15 Amazing Waterfalls in Arizona

15 Amazing Waterfalls in Arizona

Arizona has some of the most amazing waterfalls.  I think this is one of the natural wonders that are often overlooked when visiting Arizona.  These hikes in Arizona to waterfalls are sure to make your experience memorable.

Waterfalls in Arizona

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon but how many people have heard of the most popular Arizona waterfalls?

This guide to waterfalls in Arizona will tell you which waterfalls are the most popular and where to find them.

Waterfalls in Arizona

Here are the 15 most amazing Waterfalls in Arizona that you can hike to, swim at, or cool off at in Arizona. Hiking Arizona Waterfalls is an experience you will remember.  These are not difficult hikes in Arizona to waterfalls except for Havasu Falls which is over 10 miles just to the campground.  Don’t worry, I have all of the tips and tricks to visit these falls in Arizona.

Hiking Arizona Waterfalls – the best waterfalls in Arizona

Havasu Falls, Havasupai Reservation Arizona Waterfall

If you’ve seen only one picture of a waterfall in Arizona this is probably it.  Havasu Falls is actually five waterfalls in the Havasupai Reservation. Hiking to the Havasupai Falls is an amazing experience.

Arizona Waterfalls

Havasu Falls is located in Supai, Arizona and is THE most popular Arizona Waterfall and for good reason. This waterfall in Arizona has risen in popularity in recent years and the hike to do in Arizona. Competition is fierce to get a permit but the waterfalls make it all worth it.

Permits go on sale on February 1 each year and they are open for the entire year but they usually sell out within hours.  Once you’ve secured your permit, you will need to hike 10 miles to the campground on this Navajo land in the Havasupai Reservation. From there you can visit 7 different waterfalls with the Havasu Falls being the star of the show.

This is a moderate to hard hike as you will gain 2000 feet in elevation on the way back out. On the way there, it is all downhill which can be harder for some hikers.  They have donkeys that you can use to carry in your camping supplies.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then onto the falls

Mooney Falls, Havasupai Reservation

Mooney Falls is the tallest Arizona Waterfall and the tallest of the Havasupai Reservation waterfalls at 200 feet high.

waterfalls in arizona hikes in arizona with waterfalls

The waterfall cascades down into the amazing, beautiful turquoise pools below.

You’ve probably seen the photos of Mooney Falls as it is a strong, towering waterfall splashing down into a series of turquoise pools. This is something you need to experience in person and swim in the water that is a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

You will follow the same trail to the Havasupai Campground but this waterfall is harder to reach and is a further half mile hike that is quite difficult because it gains 200 feet in elevation.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then a mile onto the falls

Beaver Falls, Havasupai Reservation

Beaver Falls Trek is an 8 mile round trip hike on top of the 10 miles to get to the campsite and is well worth the trip. This is a less popular waterfall because it is so much further along so it is quite a bit quieter than the more popular Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

arizona falls in az

I recommend visiting all of the waterfalls in the Havasu area. This waterfall is a wider fall instead of a free fall waterfall like the others.

The trail is intermediate in difficulty, but hikers can visit at any time of the year.

Beaver Falls is the farthest away waterfall from the campsite but well worth the trek.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then 8 miles onto the falls

Upper and Lower Navajo Falls, Havasupai Reservation

The first waterfalls you will reach are the Navajo Falls.  In 2008 a mudslide cause the formation of the waterfall to change and now there is an upper and lower section of the falls.

The two new waterfalls are absolutely worth a stop.  A few things to know about this waterfall is that they are the closest to the campground.  There is also a ledge under the waterfall and you can climb underneath it.

Just be careful here as parts of the pool are a lot more shallow than other parts.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then half a mile onto the falls

Fifty Foot Falls, Havasupai Reservation

This waterfall is actually before you make it to the campsite. If you are hot and sweaty and need a break before making it to the campsite, this is the waterfall for you.

I wouldn’t miss Fifty Foot Falls whether you see it on the way in or the way out. Its a nice quiet place to hang out and go for a swim.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then onto the falls

Hidden Falls, Havasupai Reservation

Did I say there were only 5 waterfalls at Havasupai?  Well actually there is one more.  Hidden Falls.

