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Navajo Falls

Supai, Arizona

4.0/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

1.4 miles

Elevation Gain

249 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jeremy Meek

A grand series of cascades and waterfalls upstream from Havasu Falls! Refreshing pools of water are an idyllic place to chill.

Navajo Falls

Navajo Falls was created by a flash flood that tore through Havasu Canyon in August of 2008, altering the course of Havasu Creek. Visitors can reach these and other nearby falls via horseback, helicopter, or hiking from Supai Village.

It is a relatively short hike from camp (just over 0.5 mile), and is a great cool down spot to explore if Havasu Falls is overcrowded. 

There are technically two distinct sets of falls – Upper Navajo Falls and Lower Navajo Falls – with a marvelous series of cascades connecting the two. Many people miss seeing Upper Navajo Falls because it is partially concealed from the main trail; make sure to do a bit of exploring so you can see this often-missed fifth waterfall of Havasu Canyon!

The Hike

Navajo Falls is just .5 miles upstream from Havasu Falls, and visitors can reach it directly from Havasupai Campground. There are two tiers:

Many visitors bring pool floaties when they hike to Upper Navajo Falls because it flows into a deep pool. It's a great spot to swim and relax while enjoying the splash of the cascading falls. Once you spot Lower Navajo Falls from the primary trail between Supai Village and the Havasupai Campground, you know you are close. There is an access road and series of well-defined trails that start from the main trail and will lead you to both falls.

People often hike to Lower Navajo Falls and don't continue around the bend deeper into the canyon. If you visit, make sure to see both waterfalls as they're worth the hike!

Lower Falls is accessible from the main trail leading out of Supai Campground. You'll follow the path until it crosses a creek and through some woods to the falls. Be careful exploring the area and be sure to keep in mind the delicate system of travertine that is still slowly building up within the creek system; the ledges of ‘stone’ you see in the water are still developing and very fragile.

Pro tip: Cliff jumping is against the Havasupai Tribe’s rules and can be very dangerous. Please do not engage in this prohibited activity on your hike to Navajo Falls.

The best time to visit:
Arizona is hot, especially in the summer. Please check the weather forecast (especially the temperature) before starting a hike to Navajo Falls. Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day and make other plans if the temperature is too hot to safely visit. Consider coming during fall or winter for more reasonable temperatures. Check the National Park website for up-to-date weather warnings and closures.

What to bring:
-Shoes with good traction are critical as the areas near the falls can be slippery
-Drinking water will help you stay hydrated on hot days
-Layer up to protect against the sun

Camping:
All hikers and campers in this area must stay overnight because day hiking is not allowed. Stay in Havasupai Campground, complete with drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms. Make reservations here. Hiking and camping permits book up many months in advance, and fees support the Havasupai community and local infrastructure.

Post-adventure:
Stop in Supai Village, which has a a remote cafe where you can fill up on burgers and fries, and a store that sells perfect post-hike food like gatorade, fruit, and ice cream. Store and cafe hours vary by weather and season.

Pro tip: The Havasupai Tribe does not recommend bringing kids to this location because of extreme weather and remoteness. Consider visiting other beautiful places in Arizona with your little ones or waiting until they're older to hike to Navajo Falls and visit Havasupai.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Navajo Falls Reviews

Since the falls here are smaller and it's further away from the campground you won't have as big a crowd as some other spots. The 20 ft cliff jump is fun but I recommend a guide to know where jumping is safe.

It's a really fun 20 foot waterfall jump. And the stray dogs there sometimes follow.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Hidden Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

Beaver Falls

Mooney Falls

Confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek

Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

Thunder River Loop