The crossing over the Little Colorado River can be seen in the middle background. Picnic ramadas overlook the falls.
Created by lava flowing across and damning the river, Grand Falls serve as one of two historic crossings on the Little Colorado River still in use, unless, of course, the river is flooding. Black Falls, created by another lava plug across the river, is located further downstream, east of Wupatki National Monument. A century ago, before the advent of bridges spanning the Little Colorado River, both crossings were vital for travel north to Arizona Strip country and southern Utah, albeit a lengthy detour from the main routes.
The stairstep effect of the upper falls offers a nice hike when the river isn't flooding.
Located approximately 40 miles east of Flagstaff, the Grand Falls are located on the Navajo Reservation. Take Route 15 towards Leupp (pronounced “loop” in case you need to ask for directions), turning right on Road 6910. The crossing and the falls are a little less than 10 miles up the dirt road. Some people recommend 4-wheel drive and high clearance is advisable.
The Arizona rainy or monsoon season (July and August) is a great time to see and photograph the Grand Falls, but travel on the dirt roads in and around the Painted Desert isn’t recommended if it raining or if there is the threat of rain. It’s also not advisable to cross the Little Colorado at Grand Falls when the river is flooding.
Although this is considered a remote area, many Navajo families call it home and the site is located on the Navajo Reservation. If you visit the Grand Falls, please respect their land and privacy.
Article and photographs by Terree Duncan, Editor of Gateway To Sedona.
Posted August 15, 2008.
