15 Amazing Waterfalls in Arizona

Arizona is a diverse state with arid desert, towering mountains, and lush landscapes around Flagstaff.

The warmer temperatures make cooling off a necessity, particularly in summer.

Thankfully, there are over 15 waterfalls – many in the Havasu region – making it possible to swim, cool down, and admire the magnificent landscape.

1. Fossil Creek Falls

Fossil Creek Falls, Arizona — Fossil Creek Falls

Fossil Creek Falls is near Pine, Arizona.

Hikers will need to find Fossil Creek Waterfall Trailhead.

The height of the falls is 25 feet, with a deep pool beneath.

Cliff jumping is permitted at the falls, but always be aware of the water level before attempting to jump.

There are multiple swimming areas.

Fossil Creek is not in a park, so there are no fees to visit the area.

The hike is 1.5 miles and is easy enough for the whole family.

2. Cibecue Falls

Cibecue Falls can be an amazing hike all on its own, or for an extended workout, combine it with another waterfall in the area.

To hike to Cibecue Falls, you’ll need to go to the Cibecue Creek Falls Trailhead in Gila County, Arizona.

The hike is 4 miles, with a 220 elevation gain and an intermediate difficulty level.

There is a dirt road leading to the trailhead, which is found along the Salt River Canyon area.

The waterfall is 30 feet high.

3. Seven Falls

Seven Falls lies in Sabino Canyon, which can be found in the Catalina Foothills.

The area offers 2.5 miles of hiking through some beautifully lush landscapes.

The Catalina Foothills are close to Tucson, which is known for its arid terrain, but the waterfall area provides a nice forest, with cascading water falling into a large pool where hikers can cool off.

There is an elevation gain of over 900 feet.

4. Ribbon Falls

Ribbon Falls is part of the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park.

It is accessible by visiting North Rim, Arizona.

The waterfalls are in a secluded area of the park but can be easily reached in one day.

The roundtrip hike is 16.8 miles, with 4,521 feet in elevation gain.

The difficulty level is intermediate.

The trailhead is 1.5 miles from Grand Canyon Lodge.

5. Pacheta Falls

Pacheta Falls is found near Whiteriver, Arizona, although there are a couple of different entrances to the hiking area.

The falls are part of the White Mountains region.

Hikers to the area will enter White Mountain Apache Reservation, and require a special permit to drive to the hiking area.

No swimming is permitted at this waterfall.

It is an off-road experience, so only high-profile vehicles are permitted.

The waterfall height is unknown; however, there is no elevation gain for the trip.

The distance is 2.5 miles and the falls can be accessed in all seasons except winter.

6. Romero Pools

Romero Pools are close to Tucson, Arizona, and can be found along the Romero Canyon Trail.

To find the trailhead, hikers should visit Catalina State Park, which has a per vehicle cost.

The one-way trip mileage is 2.8. The first mile is the easiest and then it becomes more difficult.

The last mile is rocky, with a good incline.

The entire trip is 5.6 miles, with a 900-foot elevation gain.

The pools are fed by the Romero falls and offer a cool dip for those who need to be refreshed from the hot temperature.

Access is allowed year-round.

7. Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is part of the Havasupai Reservation and can be accessed via Havasu Campground in Supai, Arizona.

Hidden Falls is a fifty-foot drop and cliff jumping is allowed for those brave enough to take the leap.

There is a short trail from Navajo at the campground that enables hikers to reach the falls via a bridge.

When the picnic area is in sight, it is just a short distance from that point to the falls.

As for the cascades, there are three points where the falls go over cliffs at 30, 40, and 50 feet.

The hiking distance from the campground to the falls is one mile, one-way.

It is an easy hike, available all year – although the rainy season obviously offers more water.

8. Grand Falls

Grand Falls is one of the more adventurous waterfalls to see because travelers will need to off-road to the location.

The closest town is Flagstaff.

Grand Falls is part of the Navajo Nation, so you will need to gain permission to travel along the dirt road and up to the picnic area, which is at the bottom of the falls.

