Navajo Falls
Arizona • Grand Canyon National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
2 ft
About Navajo Falls
Navajo Falls is a striking cascade on Havasu Creek, tucked into the dramatic side canyons of the Grand Canyon on Havasupai tribal lands. The falls — one of several spectacular drops along Havasu Creek — acquired their current form after a 2008 flood altered the creek’s course, creating new cascades and turquoise pools that draw hikers and photographers. Like nearby Havasu Falls (Havasuw Hagjahgeevma), Navajo Falls sits within the Havasupai Reservation and offers vivid blue-green water framed by red canyon walls and cottonwood-lined riparian stretches. The waterfall and its immediate surroundings are on tribal land (land unit: Havasupai Reservation), managed by the Havasupai Tribe (manager: TRIB; land owner: DESG). Because Navajo Falls is remote and part of the Havasu Creek corridor, visitors should plan a full day on the trail and be prepared for rugged canyon scenery and limited services; the experience rewards effort with intimate pools, cliffside viewpoints, and the unique cultural landscape of the Havasupai people.
The Setting
Navajo Falls sits at 2,982 feet within Grand Canyon National Park, fed by the Havasu Creek, in the hills of Arizona.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Mooney Falls (200 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Havasu Falls (100 ft, 0.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 10.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail summary: 10.0 miles round trip, out-and-back; officially listed difficulty: hard; official elevation gain: 2 ft (per available trail data). The route begins at Hualapai Hilltop and descends into the canyon, dropping steeply toward Supai Village. The trail is rugged and challenging, with significant elevation changes as you move from the rim down to the creek and the village; after reaching Supai Village you continue along the Havasu Creek corridor to Navajo Falls and its pools. Though the official elevation-gain figure is minimal in the published data, hikers should expect steep, sustained downhill and uphill sections on the return and come prepared for uneven, rocky terrain and a strenuous day hike.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Navajo Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Permits are required to access the Havasupai Reservation and must be obtained in advance through the official Havasupai Tribe website. Permits often sell out months in advance.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Navajo Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring or fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, and winter may bring cooler temperatures and less predictable weather.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Grand Canyon National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
The hike to Navajo Falls is challenging and requires proper preparation. Bring plenty of water, as dehydration is a serious risk. Be cautious around the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Flash floods are a potential hazard in the area, especially during monsoon season.
Current Water Conditions
65 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
6.90 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 HAVASU CREEK ABOVE THE MOUTH, NEAR SUPAI, AZ (8 km away).
Today
Moderate
65 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
65 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
74 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
79 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
79 cfs
6/10Wed
Moderate
75 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late March, peaking in August.
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 Kaibab hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 130 feet of descent through Navajo Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,996 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 66 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 33 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,996 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 130 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Navajo Falls is accessible via the Havasupai Trail, which begins at the Hualapai Hilltop. The trail requires a hike of approximately 10 miles to the Supai Village, followed by a shorter hike to the falls. Access is restricted to those with permits to visit the Havasupai Reservation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Hualapai Hilltop, which serves as the trailhead for the Havasupai Trail. The parking area is limited and can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,982 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.250285° N, -112.698549° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Make sure to secure a permit well in advance, as access to the Havasupai Reservation is highly regulated and permits sell out quickly. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for the challenging hike. Start early in the day to avoid the heat and allow enough time to complete the hike.
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This challenging 10.0 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
JUMPUP CABIN
24.6 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Since the 1900s, Jumpup cabin has been used by ranchers as well as the Forest Service, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site consists of a historic two-room cabin, shed and composting toilet. Recreation Jumpup cabin is located at the trailhead for the Ranger trail, a 17-mile wilderness trail that winds through Kanab Creek. Hiking this area is very popular in the spring and fall months, but is discouraged during the hottest summer months. Water is scarce and
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Navajo Falls, Arizona
Lava Warm Springs
Lava Warm Springs flows at 90°F on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Mohave County near Peach Springs, emerging 20 degrees war...
Pumpkin Spring
Pumpkin Spring emerges as a mineralized thermal feature in the Grand Canyon's depths, located on the Hualapai Indian Reservatio...
Colorado Pool
Colorado Pool flows at 86 degrees Fahrenheit near the Grand Canyon in Coconino County at 2,912 feet elevation, requiring approx...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Navajo Falls, Arizona on SoakingSprings.
Explore Arizona springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the area include Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls, all of which are accessible via the Havasupai Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including lizards, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the creek.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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