Waterfalls aren’t exactly rare in Arizona, but they take on a different sort of mystique when the only means of access are via boat or an intense backcountry hike. Deer Creek Falls is hidden deep within the Grand Canyon, and most rafting outfitters include it on their itinerary. This paddling trip is a bucket-list-worthy adventure if we’ve ever seen one!

Hiking is easily the most popular way to enjoy the Grand Canyon, but rafting comes in at a very close second.

Flickr/Grand Canyon NPS - Mark Lellouch Something about paddling through the watery depths with majestic rocky bluffs towering up towards the clouds on either side offers a whole new experience that everyone should have.

Deer Creek, which feeds into the falls, flows down from springs and through side canyons on the north side of the Colorado River.

Flickr/Dave Greenery flourishes on either side of the cascade, turning the area into a tropical oasis sure to take your breath away.

The falls plunge a whopping 180 feet down into the pristine water below, roaring with the immense power of Mother Nature.

Flickr/Chris Amelung You’ll be enveloped by the gentle, yet mighty sound, its all-consuming nature sending you into a state of transcendence.

Most rafting trips, both commercial and private, stop at Deer Creek Falls.

TripAdvisor/dremmettdc The bucket list-worthy attraction is located at River Mile 136.9.

You can also access the falls via backpacking, however, a backcountry camping permit from Grand Canyon National Park is required.

TripAdvisor/dremmettdc The entire trip is about 24 miles long and will likely take multiple days.

Beginning on Bill Hill Trail, you’ll hike four miles down to the Esplanade and camp overnight.

AllTrails/Kenneth Poreda From there, it’s six miles to the Deer Creek Campsite and another four to the waterfall. You’ll head back the same way, for a roughly five-day journey overall.

It’s hard to believe such an exotic wonder is hiding right here within our Grand Canyon.

TripAdvisor/Jake Acton What other treasures are nestled within its bounds?

Visit the Grand Canyon website for a list of river outfitters. Click here for the AllTrails page if you decide to brave the hike instead (it has a different route than what we outlined above).

Flickr/Grand Canyon NPS - Mark Lellouch

Something about paddling through the watery depths with majestic rocky bluffs towering up towards the clouds on either side offers a whole new experience that everyone should have.

Flickr/Dave

Greenery flourishes on either side of the cascade, turning the area into a tropical oasis sure to take your breath away.

Flickr/Chris Amelung

You’ll be enveloped by the gentle, yet mighty sound, its all-consuming nature sending you into a state of transcendence.

TripAdvisor/dremmettdc

The bucket list-worthy attraction is located at River Mile 136.9.

The entire trip is about 24 miles long and will likely take multiple days.

AllTrails/Kenneth Poreda

From there, it’s six miles to the Deer Creek Campsite and another four to the waterfall. You’ll head back the same way, for a roughly five-day journey overall.

TripAdvisor/Jake Acton

What other treasures are nestled within its bounds?

Have you ever paddled (or hiked) to Deer Creek Falls? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Check out our previous article for more waterfalls to add to your bucket list: 6 Gorgeous Arizona Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required.

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Address: Deer Creek Falls, Arizona 86435, USA