A distinguishing characteristic about Grand Falls is the muddy water – it is almost an opaque chocolate color – that rushes over 185 feet from the top of the Little Colorado River to the pool beneath.

The waterfall is best seen during the snowmelt or after heavy rain.

At other times of the year, the falls can be completely dry given the climate of Arizona.

9. Tanque Verde Falls

Tanque Verde Falls begins at the Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead near Tucson, Arizona.

The waterfall is 80 feet high, with a swimming area below.

You’ll need a 4×4 to reach the trailhead to being your hike.

From the start of the trail, it is a mile before you reach lower Tanque, which has a 30-foot cascade.

From there, it is a short distance to the 80-foot plunging cascade into the deep pool.

While cliff jumping has occurred, it is rather dangerous due to the slippery rocks and strong currents.

However, a rope swing has been installed for some extra enjoyment.

The total hike distance is 1.6 miles, with a 100-foot elevation gain.

The route is rated as medium difficulty, and best undertaken in spring, autumn, and summer.

10. Water Wheel and Ellison Creek Cascades

The Water Wheel and Ellison Creek Waterfall are near Payson, Arizona.

This is one of the more unique locations, with walls of sheer rock that have been cut away by the river.

The hike begins at the Water Wheel close to a day use area.

The path goes right along the river and eventually leads hikers to the Ellison Creek waterfall.

There is a swimming hole, and cliff jumping is permitted.

For those who want a longer walk, it is possible to go to Bridal Veil Falls, just a short distance along from Ellison.

It takes a quarter mile to reach the swimming hole area.

Ellison Cascades are 80 feet high and hikers will need $6 for the entry fee.

The entire distance to the swimming hole and additional falls is 1.8 miles, with an elevation gain of 105 feet.

Access is all year, with an effortless walk to the various areas.

11. Apache Falls

Apache Falls are part of the Salt River Canyon in San Carlos, Arizona.

The hike to the falls is 1 mile, with 100 feet elevation gain.

It is possible to reach this area year-round and the hiking level is easy.

Apache Falls is part of a river, which makes the flow decent throughout the year.

It is also possible to combine the hike with a visit to Cibecue Falls.

Visitors will need to enter San Carlos Apache Recreation area.

It is also possible to enter via White Mountain Apache Salt River Canyon Recreation Area.

Both entrances will require a permit that can be purchased via the tribe’s online website or locally.

12. Navajo Falls

Navajo Falls in Supai, Arizona is one of the most popular falls in the state.

The location near Havasu Falls makes it enjoyable and accessible for visitors during any time of the year.

It is important to remember that flooding can happen during monsoon season, as it did in August 2008, which is when Navajo Falls was created.

The falls are closest to the Havasupai Campground.

The waterfall is tall, with a deep pool at the bottom, so people can jump from the cliffs and swim.

The hiking distance is a total of 1.2 miles and hikers will see an elevation gain of 500 feet.

It is best to hike the area during spring, summer, and fall.

The trail is suitable for beginners.

13. Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is another location close to Havasupai Campground in Supai, Arizona.

The cascades drop an amazing 200 feet into beautiful pools below.

The trail is difficult; there are chains and ladders required to hike to the falls.

Part of the falls was created due to old mining tunnels, which are nearby.

The distance is only 0.5 miles in total.

The elevation gain is 200 feet to see the top and bottom of the falls.

It is best not to go on this trail in winter.

14. Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls is a great waterfall to visit while in the Havasupai Campground area, in Supai, Arizona.

It is a meandering fall, meaning it doesn’t plunge down, but rather cascades over several boulders to form small, shallow pools.

It is eight miles to go to the falls and back.

The trail is intermediate in difficulty, but hikers can visit at any time of the year.

Hikers can take the Mooney Falls path, descend the wall, and continue to Beaver Falls, making it a longer trip, but well worth the effort.

15. Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls in Supai, Arizona is a waterfall that plunges into a deep pool.

Havasupai Reservation is a remote area of the Grand Canyon National Park; it requires a 10-mile round trip hike.

The elevation gain is minus 2,000 because hikers go downhill to reach the falls.