If you want to do some cliff jumping this is the perfect place to do it.  Hidden Falls is a 50 foot waterfall that also allows people to cliff jump from the top. There are places to jump off that are 30, 40, and 50 feet high so you can choose.  The water here is pretty deep but you are jumping at your own risk.

I think the reason that Hidden Falls is not talked about much is that you will need to backtrack from the campsite and go back out the way you came in to visit.

The hiking distance from the campground to the falls is one mile there or two miles round trip.

Again, this is a moderate to hard hike as you will gain 2000 feet in elevation on the way back out. On the way there, it is all downhill which can be harder for some hikers.

Location: Havasupai Reservation, near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 10 miles one way into the campground and then onto the falls

Fossil Creek Falls

Located in Coconino National Forest the waterfall trail is the most popular hike in the area.  Fossil Creek Falls is located near Pine, Arizona.

waterfalls in arizona

This hike is very rewarding and showcases the beauty of Fossil Creek.  You will need to drive 21 miles down Fossil Creek road which is unpaved to get to the Trailhead.

Fossil Creek Waterfall is about 25 feet high and the waterfall is quite wide and beautiful.  You will be completely blown away by this hidden gem tucked away off an amazing scenic drive filled with wildlife and if traveling at dusk the views are breathtaking.

You can go cliff jumping at the falls, but always be aware of the water level before attempting to jump. Usually, there are deep pools of water found here but again check first. There are multiple swimming areas around the falls.

There is a heavy calcium content in the water that turns it the beautiful turquoise color.  Remember to bring plenty of water and also look out for rattlesnakes.

There is a $10 fee to enter Fossil Creek and this also reserves your parking space at the trailhead. It is an easy enough hike to the waterfalls.

Location: near Pine, Arizona

Length: The hike is 1.5 miles long

Cibecue Falls

Cibecue Falls is a hidden waterfall that is Arizona’s best kept secret.

hikes to waterfalls in arizona

How long is the hike to Civecue Falls?  Cibecue Falls is a 3.5 mile trail located near Cibecue, Arizona that is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips.

Do you need a permit to visit Cibecue Falls?  Permits cost $30 and can be bought online. You will need to log in to purchase and this will also give you access to Apache Falls. There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, which is found along the Salt River Canyon area.

The view is amazing and quite an adventure for couples and friends but not dog friendly. I had to jump from one side of the creek to the other every 5 minutes. Bring your bathing suit because the best way to get through the hike is mainly walking through creek

Some say this waterfall in Arizona is a miniature Havasu Falls. The waterfall is over 40 feet tall and falls into a pool of emerald water and of course, there are the red rocks of the American Southwest surrounding the falls.

This is one of the best Arizona waterfalls that is not well known yet. Get there soon before the crowds!

Location: near Globe, Arizona in the Salt River Canyon

Length: The hike is 4 miles long

Apache Falls in Arizona

This is a smaller waterfall in Arizona but worth a visit if you are going to Cibecue Falls as your permit works for both of these waterfalls.

The hike to Apache Falls is 1 mile long and rated easy in difficulty as the trail is quite flat.

Permits cost $30 and can be bought online – it is combined for both Cibecue and Apache. You will need to log in to purchase and this will also give you access to Apache Falls.

The walk to the falls will take about 10 minutes and you will hear the waterfalls before you actually see it.

This hike is quick and easy but remember to bring water and snacks if you would like to have a picnic by the waterfalls.

Location: near Globe, Arizona in the Salt River Canyon

Length: The hike is 1 mile long

Seven Falls

Seven Falls is located in the Sabino Canyon outside of Tucson near the Catalina Foothills. This is one of the top rated hikes in Tucson and one of the best waterfalls in Arizona.

Seven Falls waterfalls in arizona

The hike is 2.5 miles going through the Catalina Foothills and lush landscapes while gaining 900 feet in elevation making it a moderate in difficulty levels.

Parking is $5 and from the parking lot just follow the signs for Seven Falls Trail.

