One Of Arizona's Most Stunningly Beautiful Waterfalls Requires Almost No Effort To See
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 27, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
No matter how many hidden waterfalls in Arizona you’ve sought out, we can almost guarantee you’ve never seen one as beautiful as Vasey’s Paradise. Surrounded by lush greenery, this jaw-dropping cascade spills forth from the tall cliff faces of Marble Canyon. The best part? A short rafting trip on the Colorado River is all it takes to get there!
While many of Arizona's most gorgeous waterfalls require a grand effort to reach, Vasey's Paradise isn't one of them. Located in Marble Canyon (the uppermost portion of the Grand Canyon), this lush oasis is a natural wonder you have to see to believe.
Vasey's Paradise is named after botanist George Vasey (who, ironically, never actually visited the waterfall). Vasey's friend, explorer John Wesley Powell, named it for him, presumably because of all the lush greenery that surrounds the tumbling cascade.
Accessible via the Colorado River or the South Canyon Trail, Vasey's Paradise can be found about 1.5 miles below the Mile 30 Sand Bar. Even the shortest river rafting trips typically pass by the waterfall (and stop so rafters can marvel at its indescribable beauty).
What's even more incredible about this hidden gem is that it is one of the only areas of the Grand Canyon that isn't a desert. Even more amazing, the spring water could be millions of years old!
The waterfall is also one of only two known natural habitats of the Kanab ambersnail, which is a federally-listed endangered species. Its other habitat is Three Lakes, a meadow near the city of Kanab, Utah.
Right around the corner from Vasey's Paradise is Redwall Cavern, a massive sand cave carved out of the bottom of the canyon. See them both in the same trip for a truly remarkable adventure you'll want to tell all your friends and family about afterwards.
Have you ever seen Vasey’s Paradise? What other hidden waterfalls in Arizona are worth seeking out? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn more about the otherworldly Redwall Cavern.
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