helicopter tour to havasupai falls

Havasupai Falls: Plan Your Trip

Havasu Canyon, home to the Havasupai Indians, is a paradise located in western Grand Canyon known worldwide for its series of waterfalls and beautifully sculpted rock. In this idyllic setting of lush side canyons and sun-splashed cliffs a small group of indigenous hunters and farmers arrived centuries ago and carved out a simple lifestyle; one that continues to this day.

Havasu Creek, the carver of this serpentine side canyon below the South Rim, is fed by a deep aquifer. The perennial desert stream tumbles over Upper and Lower Navajo Falls, then Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and finally Beaver Falls on its journey to the Colorado River on the floor of the Grand Canyon. The presence of calcium carbonate in the highly mineralized, spring-fed water gives Havasu Creek its distinctive blue-green color. This same robust creek sustains a rich riparian ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals.

Though many Supai tribal members continue to farm in this flood-prone drainage, tourism has emerged as the tribe's primary source of income. Fee-based camping is offered year round. In addition to backpackers, visitors arrive by helicopter and horseback, some staying in the tribe's rustic lodge. Camping in Havasu Canyon requires a permit and reservations that can be obtained directly from the tribe.

• Entry and Camping Permits - https://www.havasupaireservations.com/
• Havasupai Lodge Reservations: https://www.havasupailodge.com/
• Helicopter Shuttle: First come, first served. Available daily 10:00 am to dark. Priority given to Supai tribal members

Closest Accommodations to Havasupai Falls

This will mostly be convenient the day before or after hiking into the canyon. If you are visiting the falls, you'll be either camping or staying at the lodge at the bottom of the canyon during your time there.

Havasupai Trail is a somewhat strenuous 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to the Havasupai Falls campground. The trail begins with about a dozen switchbacks, descending 1,000 feet over ¾ of a mile from the Hilltop to the canyon floor, where the trail flattens out considerably. The remaining 8 ¼ mile to the Supai Village are pleasant for walking but often sunny and hot, as the temperature on the Canyon floor can soar to 100° F or more from May through September.

If hiking is not an option for you, visitors often prefer to utilize the daily first-come, first-served helicopter shuttle to either fly in their gear to the Village and hike the first 8 miles unencumbered, or fly in and out themselves. These fly-in options range from $20 to $85 and still require a person be able to hike the final two miles from the Village to the campground. Furthermore, because reservations are not needed nor taken, and priority is given to tribal members first, then tribal business vendors, and finally visitors/tourists, one can end up waiting quite a while for a flight, especially on busy days.

• Helicopter Service: $85 per person each way

Campground Reservation Pricing:

• $100 per person per weekday night / $125 per person per weekend night (Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights)
• All campground reservations will be for 3 nights / 4 days .
• Estimated total: $300-$375 per person for this trip if hiking. Add $170 for round trip helicopter transportation. These prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.

When you reach the Supai village, cool off with some lemonade or ice cream from the Trading Post or General Store, or pick up some last-minute items from the necessary but limited grocery supplies. If camping isn't your thing, make a reservation to stay overnight in the 24-room Havasupai Lodge.

While these tourism fees are vital to the Havasupai tribal economy, the Village is not a tourist attraction.

If You Come

Start early.

The night before, your best options are to stay overnight in your car in the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, or if safety and comfort are your concerns, choose a hotel in Peach Springs (1 hour away) or Kingman (3.5 hours away). Especially in the summer months, many hikers begin their descent from the trailhead at 3 or 4:00 in the morning. Of particular importance when hiking in the pre-dawn dark, be sure to wear a headlamp and always hike with a trekking pole.

Drive Yourself

Backpackers must drive themselves to Hualapai Hilltop, where the trailhead is located. Start on I-40 near the town of Seligman, the classic Route 66 town on which the setting for Walt Disney's movie Cars is loosely based, located roughly halfway between Kingman and Williams. From I-40, take exit 121 and turn north (right) on I-40 Business Loop. Turn west (right) on AZ-66 (Route 66) and follow the signs to Peach Springs. Continue to follow AZ-66 East 36.5 miles. Turn left onto Indian Road 18 toward Hualapai Hilltop Hwy 60.4 miles.

