Chocolate Falls

Let’s just say this isn’t your typical “clear waters” type of falls! Because of the snow melting from the mountains and monsoon season approaching, this location creates what people call The Grand Falls, or as I like to say, the Chocolate Falls (Willy Wonka must have been somewhere around).  It is located about 45 minutes northeast from Flagstaff in Leupp, AZ on the Navajo Reservation. This 185 ft. waterfall is connected to the Little Colorado River, another reason why it is it given such a muddy look all throughout. I have been wanting to see this place for a while now, so my sister and I finally took the drive out there to see it.

When would be the best time to go?  The best time to go would be between March and April; we went in the middle of March and it was perfect! We arrived there around late morning, the temperature was about 75 degrees and it was sunny the whole day; perfect for taking pictures and seeing some rainbows in the mist from the falls. If you don’t go during these months, I heard there there is little to no spillover and is almost non-existent.

How do you get there?  You will go through downtown Flagstaff and take Interstate 40 east to Winona (which is Exit 211). Drive north for about 2.5 miles and turn right on Leupp Road. Stay on this for 15 miles and turn left on Indian Road 70. The parking area for the falls is 8.5 miles ahead. The road to get there is all dirt and gravel, but any type of vehicle can manage it (we took a Honda Accord and was just fine). There are some sharp rocks and pot holes here and there so make sure to pay attention towards the parking lot area.  There are outhouses in the parking area if needed! 

Funny side note: my sister and I DID NOT take the direction mentioned above. We ended up on this dirt road 10 miles out from Leupp Road. We thought we were on the right path before realizing we took another way into the reservation! In the beginning we were in the middle of nowhere, then drove by a couple houses with farms. Thank god no one was around because we could have gotten in big trouble! It was fun doing a little off roading and feeling like you don’t have a care in the world though. By the end of our off roading we did not make it to the parking lot; we ended up arriving on the other side facing the grand falls! When we drove up the falls were in front of us, with its aggressive but beautiful sound of the water running. It was quite perfect until people saw us, so we drove around and parked in the parking lot like everyone else. I recommend not doing this little side quest but if you end up getting sidetracked and don’t know where you are, don’t worry you will eventually find it!

Do you need a permit?  There are some websites I saw that says you need a permit but when we went there was no need for one and there’s no charge to visit.

Overall, the falls was beautiful. There was a path to get to ground-level so we could see the falls up close, and even got sprayed a little by the mist. We didn’t stay too long as we didn’t bring anything to occupy us with, so we were there for maybe an hour and a half at most. But it was just enough time to take in this unique place!

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