Magical Waterfalls in Arizona To Check Off Your Bucket List
When you think of Arizona, I realize the first thing you think iof isn’t “waterfalls.” We’re known for our Saguaro cactus, our desert, and our stunning sunsets. But don’t be fooled, waterfalls in Arizona are stunning- in the forest and the desert. Whether you’re planning on visiting or have lived here your whole life, I bet you haven’t heard of some of these Arizona waterfalls before.
ARIZONA MAY BE KNOWN FOR THE DESERT, BUT IT HAS STUNNING WATERFALLS TOO.
BEST WATERFALLS IN ARIZONA
1. HAVASU FALLS
Ahhh. Havasu Falls. So big and grand most people think photos of it are fake. While this post isn’t particularily ordered, this is tied (with the next waterfall) for the BEST waterfall in Arizona. It’s also one of the most remote. It’s located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, 3.5 hours northwest of Phoenix AND a 10 mile hike in. You need a permit to go here, up to a year in advanced. But it is 100% worth it at least once in your lifetime.
WANT TO CONTINUE READING ABOUT HAVASUPAI?
Have Permits?: Havasupai Packing List
More Havasupai Waterfalls: Discovering Havasupai- Arizona’s Hidden Waterfall Oasis
2. MOONEY FALLS
I would tie Mooney Falls with Havasu Falls as the BEST waterfalls in Arizona. Mooney Falls is stunning. Most people go to Havasupai just to see this waterfall. After you hike 10 miles (as mentioned above) into Havasupai Campground, Mooney Falls will be at the end of it. You actually come out on top of it, and have to hike through caves and on wet, mossy ladders down a steep cliff to get to the bottom. It’s an insane hike! Probably my favorite ever.
READ MORE ABOUT MOONEY FALLS
Climbing Down Mooney Falls: Mooney Falls Hike
More Havasupai Waterfalls: Discovering Havasupai- Arizona’s Hidden Waterfall Oasis
3. BEAVER FALLS
Beaver Falls is the third waterfall in Havasupai. You have to climb down Mooney Falls and continue on hiking a few miles to get to Beaver Falls. This one is unique- it’s a multi-teared flat waterfall. It’s one of the most unique and best waterfalls in Arizona. It’s VERY remote, and you need to be prepared when going here- but it’s worth it if yhou’re in Havasupai.
READ MORE ABOUT BEAVER FALLS
Read More About the Hike: Beaver Falls
More Havasupai Waterfalls: Discovering Havasupai- Arizona’s Hidden Waterfall Oasis
4. NAVAJO FALLS
Navajo Falls is the 4th waterfall in Havasupai, another one of the best waterfalls in Arizone because of the gatorade-blue color. It’s also the first waterfall you see hiking in! It was one of my favorite experiences in Havasupai. There wasn’t many people, I loved the warmth of the water, and I loved the wall of ferns with water rushing over you. It’s so amazing.
5. CIBECUE FALLS
Cibecue Falls, another one of the best waterfalls in Arizona, is another remote waterfall. It’s located in eastern Arizona, in the desert, within the Fort Apache Tribal Reservation. You need permits to do this hike (which cost $45 pp) that is about 3 miles round trip and includes water crossings. It’s perfect for summertime, as the water is really refreshing! Some people refer to it as the “mini Havasupai.”
READ MORE ABOUT CIBECUE FALLS
Cibecue Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know
6. SYCAMORE FALLS
Sycamore Falls, a lesser known destination, is located in the forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. This is a seasonal waterfall, meaning it only flows after big storms or after snowmelt. If you’re around in conditions like this, you may get lucky! I have visited in April with low flow and again on New Year’s Day to see it frozen. Honestly, winter is my fav. It’s free to visit too!
READ MORE ON THE BLOG
Sycamore Falls: How to Find This Seasonal Waterfall
7. GRAND FALLS
Grand Falls, or Chocolate Falls they call it, is located northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. This is also a seasonal waterfall, just like Sycamore Falls. It often flows around March and August-September, but it’s based on rain and snow. It’s on tribal land, and unfortunately as of March 2023 it’s closed to the public because people were disrespectful. This is a reminder to LEAVE NO TRACE to be able to continue to visit the best waterfalls in arizona.
8. PACHETA FALLS
This Arizona waterfall is located in the White Mountains, 3.5 hours northeast of Phoenix near Pinetop-Lakeside. This area is known for its green landscape and much cooler climate than the valley. Like Cibecue Falls, theres a $45 pp permit because it’s also on Fort Apache Tribal Land. Only go if you have plenty of time to explore. A day trip here from Pinetop takes at least 1/2 a day as you need to drive 45 minutes on a rough dirt road.
READ MORE ON THE BLOG
Pacheta Falls: How to Find This Forest Waterfall
Hike This Nearby Trail: Thompson Trail
In the Area: Things to Do in Pinetop, Arizona
9. MASSACRE FALLS
Massacre Falls is a really unique waterfall in Arizona, as it’s in the middle of the desert. It’s seasonal though- only present after big storms. I visisted once in December and once in January after a few days of consistent rain. You can keep track of the current status of the falls on Instagram or AllTrails. It’s a 6 mile round trip, moderate hike. The cool water is so refreshing. No one swims at the bottom as it’s so small- just enjoy the view.
MORE HIKES IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS
Backpacking: Backpacking Peralta Trail in the Superstitions
A Popular Hike: Weaver’s Needle
A Tough Hike: Hike Flat Iron
10. FOSSIL CREEK FALLS
To get to this popular waterfall in Northern Arizona, you have to put in some work! It’s open year round, but you need advanced permits from April to October. There are two ways to hike to it, one is 8 miles and one is 10 miles, over 1,000 ft elevation gain. It’s 100% worth it. Once you’re there, there is cliff jumping, swimming, and caves with bright blue clear water. It’s a popular summer destination in Arizona. I’ve been dying to go again!
11. Fossil Springs
Fossil Springs is an epic summer adventure in Arizona. There are actually two waterfalls in the area. It is about 1.5-2 hrs north of the Phoenix area. The waterfall pictured requires an 8-9 mile hike, but it’s so worth it. The clear blue water, the ferns, the caves, ahhh. Need I say more?
Read More About Fossil Springs
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BEST WATERFALLS IN ARIZONA
I hope this blog inspires you go to explore more of this beautiful state- State 48. There’s so much magic to discover, from the desert to the forest. Happy hiking!