A word of caution: If you do plan to begin your hike in the dark, early morning hours, use extreme caution and vigilance on Indian Road 18, as it is common to encounter cattle, elk, rabbits, deer and other wildlife crossing the road and endangering drivers.

Be Prepared

Along with tools and strategies such as headlamps, trekking poles and careful morning driving and hiking, you'll need to be armed with a "toolkit" of other preparations to make the hike to Havasupai a successful one.

First, be sure to get gas in Kingman, Williams or Seligman; there is no gas available in Peach Springs.

Second, be honest with yourself about your physical condition. The Havasupai Trail is a strenuous one, and the better physical shape you're in, the more you will enjoy your trip. Therefore, it's wise to start training for your adventure as early as 9 months out in order to give you plenty of time to start slow and gradually work up to your peak physical condition. Starting slowly and increasing your endurance and strength over time will protect your joints, build muscle and strengthen your cardiovascular system; it's also key to minimizing soreness and keeping at your routine so you don't abandon your training program.

Train three times a week doing your choice of cardio workouts for at a minimum of one hour per day. Walking up and down hills, gradually carrying more and more weight — 35-40 lbs for a Havasupai backpacking trip — is an ideal training exercise for hiking the Grand Canyon, but cycling, running, step-aerobics, stair-climbing and swimming are excellent options. Your endurance will build if you work out at least once a week for an hour straight; other days, your 60-minute workouts can be broken up into morning and evening sessions.

As with any exercise regimen, check with your doctor first to ensure you're well-suited to your training plan. Be aware that 5,200 ft elevation at the Hualapai Hilltop's thinner air, plus steep, dry and hot conditions — which are present year-round in the Inner Canyon — will exacerbate asthma and any heart, joint or muscle conditions, so use caution and be sure to train and hike within your ability level. Finally, shop for and get fitted for a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a pair of trekking poles now and use them for your training; they must be well broken-in by the time you execute your Grand Canyon hike.

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Our Havasupai guided helicopter hiking tours provide you with an aerial overview and provide us with more time to explore. These trips can involve one-way or round-trip flights, integrated into anywhere from two days up to a five day experience.

Once in the area we cast off to explore the turquoise waterfalls such as Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls, as well as explore the rarely visited side canyons. We can also hike to the Colorado River, explore the Green Room, or relax on the sky terrace behind a flowing waterfall. Maybe we will just relax and take it easy in one of the refreshing travertine pools that make up some of the best swimming holes in the world.

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How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls | Ultimate Guide

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

Categories Arizona , Backpacking , Travel Guides

Havasu Falls is one of the most majestic places on earth! It’s a side canyon of the Grand Canyon that has beautiful blue/green water that creates many stunning waterfalls as it makes its way through the canyon. There are 5 named waterfalls, but endless smaller terraced waterfalls mixed in along the way. In this post, I am going to give you all the details for how to plan a trip to Havasu Falls! 

Note: This is a long post because I didn’t want to leave out any details, but each section is labeled, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in.

Take A Virtual Tour With Us From Our Trip To Havasu Falls:

Hiking Stats To Havasu Falls:

These statistics include hiking all 5 waterfalls from Hualapai Hilltop to Beaver Falls

Distance: 24 miles

Elevation: 3,651 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Out & back

Permit: Yes

Bathroom: At Trailhead, Town of Supai & Campground

Important Updates To The 2024 Havausu Falls Permits

• There is only one 3-night permit offered for camping (no matter the duration you plan to stay).
• The permit cost for the campground has risen to $455 per person .
• The rate for the Havasupai Lodge has risen to $2,277 for a 3-night stay.
• Presale does not guarantee a reservation spot, but it does increase your chance of receiving a reservation spot on your desired dates.
• Public reservations will be available starting from February 1st .
• Mule reservations, (for luggage only), cost $200 per trip.

