Cheyava Falls, Grand Canyon North Rim

Cheyava Falls is the Grand Canyon National Park's highest waterfall on its north rim. However, though it can be seen from many trails, it is not necessarily that easy to get to. Sadly, any view of it is very distant, a mere streak of water high up on a rocky wall versus a rushing flow.

Like many backcountry sites, the Grand Canyon National Park's north rim waterfall, the Cheyava Falls, is rarely visited up close. Only the most experienced hikers or those who care to push themselves further, will ever chance a trip to see its incredible cascade of gushing water.

If one is fairly fit and does not mind some backcountry hiking and camping, then the journey to the falls' base is very worthwhile. It takes about sixteen miles of arduous hiking to get to, and most will opt for an extended trip, to allow for a respite before continuing the final 7 mile trip to the foot of the falls.

The trail is fairly well marked, veering off through horsetail thickets and tough bushy countryside. In fact, it is a welcome relief at this point because the cooling air from the ground covering plant life diverts the heat wave that comes from the nearby desert.

As the rim is reached, it is not hard to hear the cascade of water tumbling over the rim's edge, especially if the trip is taken in the spring or just after a heavy rainfall. As the local bushes and trees are bypassed, the scale of the waterfall becomes apparent; an eight hundred foot high shower erodes the cliff face. However, it is not possible to get the very base as a thick spread of bush prevents this. The lasting reward cannot possibly be described.