Grand Canyon Gems: Clear Creek 

We’ve explored a number of magical spots in the Grand Canyon—many of them centered around waterfalls. And today, we’re doing it again! You might be thinking, “Another waterfall? What makes this one different?” Well, this one is unique—because it’s horizontal. Welcome to Clear Creek!

Located around river mile 84.5 within the Granite Gorge, Clear Creek is an early stop on your journey through the canyon. While the waterfall is the obvious highlight, the canyon it flows through is equally stunning. So let’s start there.

When your boat first pulls up to the beginning of the hike—though it’s really more of a casual walk—most people are surprised. The trailhead doesn’t look like a trail at all. Instead, you’re greeted by smooth ridges of black Vishnu Schist and pinkish Zoroaster Granite rising in dramatic, cliff-like formations. There’s no visible canyon in sight. But look closely and you’ll spot a route that winds its way across the ridges. It’s a bit of a scramble, but it gives you an up-close encounter with some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth—dating back nearly 1.75 billion years.

After climbing over the ridge, you’ll drop into a peaceful creek bed, surrounded by towering canyon walls. From here, it’s an easy walk upstream to the waterfall. Along the way, you’ll notice striking pink veins of granite running through the dark schist walls. The creek itself flows crystal clear and shallow—it’s incredibly calming to watch and listen to as it winds gently through the canyon.

Now for the main event: the waterfall. Clear Creek splits into two flows—one plunges straight down, while the other flows outward horizontally. This creates a fountain-like effect, with the water arcing through the air before landing in the pool below. The horizontal flow is caused by a natural rock ledge that redirects the water, forming a smooth slide that launches it outward rather than letting it fall straight down.

This incredible spot isn’t just a place to explore—it’s also a place to rest. The canyon here stays shaded much of the time, offering a cool, peaceful escape from the desert heat. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.