Reservations/Permits For A Trip To Havasu Falls:

You MUST have a permit to hike to Havasu Falls. No day hiking is allowed. Reservations for Havasupai falls can be hard to come by, so you need to be prepared well in advance to snag one. There is a new permit system as of January 2019.

NEW:  You must create an account on HavasuapiReservations.com before purchasing a permit. This is to help public reservations on Feb 1 go much smoother.

Permits go on sale February 1st at 8 am (ARIZONA TIME) each year. The reservations are available for the whole calendar year following from February 1st-November 30th.

What Months Aren’t You Allowed At Havasu Falls?

The reservation is closed to tourists for the months of December and January .

Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. (Sometimes they make special exceptions). You can make reservations at:

https://www.havasupaireservations.com/ or call

• (928) 448-2180
• (928) 448-2237
• (928) 448-2141
• (928) 448-2121

Facebook Groups For Planning A Trip To Havasu Falls:

Or some Facebook Groups offer advice. But most Facebook Groups you need to request to be in the group. Some reputable Facebook Groups For How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls are: Havasupai and Havasu Falls , Havasu Falls 2021 , etc.

Cost Of A Trip To Havasu Falls:

The updated cost for a Havasu Falls Permit is $455 per person. This permit is good for 3-nights, 4-days at the reservation.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Havasu Falls:

The real answer is whenever you can snag a permit. But there are definitely better times to go throughout the year. 

In our opinion, it’s best to go when it is warm (Spring-Fall) so you can enjoy swimming in the stunning aqua blue water! 

But, monsoon season is something you need to be aware of, because the trail can close down at any time if the reservation feels it is unsafe. Monsoon season is typically from June 1st-September 30th, but can happen at any time. (The Havasupai Reservation had a monsoon July 11, 2018, followed by another smaller monsoon closing the trail until September 1, 2018). 

Another thing to consider is the Havasupai Tribe will shut down the trail if the temperature gets above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, we believe the best times to aim for are Late April/March or late September/Early October. 

Although they only allow 150 people during Monsoon Season and 300 during other peak times, therefore it will be more crowded in spring and fall. During those times the weather should still be relatively hot enough to swim in the water, and has less chance from a monsoon or heat shutting the trail down.

What If I missed the February 1st Reservation Opening For Havasu Falls Permits?

There are a few alternative ways to get a permit to Havasu Falls if you miss the February 1st reservation opening date, but it isn’t guaranteed. I wouldn’t bank on one of these options, but you might get lucky! 

Check Facebook Groups

One way to snag a Havasu Falls Permit after the Feb 1st reservation opening is to join a Facebook Group for Havasu Falls Backpacking. Life happens and a lot of people’s plans change. Reservations aren’t transferable, but people might have a few people drop out of their group and need additional members.

One catch is you usually have to be with the person whose name is on the reservation, so you will have to link up with them to coordinate hiking plans. We joined this group: Backpacking Havasu Falls , and people are always looking for other people to take their friends reservations.

Stay At The Lodge Instead Of The Campground

Another way, is to stay in the Lodge in Supai. People have up to 2 weeks ahead of their reservation to cancel it. There might be a waitlist you can put your name on for cancellations. But do note, the cost is $2,277 per night. Up to 4 people can stay in a lodge room which is $569 per person.

Check the Havasu Falls Cancellation & Transfers Page.

There is also the option to check the Havasu Falls Cancellation & Transfers Page for reservations that have been canceled.

Trailhead For Havasu Falls:

The name of the trailhead is Hualapai Hilltop (or Havasupai Trailhead). To get here you turn off AZ-66 onto Indian Rd 18 and continue for 60 miles. The road dead-ends at the trailhead parking lot.

Also, you can put in Havasupai Trailhead into Google Maps and it will bring you to the parking lot.

Try to avoid driving Indian Rd 18 in the dark, because there is wildlife and free-range cattle all along this road. There is not nearly enough parking spaces in the lot, so many people have to park along the road next to the canyon rock walls. The line of cars can extend as far as a ½+ mile from the trailhead (which is extra miles you have to hike there and back).

