Magical Waterfalls in Arizona To Check Off Your Bucket List

Waterfalls in Havasupai

I’m going to section this post into waterfalls in different regions of Arizona. We’re going to start with Havasupai. Tucked deep within the Grand Canyon on Havasupai tribal land, this remote desert oasis is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Arizona — and arguably the entire Southwest. Known for their unreal turquoise waters, dramatic canyon walls, and lush greenery, the waterfalls in Havasupai feel worlds away from the desert landscapes most people associate with Arizona. Visiting requires advance permits and a strenuous hike into Supai Village, but the reward is a bucket list experience unlike anywhere else in the state.

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.

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.

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.

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. I want to note, there is also Fifty Foot Falls, but I didn’t get a chance to see it when I was there. I have heard it’s just a little upstream from Navajo Falls.

Northern Arizona Waterfalls (Flagstaff, Payson, and Beyond)

Northern Arizona is home to some of the most accessible — and surprisingly diverse — waterfalls in the state. From towering seasonal cascades near Flagstaff to lush swimming holes hidden within the red rock canyons of Sedona, this region offers a completely different landscape than the deserts of Southern Arizona. Many of these waterfalls rely on snowmelt or monsoon rains, meaning timing your visit is key — but when flowing, they’re some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Arizona.

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, December with high flow, and New Year’s Day to see it frozen. Honestly, winter is my fav. It’s free to visit too!

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.

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.”

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.

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!

Water Wheel Falls

Located near Payson within the Tonto National Forest, Water Wheel Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Central Arizona — especially during spring runoff and monsoon season. The trail follows Ellison Creek, leading hikers past a series of swimming holes, cascades, and slick rock ledges before reaching the main waterfall. While the falls themselves are smaller than others in Northern Arizona, the surrounding pools and cliff jumping spots make this a favorite summer escape. Just be mindful that flash flooding can occur quickly here, so it’s best visited in stable weather conditions.

Horton Creek Falls

Tucked along the base of the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Horton Creek Falls is one of the most peaceful and scenic waterfall hikes in Northern Arizona. The trail follows Horton Creek through a shaded pine forest, gradually leading to a small but picturesque waterfall spilling into a cool, clear pool below. While the falls themselves are modest in size, the lush greenery, flowing creek, and quiet setting make this a refreshing escape from the desert heat — especially in late spring and early summer when water levels are highest.

Waterfalls Near Phoenix

While Phoenix is best known for its desert landscapes and saguaro-studded trails, there are actually several beautiful waterfalls within day-trip distance of the city. Many of these falls are seasonal — flowing after winter rains or summer monsoons — but when conditions are right, they offer a refreshing contrast to the Valley’s dry terrain. From hidden canyon cascades in the Superstition Mountains to swimming holes fed by year-round creeks, these waterfalls near Phoenix make the perfect escape when you’re craving cooler temps and flowing water without a long road trip.

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.

Canyon of the Waterfalls

Hidden within the Superstition Mountains along the Peralta Trail, the Canyon of the Waterfalls comes to life after heavy rain and during monsoon season. While typically dry, this rugged canyon transforms into a series of cascading waterfalls flowing down steep rock walls, creating a rare and dramatic desert waterfall experience. Because the falls are entirely weather-dependent, timing is everything — but catching them flowing is one of the most magical sights in the Superstitions.

Carney Springs Waterfall

Nestled deep within the Superstition Mountains, Carney Springs Waterfall is a rare desert cascade that appears after periods of heavy rain. Reached via a rugged hike through rocky canyon terrain, the falls spill dramatically down sheer cliff faces, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding desert landscape. Because it’s entirely weather-dependent, timing your visit after recent storms is key — but when flowing, Carney Springs is one of the most unique waterfalls near Phoenix.

Heiroglyphic Trail

Located in the western Superstition Mountains, the Hieroglyphic Trail leads hikers to a series of seasonal waterfalls and rock pools tucked inside Hieroglyphic Canyon. Best known for its ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, the trail becomes especially beautiful after rainfall when water cascades over smooth rock ledges into shallow pools below. While the waterfalls here are smaller and short-lived, they add a unique and scenic reward to one of the most popular hikes near Phoenix.

Waterfalls Near Tucson

Southern Arizona may be known for its rugged desert terrain and towering saguaros, but the mountains surrounding Tucson hide several beautiful waterfalls — especially after winter rains and summer monsoon storms. Many of these hikes lead through lush canyons, shaded creek beds, and granite rock pools that feel worlds away from the desert floor below. While most waterfalls near Tucson are seasonal, timing your visit right can reward you with flowing cascades and refreshing swimming holes just a short drive from the city.

Tanque Verde Falls

Located on the eastern edge of Tucson, Tanque Verde Falls is a dramatic desert waterfall that flows strongest after heavy rain. A short hike leads to the upper falls, where water plunges into a deep canyon pool surrounded by towering rock walls. Adventurous hikers can continue down to the lower falls, where larger swimming areas and cliff jumping spots await — though conditions should always be checked for safety.

Seven Falls

One of the most popular waterfall hikes near Tucson, Seven Falls is located within Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The trail leads hikers through desert washes and canyon terrain before reaching a series of tiered waterfalls cascading into clear swimming pools. When water levels are high, the falls create multiple cliffside streams — making this one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes in Southern Arizona.

Map of Best Waterfalls in Arizona

To help you plan your adventures, I’ve put together a map of the best waterfalls in Arizona — organized by region so you can easily see which ones are closest to your travel plans. From the remote turquoise cascades of Havasupai to seasonal desert waterfalls near Phoenix and Tucson, this map makes it easy to visualize distances, road trip routes, and potential weekend getaways. Many of these waterfalls can be grouped into the same itinerary — especially in Northern Arizona where several are located within a few hours of each other.

Best Time to See Waterfalls in Arizona

Unlike states with consistent rainfall, most waterfalls in Arizona are highly seasonal — meaning timing your visit is key if you want to see them flowing. While a few waterfalls run year-round thanks to spring-fed creeks, many only appear after snowmelt or heavy rain. Planning around seasonal conditions can make the difference between seeing a dry canyon wall… or a roaring cascade.

Spring Snowmelt (March – May)

Spring is one of the best times to see waterfalls in Northern Arizona. As snow begins melting along the Mogollon Rim and in the mountains near Flagstaff, seasonal waterfalls like Sycamore Falls begin flowing at full strength. Creeks, cascades, and swimming holes also tend to be at their fullest during this time.

Summer Monsoon Season (July – September)

Arizona’s monsoon season brings sudden, powerful rainstorms that can temporarily create waterfalls across the state — especially in desert mountain ranges like the Superstitions. Seasonal falls such as those in the Canyon of the Waterfalls or along the Hieroglyphic Trail are most likely to flow after monsoon rains.

⚠️ Flash flood risk is highest during this time, so always check weather conditions before hiking.

Winter & Early Spring Rainfall

Winter storms and early spring rain can also bring waterfalls to life — particularly near Phoenix and Tucson. Desert waterfalls like Tanque Verde Falls or Seven Falls often depend on recent rainfall to flow.

Year-Round Waterfalls

A few Arizona waterfalls flow consistently thanks to natural springs. One of the most notable is Fossil Creek Falls, where protected spring water keeps the creek running even during dry months — making it one of the best summer swimming spots in the state. Havasupai, too.

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!