Aerial view · USGS
Chitty Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainTrail Length
3.7 miles
About Chitty Falls
Chitty Falls is a quiet, seasonal cascade tucked into Arizona’s Apache National Forest that comes alive after significant rain. Its modest flow and remote setting make it a rewarding stop for hikers who enjoy solitude and changing desert waterways rather than large, year-round falls. The setting is natural and unembellished, with rock-and-boulder banks that showcase the landscape’s raw character when the creek runs. The falls and access are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and the most direct approach follows the USFS CHITTY CREEK Trail (Trail #37). This is a moderate out-and-back outing that suits hikers looking for a short, intimate trek rather than a developed day-visit site. Because the waterfall is seasonal, timing your visit for the wetter months or soon after storms will give you the best chance of seeing water cascading over the rocks.
The Setting
Chitty Falls sits at 6,772 feet within Apache National Forest, in the high mountains of Arizona.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Chitty Creek (#37), a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
CHITTY CREEK #37
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
3.83 miTrail Description
USFS CHITTY CREEK Trail (Trail #37) is logged with a native-material surface (NAT) and a Class 2 rating, indicating mostly hiking on established trail with occasional simple obstacles. Typical grade along the route is 5–8%. Expect a natural tread—uneven rock and soil—so good footwear and basic navigation are recommended for a comfortable hike.
What to Expect
Chitty Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so water flow may vary significantly depending on recent rainfall. The area is remote and may offer opportunities for solitude and wildlife observation.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area is likely not wheelchair accessible due to its remote and rugged nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chitty Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chitty Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is typically after significant rainfall, which is most common in the spring and summer monsoon seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Apache National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions, including limited cell service and unmarked trails. Carry sufficient water, and be aware of flash flood risks during rainy seasons.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Eagle Creek, 13.6 miles away, not on Chitty Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
41 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 8 years of record
3.92 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge EAGLE CREEK AT EAGLE SCHOOL RD, NEAR MORENCI, AZ (22 km away).
Today
Moderate
41 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
46 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
47 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
41 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Alpine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Chitty Falls Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Chitty Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 39°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 62 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Chitty Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location of Chitty Falls is not well-documented, but it is believed to be accessible via remote trails in Arizona. Visitors should research local maps and consult with experienced hikers or local guides for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.
Elevation
6,772 feet above sea level
Coordinates
33.539093° N, -109.396219° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail and access points may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall is seasonal and may not flow during dry periods.
This trail sits at 6,772 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 27% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Honeymoon Campground
6.6 miles away · 0 sites
Located next to Eagle Creek, the area is ideal for camping, picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing. It is a quiet, remote site with lots of shade provided by sycamore and cottonwood trees along with pinyon and juniper trees.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Chitty Falls, Arizona
Hannah Hot Spring
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Frieborn Canyon Spring
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Seep
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Warm Spring
Warm Spring flows at 73°F near Morenci in Greenlee County, running 12 degrees above ambient at 3,620 feet elevation in BLM cany...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Chitty Falls, Arizona on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions in Arizona, such as Sedona's red rock formations or the Grand Canyon, may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of desert wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
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