The office for any helicopter rides, horse rides and bag drop offs (more info below) is located at the end of the parking lot near the start of the trail. If you’re carrying all your own gear yourself down to Havasupai, you don’t need to check-in at the trailhead. Instead, you will check-in at the office in the village of Supai (8 miles down the trail).

Camping At The Havasupai Trailhead: 

Many people arrive the night before their reservation date and sleep in their car to ensure an early start time. There are restrooms located at the trailhead. 

It’s not advised to set up your tent in the parking lot, because you will be taking spots from other hikers and many cars arrive at night and might not see your tent pulling into a spot. 

There were tents set up on the ridge behind the restrooms that overlooks the canyon, but I don’t think it is allowed. 

Also, it’s a good idea to bring ear plugs & eye mask if you are sensitive to light or sound, because the parking lot tends to be active with cars and people throughout the night. The last thing you want is a bad night of sleep before your big trip to Havasu Falls!

Cell Service At Havasu Falls: 

You might be wondering what kind of cell service there is near Havasu Falls. Verizon will have minimal cell service at the parking lot. I had 3 bars and Extended LTE.  AT&T didn’t have service. Unsure about other providers.

Should I fill Up my Gas Tank Before Visiting Havasu Falls: 

It’s a good idea to fill up on gas before venturing out to the trailhead for Havasu Falls. The last gas stations before Havasupai Trailhead will be Seligman, AZ (if coming from the East) or Peach Springs, AZ (if coming from the West).

I’d suggest filling the tank in Williams, AZ (if coming from the East) or Kingman, AZ (if coming from the West) because it will be cheaper. You can always top off your gas tank at Seligman or Peach Springs if you are worried. We suggest getting the GasBuddy App to find the cheapest gas near you. 

When To Start Hiking For Havasu Falls: 

We highly suggest starting the hike before sunrise, because for most of the year the trail will be hot! 

On our way down we woke up at 3:30am and were on the trail by 4am, along with many other hikers. You should have a good flashlight or headlamp if you plan to hike in the dark.  The first half mile descends steep switchbacks, and going off trail could be dangerous. Leaving at 4am gave us enough time to get to the campground before the heat of the day. 

On the way back up, we left at 5:30am and encountered the sun toward the end of the hike which almost immediately made the hike more challenging. The final switchbacks were about 50% shade and we were thankful for any amount of shade at that point. 

Check when the sunrise is during the time of year you go and plan to leave a few hours before. However, the Tribe doesn’t like visitors hiking through the village of Supai at night. Since Supai is about 2 miles from the campground, there’s kind of a sweet spot where you start hiking at night but don’t pass through Supai until just after first light.

How Long Does It Take to Get To Havasu Falls: 

When planning a trip to Havasu Falls, you might be wondering how long the hike actually takes. The hike to the town of Supai is 8 miles, and then an additional 2 miles to the start of the campground.

It took us around 5 hours each way (Hualapai Hilltop to Campground & Vice Versa) with stopping for pictures and a couple of snack breaks along the way. 

Checking In At The Supai Office For Havasu Falls: 

There is an office located at the beginning of the Town of Supai (8 miles from Hilltop) where you need to check in and show your reservation number. You will have to sign a waiver and list all members in your party.

They will give each person a wristband that you are required to keep on during your stay (rangers do check) and a tent tag to attach visible to rangers walking the trail. You also will receive a packet of papers that has information and maps of the village and the campground.

Campground For Havasu Falls:

Tent or hammock camping in the campground is what the majority of visitors do. The campground is first-come, first-serve, so there is yet another advantage of leaving early in the morning.

The campground is 2 miles further past the town of Supai. You are only allowed to camp between the ranger station which is located right near the first restrooms and fourth restrooms by the top of Mooney Falls which stretches about ¾ of a mile.

Many people choose to camp along the river but there are many located on higher ground along the canyon walls. There are campsites located on both sides of the river but due to the flash flood in July 2018, some bridges were washed away.

There is still one “bridge” located further down the trail about a ¼ mile from where the river splits. Otherwise, you might have to get in the water up to your waist to cross to the other side of the river. (Hopefully they are planning to add more bridges for the future).

