This One Destination Has The Absolute Bluest Water In Arizona
Arizona isn’t shy about showing off her beauty. It surrounds us in rugged mountains, dramatic colors, sculptural plants, and precious water sources. Nothing here quite looks the same, not even our water sources! They range from desert riparian areas, washes that only see seasonal flow, chocolate-colored waterfalls, and lakes that are either crystal clear, muddy, or tinted blue.
Most people tend to think of blue water as a deep cerulean but there’s one spot here in Arizona that proves it can be stunning in a much lighter hue. That place is Havasu Creek.
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Located within the Grand Canyon, Havasu Creek is a stream that runs for several miles from Supai to the Colorado River. The stream’s waters range from a milky baby blue to a clear turquoise, making this remote area appear even more stunning. The calcium rich water creates the colors along with the limestone and travertine sitting under the creek.
There are also several waterfalls that run along the stream: Havasu, Upper Navajo, Little Navajo, Mooney, Beaver, and occasionally Fiftyfoot Falls. Each one features that same blue waters that contrast well with the reddish rock walls.
Another stunning feature of the creek is the confluence, the point in which Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River. This moment is sudden and striking; the milky blue creek and the often muddy brown river briefly graze each other. Most visitors see it when boating through the Colorado River, making for a happy surprise.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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