Elves Chasm

Elves Chasm is a waterfall and pool in a narrow side canyon of the lower Grand Canyon, near Colorado River mile 116.5. River trips stop here, and the waterfall is reached by a short scramble up from the river. This is a remote river stop, not a roadside waterfall or a regular trailhead.

From the river, expect rough, rocky footing on the scramble to the pool. The map point marks the chasm, not a parking area. For hikers, the approach belongs to the remote Royal Arch Loop, a demanding five-day route for experienced canyon hikers with basic canyoneering skills. It requires a Grand Canyon backcountry permit, and the route description warns of an easily missed, rough path. The river-trip scramble and the longer hiking approach are different itineraries, so follow the access plan for how you are arriving.

Overnight camping at the chasm is closed. There is no road or parking access, and no food, restroom or potable-water facilities are identified at the site.

The waterfall spills into a pool below the red canyon walls. Cardinal monkeyflower, columbines and orchids have been reported among the plants in the damp side canyon. Their flowering season is not established, so treat them as a possibility rather than a timed display.

From beside the pool, include the falling water, green pool and enclosing pale boulders and red walls. That wider view shows how the waterfall sits inside the tight canyon; the falls alone lose the sense of the place.