The campground gets VERY CROWDED, so just be prepared to have neighbors very close. We had people set up 5 feet from our tent, so be prepared to make some new friends! If you are sensitive to noise or light, this is another good time to have earplugs and an eye mask.

While most of the campground is close to at least one bathroom, the first half is definitely closer to the water source (info below). However, the beginning of the campground tends to be more crowded. You will just have to feel it out when you arrive and find a situation that works for you.

Campfires At Havasupai Campground:

As nice as it would be to have a campfire on a trip to Havasu Falls at night, campfires are strictly prohibited. So don’t plan to cook any food over a campfire and plan your clothing accordingly. We suggest having a Jetboil or MSR Pocket Rocket  for easy backpacking meals. 

For the best camp stoves check out our post: Best Camp Stoves For Backpacking

Drinking Water At Havasu Falls: 

It is recommended to have a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person for each day of hiking. There is no drinking water located at the trailhead or anywhere along the trail until you reach the town of Supai. 

There is a water faucet located at the Tourist Office, Lodge and General Store. But most people will be able to make it until the campground for water. 

The only potable water located at the campground is called Fern Spring. You will see signs for it on the left side of the trail just after the Ranger Station. Many drink the water from Fern Spring unfiltered, but even the Tribe suggested that we filter it. 

We figured it’d be a shame if one of us got sick in such an epic place. We use the  Platypus GravityWorks water-filter system , and we absolutely love it! 

You can filter the water straight from Havasu Creek, but it’s suggested to have a high-end water filter due to contaminants coming downstream. You will notice that the village of Supai has tons of horses. So when you consider all the horse waste plus the visitors “interacting” with Havasu Creek, the tantalizing blue water suddenly doesn’t seem so enticing to drink. 

The water at the campground really isn’t that far of a walk and much safer. Therefore, I would only drink the water from Havasu Creek in an emergency.

Should You Be Worried About Critters At Havasu Falls: 

There are a lot of critters who love to eat human food such as mice, squirrels, etc. We suggest having a Rodent Resistant Bag  or a Bear Canister.  And you will want to keep your food out of your tent, because these critters will make a hole if they suspect food. 

A couple we met at Havasu Falls lost all their trail mix to a pesky squirrel. They hung their food on a line, but the squirrel ate through the line, ate through their bag and found the trail mix. The funny part is that they ate the nuts and M&Ms, but left the raisins. 

Note : It’s a good idea to bring spare cash incase this happens and you want to purchase food from the frybread stands or cafe.

Also, be aware of snakes and scorpions. Thankfully, we didn’t see any, but I suggest keeping your shoes inside the tent just to be safe.

Weather For Havasu Falls: 

Havasupai goes through different seasons. But their winter tends to be mild. And like mentioned above people aren’t allowed at the reservation during the colder months (December/January). But if you want to sleep in much cooler temperatures, February/March & October/November will be a bit cooler.

Spring & Fall will have the best temperatures (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) to visit Havasu Falls. But those permits tend to get picked up first. 

The summer weather can get a little too hot (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Luckily there is a flowing creek to help keep you cool. But the hike in and out for your Havasupai Trip could be extreme. 

What If Rain Is In The Forecast For Havasu Falls:

Check the weather before going. If it is going to be raining you will want to check to make sure they are allowing people to enter the reservation. If you get a permit during Monsoon Season, check a week or so before you go that the reservation is open, because if they get a monsoon, they sometimes close down to fix paths/campground for tourists.

Wifi & Cell Service In Havasu Falls: 

Surprisingly, there is cell service in the town of Supai. Both Jake and I had cell service in the town of Supai, but there is also wifi available. But, you are in the most beautiful place, so who really needs wifi?!

Lodging For Havasu Falls:

If camping isn’t your style, lodging is available as well. The Lodge is located in the town of Supai. Lodging goes on sale February 1st @ 8am (ARIZONA TIME). The rate per night is $175.00 (without taxes & fees) which accommodates up to 4 people. An additional entrance fee of $90.00 per person will be charged upon arrival. 

