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Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

Supai, Arizona

4.7/5
based on 23 reviews

Details

Distance

10.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1647 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

Havasu Falls will take you on a trek to an oasis of cool blue water and thundering falls deep in the Havasupai Reservation.

The Havasupai Reservation is a remote area just outside Grand Canyon National Park, full of blue-green water and dramatic waterfalls.  Despite being an extremely isolated location, camping in the canyon is overwhelmingly popular and reservations are required. On popular weekends you will be sharing the campgrounds with hundreds of others but shoulder seasons can bring some respite. 

The trail to Supai Village starts at Hualapai Hilltop and is downhill the entire way. There is little cover, so lots of water and an early start is recommended; the way back will be even tougher. Once you reach the village you will pick up your permits and maps, any items needed from the small market, and continue another 2 miles to the campgrounds.

After setting up camp, Havasu Falls is a short trip back up the trail and your best bet after a long day of hiking. The following day you can spend time exploring Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, and the surrounding canyon down to the Colorado River; the full hike is 16 miles round-trip. After Mooney Falls the trail is much more rugged and includes multiple water crossings and some rock scrambling. If you have your camera with you I recommend waterproof protection while hiking in the deeper parts. 

Please be mindful on this trip and make sure you pack out whatever you pack in. Also please be cognizant of animal safety if you choose to use assistance on your hike in. 

Here is a great guide for everything you need to know for your trip to Havasupai.

Here are some of the key attractions along the trek:

Beaver Falls

Mooney Falls

Hidden Falls

Navajo Falls

Confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek

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    Features

    Camping
    Photography
    Backpacking
    Hiking
    River
    Scenic
    Waterfall
    Swimming Hole

    Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation Reviews

    The hike to Havasupai is a tough one but so worth it. I've backpacked and camped here on four different occasions. Its such a fun place to explore.

    It’s a tough hike; there’s no sign of water for much of the trek. But the reward is worth it- the waters here are stunning. I jumped in as soon as I saw the turquoise water. This is my favorite trip to date. If you want to cliff jump (it isn’t allowed, so do so at your own risk), hike past Beaver falls. Stay on the trail before descending the stairs to Beaver, and you’ll find a rope down on the side of the cliff, overlooking a giant pool of blue water. The water is very deep (perfect for bigger jumps), but be aware the current is also strong.

    The hike is tough! Very long but very possible even if you aren’t in the best shape. Totally worth the hike, but I️ recommend using the miles for your backpacks or pack extremely light! Do not count on getting food from Supai, they take extremely long to serve food and I️ believe they serve the natives first. Last, take a lot of pictures and get in the water!!!!

    Been here twice, live in AZ, extremely well traveled, there's just nothing else like it. So many things to say... the most remote town in the continental USA, red desert oasis with kool-aid colored water, literally dozens of world class falls, cliff jumping, star gazing, learning about the culture of the tribe that lives down there, helicopters overhead, mules racing past you, indian fry bread, there's so much to do and you find yourself trying to hold onto what you're actually experiencing. The singular trip tops anything in Hawaii / Colorado / Utah / Yellowstone for me and knowing you hiked in / out on a 20 mile minimum round trip with everything on your back is some kinda sense of accomplishment at the end. I love the Southwest USA.

    The animal abuse I witnessed there was horrific no waterfall is pretty enough to get rid of the terrible images that I saw. Whatever you do do not use the mules to pack your gear in. I think this place needs to stop being visited by tourists in general so that the animal abuse has no profit motive behind anymore. But if you do visit do not use the mules sto packing your gear if you can't carry your gear yourself and make the entire hike yourself do not go. The blood of these innocent horses is not worth a pretty waterfall. If you have any questions about how many hundreds of horses have died under this abuse just go to save Havasupai horses Facebook page and see for yourself.

    This was an unforgettable trip for me, the whole thing from beginning to end. But you must be cautious about requesting the donkey service to bring up your belongings back to the hilltop, you run the risk of losing them. That's what happened to me and I flew home without my bag. It took 3 months of constant calling the front desk (2-3 times a week) for them to return my stuff. They did eventually with everything in tact. But I wonder what really happened that day... The ranger at the hilltop informed me that this regularly happens too. Please be aware and travel safe!

    Leave No Trace

    Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

    Nearby

    Confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek

    Mooney Falls

    Beaver Falls

    Navajo Falls

    Hidden Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

    Thunder River Loop