AdahWiilini ( Grand Falls)

Adahwiilini ( Grand Falls, Navajo Nation, Az.)

Grand Falls is an ephemeral (seasonal) waterfall on the Little Colorado River. The Falls is located within the Navajo Nation of northeast Arizona. Its height is 186 feet, actually taller than Niagara Falls. It was formed when a lava flow from Merriam's Crater, part of the San Fransisco Volcanic Field, flowed into the Little Colorado River, creating a lava dam. The river rerouted around the dam forming Grand Falls and subsequently rejoining its original course. The Falls is fed mostly by snow melt, as the Little Colorado drains the eastern portion of the White mountain watershed, flowing north to join the Colorado River. Winter rains as well as summer monsoon storms contribute to the cascade. It is also known as Chocolate Falls ( shades of Willie Wonka) because of the significant amount of mud and silt the river picks up along the way. It has been a spectacular tourist attraction particularly in the spring and late summer but sadly, no more. Adahwiilini, the Navajo name for the Grand Falls, was closed to the public on March 1st 2023 by the Navajo leadership. the closure is due to disrespect of the land, the residents, livestock and property. The closure is enforced. The pictures do not do it justice. This and more information is available through Wikipedia.