oasis escape in the desert. Catalina Foothills is near Tucson, a dry region known for its waterfalls. The region offers a dense forest with cascading water that drops into a huge pool where hikers can cool off. Visitors to Tucson’s Seven Falls route will pass through some of the best scenery before arriving at the waterfalls.

9. Navajo Falls

Navajo Falls in Supai, Arizona, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Arizona. There are actually two waterfalls: the Upper and the Lower, with cascades in between. But its location on the Havasupai Indian Reservation makes it one of the most spectacular.

10. Madera Canyon Waterfall

The Madera Canyon Waterfall in Arizona is one of nature’s best-kept secrets and for good reason. You can reach the falls by following the Proctor Trail in Southern Arizona’s Madera Canyon, which is located 25 miles southeast of Tucson. Then, once you’re done hiking, why not enjoy the rest of your day? Picnicking is possible at a scenic spot about one mile from the waterfall, where people can see the water flowing along Madera Creek. This is one of the waterfalls in Arizona that you don’t want to say you missed out on!

Summary

All the waterfalls are subject to seasonal rainfall or snow runoff, so they don’t necessarily flow all year round. Most are inaccessible except to seasoned hikers; there is no driving close to any except Fossil Creek Falls and the Madera Canyon Waterfall.