Welcome note

When my husband and I set out to find and take pictures of wheelchair accessible waterfalls in every U.S. state, we were excited about the challenge. We gave ourselves no time limit to accomplish our feat; however, we had one mutually agreed upon rule that dictated how long we would stay in any given area. That rule was to never shiver again. Needless to say, adhering to this rule presented a new challenge. The new challenge was to find a waterfall that was actually flowing. Visiting mid-west and eastern states during months that prevented us from shivering are the same months that are hot enough to dry up streams; hence, little or no water flow for waterfalls. The natural scenery and picturesque landscapes warrant a second visit in the early spring right after the snow melts.

Bob and Jan

Bob and Jan
Christmas Eve

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Grand Falls - Navajo Nation Arizona

Grand Falls in the Painted Desert on the Navajo Indian Reservation near Flagstaff Arizona is taller than Niagara Falls when it actually flows.

Snow melt or monsoon rain dumps into the Little Colorado River , then, a grand waterfall view is produced at Lower Colorado River.  It is said that the waterfalls are similar to flowing chocolate depending on the amount of water present. The falls are inactive for several months of the year or reduces to a trickle or non-existent.

The waterfall is remote and no major paved roads access it. Just when you think you've gone far enough into nowhere, go a little farther.  The 10 miles of dirt road, Indian Road 6910 (pic 1) was extremely bumpy; similar to a washboard.  A 4 x 4 vehicle would be ideal, however, a well-maintained car driven slowly will get you to the destination. Grand Falls Road (Indian Road 70) crosses the floor of the Little Colorado River.  The Little Colorado River was not flowing the day we found the waterfall, but, we got to drive on the river's bed (pic 3). Here is a site that has a picture of the falls in full spectacular. http://arizonatourism.com/articles/grand-falls/ This is another fall we will be returning to in late winter/early spring.
pic 1


pic 3

Picnic benches are provided at the overlook.

The site and the roads leading to the falls are located in the Navajo Nation, so wandering off the roads or trails is against Navajo Law.


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