Right now
Right now as of Nov 8, 2026
- Status Closed, as far as we can tell (Nov 8, 2026). Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says "Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public." It asks visitors to call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227 for more information.
Status note (Nov 8, 2026): Closed, as far as we can tell (Nov 8, 2026). Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says "Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public." It asks visitors to call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227 for more information. What the status labels mean
Grand Falls, known in Navajo as Adah'iilíní, is on the Little Colorado River on the Navajo Nation. It is closed to the public: Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says "Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public." Leupp Chapter residents closed it in spring 2023. For information, call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227.
About Grand Falls
Grand Falls is on the Little Colorado River on the Navajo Nation, in Coconino County. KNAU reports that it is known to Navajos as Adah'iilíní.
KNAU says the falls are registered as a "traditional cultural property" by the Navajo Nation Heritage and Historical Preservation Department, for their spiritual importance. KNAU adds that it is not a national, state, tribal, city or county park.
Wikipedia says the falls are also called Chocolate Falls for the color of their muddy flow. It says they formed when lava from Merriam Crater dammed the river.
Wikipedia also says the falls run with snowmelt or seasonal rain, and can be dormant for months.
About our map pin
Our map pin is the USGS GNIS point for Grand Falls. We give no directions because the falls are closed to the public.
Getting there and parking
Grand Falls is closed to the public. Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says: "Please be advised that Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public due to debris build up in the area."
It asks visitors to "call Leupp Chapter for more information (928) 686-3227."
Navajo Nation access rules
Navajo Nation Parks says all areas on the Navajo Nation are closed to non-Navajos without a valid pass or permit. Permits come from Navajo Parks and Recreation or another delegated tribal authority.
It also says drones and rock climbing are prohibited on Navajo land, and that National Park passes are not accepted.
We do not publish directions to Grand Falls while it is closed.
Map and nearby falls
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Why Grand Falls is closed
KNAU reported that a community coalition of Leupp Chapter residents closed Grand Falls to visitors in spring 2023.
KNAU reported that visitors drove ATVs on the rangeland or let their dogs chase cattle, and that residents cleaned up beer bottles. Local Diné residents told KNAU the falls are a sacred site, not a tourist destination.
Wikipedia says the falls were open to tourists before March 2023 and have been closed since then.
Respecting the closure
KNAU says Grand Falls is not a tribal park, but local Diné residents call it a sacred site. Please respect the closure and the wishes of local residents.
When to visit
There is no open season: Grand Falls is closed to the public as of our Nov 8, 2026 check.
Navajo Nation Parks gives no reopening date. Call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227 for current information.
For Arizona waterfalls that are open, see our Arizona waterfalls page.
| Trail | Closed to the public. Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says Grand Falls is currently closed and directs questions to the Leupp Chapter. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public |
| Entry fee | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public. |
| Permit / reservation | Grand Falls is closed to the public. Navajo Nation Parks says all areas of the Navajo Nation are closed to non-Navajos without a valid pass or permit. |
| Parking | Closed |
| Dogs | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public |
| Swimming | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public |
| Best time to visit | Not applicable: Grand Falls is closed to the public |
| Crowds | Not applicable: closed |
| Managed by | Navajo Nation (Leupp Chapter area); Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation posts its status |
Safety and swimming
Do not try to visit Grand Falls while it is closed. Navajo Nation Parks says all areas on the Navajo Nation are closed to non-Navajos without a valid pass or permit.
For general advice, see our waterfall safety guide.
Status can change. For current information, call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227.
Grand Falls FAQ
Is Grand Falls in Arizona open?
No, as far as we can tell (Nov 8, 2026). Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation says "Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public."
Why is Grand Falls closed?
Navajo Nation Parks cites debris build-up in the area. KNAU reported in 2023 that Leupp Chapter residents closed it, saying it is a sacred site, not a tourist destination.
When will Grand Falls reopen?
We found no published reopening date. Navajo Nation Parks asks people to call the Leupp Chapter at (928) 686-3227 for more information.
What is the Navajo name for Grand Falls?
KNAU reports that Navajos know it as Adah'iilíní. It is registered as a traditional cultural property by the Navajo Nation Heritage and Historical Preservation Department.
Why is Grand Falls called Chocolate Falls?
Wikipedia says the name comes from the color of its extremely muddy flow.
Nearby waterfalls
More waterfalls to explore
Sources
- Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation: Rules & Regulations ("Grand Falls is currently Closed to Public"; read Nov 8, 2026)
- Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation: Entry fee page (Navajo Nation access rules; read Nov 8, 2026)
- KNAU: Navajo residents closed Grand Falls to tourists. They want it to stay that way. (Apr 4, 2023)
- Wikipedia: Grand Falls (Arizona) (formation, muddy flow, closure since March 2023; read Nov 8, 2026)
- USGS GNIS: Grand Falls, feature ID 5216 (coordinates, Coconino County)
Last verified Nov 8, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Navajo Nation (Leupp Chapter area); Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation posts its status before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.