You will be crossing a river at several points during this hike which I find quite nice in the heat of the Sonoran Desert.  You need to ensure you are either wearing hiking sandals or can easily remove your boots.  In some places, the water was up over my knees so you should have quick drying clothes as well.

Location: near Tucson, Arizona in the Sabino Canyon

Length: The hike is 2.5 miles long

Ribbon Falls

Ribbons Falls Trail is a hike to a secluded waterfall oasis in Grand Canyon National Park. This hike can easily be done in one day but there is a lot in the area that you can see.

Grand Canyon National Park Ribbon Falls waterfall

The roundtrip hike is classified as moderate and is 17 miles. You will gain 4,500 feet in elevation on this hike.  Ribbon Falls is on the North Kaibab Trail which has a trailhead at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The trailhead is located roughly 1.5 miles from the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Location: near the Grand Canyon

Length: The hike is 17 miles

Pacheta Falls

Pacheta Falls is found near Whiteriver, Arizona, and located in the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

White Mountains Arizona

No swimming is permitted at this waterfall and you must purchase a permit to hike to this waterfall.

It is quite a rough ride to the waterfalls as this is an off-road experience, so only four wheel drive vehicles are permitted.

The waterfall height is 131 feet tall.

Location: near Whiteriver, Arizona

Length: The hike is 2.5 miles round trip

Romero Pools and Waterfalls

The Romero Pools are located near Tucson, Arizona and in the Catalina State Park. To enter the park you must pay $7 per vehicle.

The hike is classified as moderate. The hike in total is 2.8 miles one way or 5.6 miles round trip. The first mile of the trail is the easiest and then it gets more difficult as it is rocky and has a 900 foot gain in elevation.

The Romero Falls feed the pools and offer a cool dip for those who need to be refreshed from the hot temperature.

Location: near Tucson, Arizona

Length: The hike is 5.6 miles round trip

Grand Falls

The Grand Falls is exactly that – GRAND.  Standing at 180 feet tall, this waterfall is located near Flagstaff. It is part of the Navajo Nation and to get to the waterfalls you must do some off roading.

You will need to get a permit from the Navajo Nation before you visit. The best time to see the falls is in March or April when the snow has started melting and the falls have more water in them.

The muddy waters of Grand Falls makes it look like chocolate falling over the falls into the Colorado River below.  Just like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!

Location: near Flagstaff, Arizona

Length: The hike is 1 mile round trip

Tanque Verde Falls

Lower Tanque Verde Falls is a short hike near Tucson, Arizona that leads to several waterfalls along the trail. If you follow the narrow canyon the largest water is at the end at 80 feet high.

falls in azThe first waterfall you will reach is Lower Tanque which is about a mile along the trail and has a 30 foot waterfall. Further along there is an 80 foot waterfall.

From the start of the trail, it is a mile before you reach lower Tanque, which has a 30-foot cascade.

From there, it is a short distance to the 80-foot plunging cascade into the deep pool.

Location: near Tucson, Arizona

Length: The hike is 1.6 miles round trip

Water Wheel and Ellison Creek Cascades

The Water Wheel and Ellison Creek Waterfalls are located near Payson, Arizona. The trail starts at Water Wheel and it is then a quarter mile hike to the swimming hole area.

It is 1.8 miles round trip to the falls and back and you will gain 100 feet in elevation on this hike. The hike goes along the river and then eventually end at Ellison Creek Waterfall. There is a swimming hole there.

It costs $6 to enter the site and it is a unique location by the river. If you are looking for a longer walk, you can continue on to the Bridal Veil Falls

Location: near Payson, Arizona

Length: The hike is 1.8 miles round trip

Conclusion – Best Arizona Waterfalls

Visiting these Falls in Arizona will be the highlight to any trip.  As you can see from the pictures there are absolutely stunning falls in AZ.  I hope you add hikes in Arizona with waterfalls to your Arizona Bucket List because they are so worth it.

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waterfalls in arizona

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Nicole

Nicole LaBarge is a travel expert who has been traveling internationally for over 25 years and she has visited over 115 countries all while working a 9-5. She has lived in England, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand. Check out her detailed destination guides and travel product guides.

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