A Hiker's Guide into Havasupai

In this article, Addison will describe how to access Havasupai Falls, what to expect, what to pack, and any other information on the waterfalls and Indian Reservation.

A Hiker's Guide into Havasupai

By: Addison Allen

Havasupai Indian Reservation is a popular hiking spot located inside the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Thousands of daring adventurers who obtain a permit in time have the opportunity to explore the famous waterfalls and unique landscape year-round. Between May and September, the trails are most popular due to the warmer weather and subsequently less freezing water. The famous Havasupai falls can be accessed by hiking 16 kilometers from the Hualapai parking lot or by taking a helicopter. Since this part of the Grand Canyon is an Indian Reservation, basic rules and restrictions do apply.

Most people on the Havasupai reservation are seeking a view of the waterfalls: Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and, finally, Beaver Falls. To experience all three spots, hikers usually break the hike up into 3-4 days, composed of a minimum of 20 miles. Access to these three waterfalls are not for the faint of heart. After a strenuous 10-mile hike from the starting point, a hiker will reach the campground. There, the clear, turquoise waters of the Havasu Falls are in sight. This is a popular swimming spot, though the water consistently hovers around a cold, 70 degree temperature. Most hikers spend the night at the campground before setting out the next two days for a smaller trek to a few other waterfalls.

Havasupai Falls by The Canyon

While the order in which one visits the two waterfalls varies from person to person, Mooney Falls is a good place to start. The descent to this waterfall is extremely dangerous due to the steep decline and series of connected ladders, but the refreshing water hole and rope swing at the end are well worth it. Only 3 miles from Mooney Falls is Beaver Falls. Jared Dillingham, an experienced hiker and journalist, says, “While the main trail will branch off from time to time, it’s impossible to get lost on a hike to Beaver Falls since you’re literally following Havasu Creek all the way there.” Beaver Falls is a unique location because it is made up of several clear, deep pools feeding into each other. Though it can sometimes find itself shadowed by Havasu Falls, Beaver Falls is an equally significant part of the Indian Reservation. Navajo and Fifty Foot falls are two smaller falls to hit before concluding the trip with a 10-11 mile hike out of the canyon.

Beaver Falls by Jared Dillingham

Since temperatures often break 100 degrees, it is crucial to be adequately prepared before entering the canyon. According to Southwest Media Communications, “the trail to the falls can be physically demanding, so adequate preparation, hydration, and knowing your limits are very important for mitigating risk.” Similar to any other lengthy hike, it is always a good idea to go into the canyon with proper conditioning and athleticism. Often, this can include exercising with the heavy pack beforehand in order to avoid injury. On top of carrying around the pack, hikers should pack well before the starting date to ensure they have everything that they could possibly need while in the remote canyon. These items include but are not limited to: a sleeping bag, tent, athletic clothing, hiking shoes, food, backpacking stove, flashlight, first aid kit, and bathing suit. The most important item is water; there will be a spot in the Supai campground to refill water bottles, but otherwise there is nowhere to fill along the trail. The same Southwest Media Communications recommend taking at least 1 gallon of water to any of the five waterfalls.

Becoming properly informed as to when and how to get a permit is imperative in order to ensure spots are saved. Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. is usually when the permits go for sale, and they sell out within the first hour. Havasupai reservations cost $455 per person for 3 days, including all fees and taxes. Regardless of how long someone plans to stay in the canyon, they must pay for the nonrefundable 3-day pass. Hikers are reminded to take the receipt confirming their payment as they go down to the canyon. In addition to this receipt, they must come prepared with a picture of their parked vehicle's license plate number, health insurance number in case of an emergency, and government-issued ID. If someone does not purchase a permit in time, then there is still a chance that someone will cancel their trip so that someone else can fill in the spot. However, most hikers will not risk missing out on an adventure as exciting as this one.

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