Elves Chasm

Shaded waterfall grotto with an emerald pool and ferns

InsideGrand Canyon National Park

Overview

A true canyon oasis, Elves Chasm is a fern-draped grotto where a small waterfall spills into an emerald pool tucked in a cool alcove near Colorado River mile ~117. It’s one of the prettiest stops on the river—remote, soothing, and photogenic.

What You’ll See & Do

Waterfall and pool: Multi-tiered falls dropping into a deep, clear basin framed by mossy rock.
Lush micro-oasis: Hanging ferns and flowers like monkeyflowers and columbines thrive beside the cascade, a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert walls.
Scramble and swim: Expect a short, fun scramble from the river and a refreshing dip. Many visitors climb around the falls and make a careful jump into the pool—use judgment.

Getting There

By river: Most people visit on Colorado River trips; it’s a classic stop with a brief hike up Royal Arch Creek.
By land: Advanced backpackers can reach it via the Royal Arch Loop—a very difficult, remote route that requires a Grand Canyon backcountry permit and includes significant scrambling (some accounts note a rappel). This is expert terrain.

What Makes It Special

The hanging-garden feel—ferns, flowers, perpetual shade—turns this tiny grotto into a fairytale pocket in the middle of big desert canyon scenery. It’s frequently cited as one of the most beautiful waterfall spots along the river.

Safety, Etiquette, and Logistics

Rocks are wet and slick; scrambling is required. Grippy water shoes help.
No facilities of any kind and no camping at the chasm; this is an undeveloped, fragile site.
Follow Leave No Trace—stay on durable surfaces and pack out everything.
Wildlife isn’t the focus here, but the riparian nook can host insects and small amphibians.

Best Time to Visit

Lighting: Early daylight brings the nicest glow for photos in the shaded alcove.
Crowds: Popular with river trips; you may share the spot with other boats during the day. The remoteness keeps overall numbers down.
Seasons: River season windows are ideal; overland travel should be attempted only in appropriate conditions by highly experienced parties.

Pros

Shaded grotto waterfall with a clear, swimmable pool
Lush hanging-garden vibes with ferns and seasonal wildflowers

Cons

Hard to reach unless on a river trip or Royal Arch Loop
Slick rock and light scrambling near the falls

Tips

Bring grippy water shoes—the short approach and rocks around the pool are slick.
River trips: budget time to explore beyond the first pool for the best photos.
Overland parties need a backcountry permit and advanced skills; research the Royal Arch Loop thoroughly.
No amenities and no camping at the chasm—pack out all waste.
For photos, aim for early daylight when the alcove is softly lit.