After seeing photos of the chocolate flow of Grand Falls I thought about bringing a big cup.
Had to shop on my three days off and buying healthy food means a long drive to somewhere from the North Rim of Grand Canyon. So why not Flagstaff, a mere four hours away, where there is a Natural Grocers and a day trip to Grand Falls. Plus I had enough points for two free nights at Marriott. Not bad.
About 30-40 miles northeast of Flagstaff, depending on what you read and I forgot to check the odometer, and an hour drive brought me to the Chocolate Falls. Just north of town off State Route 89 I headed east on the paved Townsend-Winona Road with ominous clouds hanging overhead to Leupp Road. After about 15 miles I watched carefully for Indian Road 70 where I saw a sign for the Grand Falls Bible Church and turned north.
I crossed a barren landscape with few homes over the graded road of broken up lava past cinder cones with the Painted Desert in the far distance.
Then came to a small pond, or large puddle, across the road that was too deep to drive.
A couple had walked around it and found safe passage so after watching them navigate the route I followed.
Sun streaked through the clouds over the San Francisco Peaks as the road continued to rumble along through what can only be described as desert with no clues that a river runs through it.
Until, without 4×4 or less smarts than I give myself credit for, the muddy flow of the Little Colorado River blocked going any further.
So I parked and began walking down stream but on the higher ground that parallels the river headed for an obvious overlook. The semi-trail took me over the craggy and broken old lava flow responsible for creating Grand Falls about 20,000 years ago when now extinct vents pushed lava across the Little Colorado River altering its course.
The roar of the falls drowned out all other sounds as the water disappeared over a ledge dropping 185 feet (56 m) to the river below.
And this isn’t even full flow.
Watching lightning in the distance I tried to get a shot yet even with video had no luck.
I walked around the horseshoe shaped lava flow to various viewpoints of the falls. Sure glad the wind wasn’t blowing any stronger or I’d have been covered with a fine chocolate mist. There are picnic tables under shelters that provide different views but I didn’t find the road to them until I was leaving.
The clouds were coming in fast and I didn’t want to get stuck out there in a storm so headed back to my truck. I really wanted to stay for sunset but was the only one there and although that was very cool it was also a little eerie being out there alone. I think next time you should go with me.
As I headed back to Flagstaff the sun shone on the San Francisco Peaks as if to wish me a good evening.
I wouldn’t recommend going to Grand Falls during or immediately after a very heavy rain even with a 4×4. And during dry months no water flows here at all. Yet it was certainly worth the bumpy drive to see the chocolate flow of Grand Falls.
It sure does look like chocolate but I will pass on it thank you. 🙂 I love the contrasting plains with the high mountains in the Flagstaff area. It will always bring back very wonderful memories of the time spent there.
Flagstaff really is a beautiful area. I’d think about living there if it wasn’t for the winter cold and snow.
I am really intrigued with these falls. To think that its dry most of the time and only flows after heavy rains. Amazing!
Also flows after winter snow melt. But I’ve crossed the river at another point many times and never seen water flow above ground.
Wow! Would love to see that. Can I borrow your photo for my 30 days of August photos? So pretty.
You may use a photo as long as you link back to my site for credit. A place that’s doable for you to visit.
Thanks Gaelyn!! Love this place!! I’m inspired again, today I’m having Cheerios in my Ovaltine!! 8*)
Sounds like something I would have had as a child, but I didn’t start flavoring my cereal till I was in my 40s! 8*)
The perfect blend with the Chocolate Falls.
As long as I lived there, I had never heard of Chocolate Falls and never seen it until now! Sorry I missed that! Thanks for showing me!
Good excuse to come back.
What a lovely spot and that colour is just amazing. Have a good week Diane
I could never get there in Ruby wet or dry so sign me up to go with you next time. These pictures are fantastic. The sun rays through the clouds. Gorgeous pictures of the chocolate falls. They should be framed and hung on the walls for us all to oooooh and ahhhhh over. Thanks for showing me this. There is no way I would even have known about it except for you. Simply beautiful! Mother Nature, ain’t she somethin’ !!
Ruby wouldn’t be the best choice for this drive, and thus another reason I own a truck. I’m ready to return anytime but think maybe after the winter snow melt (if we get any) in the spring. How’s that work for you? Thanks for your high praise, but I feel like Nature just handed me these shots.
Beautiful photos of an amazing place. I’d love to go with you next time, just say the word (and send me a magic carpet please!).
The water really does look like chocolate….we live where, when the wind blows the mud can roil up the shallow water, but it makes it look like oh, old yukky tea or coffee. Definitely not that rich chocolate brown and….oh, I’m making myself hungry!
Neat on the hotel points!
I think by spring after the winter snow melt would be an excellent time to return. Being a chocoholic I was tempted to just jump in and suck it all in.
First time I’ve seen a chocolate (or mud) colored falls! That ledge looks scary, but from afar, the falls look wonderful.
I’d like to return in the spring and see full flow.
It’s like Willy Wonka of the Chocolate Factory!!!! That is gorgeous. I’ve heard about this place……..plus a night at the Marriot…..divinity!
I really want to return in the spring to see the full flow. Yea, two free nights.
You have had some great posts over the years but this one is outstanding. I had never heard of these falls. It does seem kind of eerie though isolated as it is.
Thanks Yogi. This place was amazing. Hope to return in the spring to see full flow.
Wow beautiful shots. I love the one with the rays coming through the clouds. We used to call them Angel ladders. Don’t ask!
Chocolate Falls–really neat. Next time in AZ. I’m going there. MB
I like the idea of Angel ladders. Definitely a place to see.
I am so sorry I missed this post and thank you for linking back to it. Listening to those fall was the highlight of my week.
Things are getting very dry hear so the sound of water is pure magic.
Glad you enjoyed it. Right now there would be no water over the falls. Unless it’s rained or had spring snow melt the river goes underground.