Beaver Falls - Havasupai's Water Wonderland

Beaver Falls is the largest concentration of cascades in Havasu Canyon, providing a great destination for a half to full day adventure while staying in Havasupai. There are a lot of great swimming holes in the vicinity of Beaver Falls and the hike down to it is an adventure unto itself. If you have the energy and adventure appetite after hiking in to Havasu Canyon, the classic excursion on the first full day in the canyon is to visit Mooney Falls and then continue downstream to Beaver Falls.

Starting from Mooney Falls, head downstream approximately 2.5 miles and you will find yourself at Beaver Falls. You can hike through Havasu Creek almost the entire way or there are dry trails that will largely keep you out of the creek the entire way (you’ll have to do at least a couple creek crossings). With your back to Mooney Falls, head towards the left and you will find the dry trails and bypass everyone who has likely been drawn astray by the beautiful cascades downstream of Mooney Falls (don’t worry…you’ll still get to see them later on your way back up!). The dry trails will get you to Beaver Falls quicker, so my preference is to head to Beaver Falls via the dry trails and get there ahead of the crowd, then you can head back upstream and take your time exploring in the cool water when the temperatures heat up later in the day. Be sure to be careful on your descent and ascent of the canyon wall passageway near Mooney Falls! 

While it is possible to continue hiking beyond Beaver Falls all the way to the Colorado River, the trail is not as well traveled, is not as well maintained, and personally speaking, really does not provide a great payback for the energy and time exerted. That said, many say it is quite the experience to see the confluence of Havasu Creek and the mighty Colorado River. The choice is yours! If you do go all the way to the Colorado, plan on starting early and making it a full day adventure. Bring plenty of food and water along!

Officially, the Havasupai Tribe forbids cliff jumping, but hundreds of visitors every year do it anyways.