Havasupai
Arizona
Havasu Falls, located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, is a stunning cascade of water plunging into turquoise pools in the Grand Canyon. A literal paradise in the dessert! Crystal opal blue waters with up to 5 waterfalls to explore. Stunning and a bucket list adventure! This is a permit only backpacking trip, but we can see why! A true gem that you have to experience at least once in your life!
Route
Havasu Falls + Mooney Falls + Beaver Falls
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24.1 mile loop
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3 nights/4 days
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3,526 ft elevation gain
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Hard (hot with limited shade)
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Dogs NOT permitted
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Park at Hualapai Hilltop (parking pass comes with permit)
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Start at the Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead
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Night 1-3 : Havasu Campground
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Day 4 : hike out at 4 am to beat the heat
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When to go : May - September
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Flash flood zone
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Permit required to camp (3 night minimum stay)
NOTE
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You're in the desert with limited shade and water.
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We went in May and it was easily over 90 degrees
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Campsites are first come first serve.
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Access to spring water and bathrooms (we filtered our water anyway)
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Dispose of waste properly and keep campsite clean!
AllTrails & Permit Reservation Links
Day 1 : Havasu Campground
Before getting into trail details - this was a lottery permit reservation. You will need to reserve your permit once the Havasupai Reservation website opens on February 1st. I've included the link to the website above. It's very important that you create an account on the website before reserving your campground. It cost around 400$ per person for the 3 night minimum. You will need to pick up your parking pass, wrist bands and permits up at the reservation office 24 hours before your start date. We drove from Utah 2 days before our start date to pick up our permits and stayed at the nearest town's hotel. You CAN'T park or start at the trailhead before 8 am.
The hike in was mostly downhill as you drop into the canyon. There is no access to water for another few hours, but you will intersect with Havasu Creek eventually. We made sure to pack plenty of water for that reason. I can't stress this enough, but heatstroke is a real risk. Please wear proper attire and bring plenty of water and electrolytes. I would recommend wearing a hiking sandal and bringing some light trail runners with good tread (you will need them later). At 7 miles you will reach the Supai Cafe in Havasupai Village. This is your last stop to get snacks, water, etc. Cash only. We stopped and got some cold gatorade and popsicles. Please refrain from taking pictures of the locals. At 9 miles you will reach Havasu Falls! Continue down the trail to pick out your best campsite! There are no designated sites so pick wisely! It was packed this time of year!
Day 2 : Havasu Falls
We were pretty obliterated by the heat so we spent the day sleeping in and enjoying Havasu Falls. It really is incredible. We found a secluded spot in the shade, swam, and took in the views. We decided to check out Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls which was actually my favorite waterfall on the trip!The trail to getting there was a bit confusing so I definitely recommend downloading the route I have linked above to help you find it. There was a point where we waded through waist high water to get to Fifty Foot. It was absolutely epic. 3 waterfalls are flowing off this canyon wall into a huge body of water. We were the only ones there and got to swim and enjoy solidarity.
Day 3 : Mooney Falls + Beaver Falls
We decided to check out Mooney Falls and hopefully make the trip out to Beaver Falls as well. Unfortunately we didn't make it out all the way. The "hike down to Mooney Falls" was just not worth the risk for us, we didn't have proper footwear and you are literally free climbing down a cliff, with just a rope to hang on to. The route down is slippery and wet from the close proximity to Mooney making the journey down more treacherous. There are a pile of gloves you can use at the start of the cliff to help with your grip on the decent down. I applaud everyone who has done it! My friends were able to get down safely and see the base of Mooney and Beaver Falls, but they also agreed that it was very scary, especially on your way back up. I'm honestly surprised people haven't gotten seriously inured. It was sketchier than Angels Landing!
Day 4: Hike back out
We decided to hike out at 4 am with headlamps to beat the heat. You CAN'T hike out before then. It is against the rules. You will be provided a list of rules and restrictions when you pick up your permits. It was so much cooler at that time, with epic views of the stars and sunrise. We got out of the canyon by 9 am and we were so happy to have hiked out that early. It reached around 80 degrees Fahrenheit by 9 am. Also, there are other ways to access Havasupai. We backpacked in, but you can also take a helicopter, or reserve a pack mule in the link I've attached above. It's also worth noting that it was packed, and busy. Like a waterpark and not portrayed like it is on social media. It was still beautiful and so glad we did it when we did, but this isn't a trip for you if you're looking for seclusion.