You can cancel your reservation 2 weeks before arrival for a full refund, cancellation within 2 weeks is non-refundable. Due to cancellations, you might be able to get a permit through the lodge later in the year. You can call to make reservations at: (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201.

Can You Buy Food In Havasupai?

There are a few different places to buy food in Havasupai, such as the general store, cafe or frybread stand. 

General Store in Supai: 

If you forgot something on your Havasupai Trip or need a snack, don’t worry because there is a general store that is similar to a gas station store. Be prepared to pay high prices as they have to fly all their supplies in. There hours are Monday-Friday: 7am to 5:30pm and Saturday & Sunday: 8am to 5pm. (Hours may vary)

There is a cafe located before you approach the established part of Supai. They serve the “famous” fry bread along with burgers and fries. Their hours are from 8am to 5pm (hours may vary).

Fry Bread: 

There are also 3 frybread (fried dough) stands between the village and the campground. The hours vary and don’t seem super reliable (see sign above). But some people take the trek out to grab a “famous” frybread! Our camping neighbors grabbed some frybread and indian tacos and let us have a taste! They were delicious. They are cash only, so plan ahead if you want to indulge. 

Backpacking To Havasu Falls: 

Backpacking to Havasu Falls with your own gear there and back is by far the cheapest option, but also the hardest option. Jake and I strongly suggest this mode of transportation! You will feel very accomplished if you hike in and out with everything on your back! Try to pack as light as you can and try hiking early to avoid the sun. (Packing list below).

Check out our post: Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for what to pack for a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip

Pack Mules At Havasu Falls:

(The Havasupai reservation is trying to encourage packing in and out your own gear if you are able). 

But, if you feel you will need assistance with your bags, then having your gear sent via pack mule is your best option. You must have your bags checked in at the registration office located at the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot by 7am for the way down. They will advise you where to pick up your backpack and where to drop it off for the way back up. 

The maximum size and weight limit are strictly enforced. Each pack mule can carry a maximum of 4 bags or total weight of 130lbs. The maximum bag size must not be larger than the standard military size duffle bag (36 inches long and 21 inches wide). 

For a cooler, the max size is 48 quarts and must not exceed 24 inches long, 19 inches wide, & 16 inches in height. If you are with a group, you could split a pack mule with 3 other people to cut the price down. (Price is per pack mule)

• Hualapai Hilltop to Supai (Lodge) or Campground: $132 one way or $264 roundtrip.
• $300 extra charge for missing the 7am campsite bag drop off

Note: There has been a lot of backlash about the working conditions for these animals. If you search the internet you will quickly find documentation of malnutrition and poor working conditions even resulting in death to some animals. 

The group behind this website, HavasupaiHorses.org , has been trying to help fix the situation since 2016. Because the Havasupai Tribe is a sovereign nation, it is difficult to enforce US laws. However, it seems that pressure on the Tribe has resulted in improvements. 

We paid close attention to the mules, and the 30 or so that we saw looked healthy. But there’s obviously more to a horses wellbeing than just looking healthy. My advice is to avoid using the horses altogether if you can.

Riding a Saddle Horse To Havasu Falls:

This option is not the cheapest, but could be a fun experience. Each person is allowed one small day pack. Therefore, you’d have to pay an additional rate for a pack mule to carry your additional bag/s. The maximum weight limit is 250lbs including person and daypack. (Price is per saddle horse)

• Hualapai Hilltop to Supai (Lodge) or Campground: $250 one way or $500 roundtrip
• Supai Village to Campground: $175 one way or $350 roundtrip

Helicopter Rides For Havasu Falls: 

Backpacking isn’t for everyone, so we noticed a lot of people hiked in, but decided to get the helicopter out. But definitely don’t rely on using this service, because it isn’t the most reliable. No reservations are taken for helicopter transportation. 

The Airwest Helicopter Company is not associated with Havasupai Tourist Enterprise (the company you get reservations through). Helicopter rides are on a first come, first serve basis. Helicopter rides start at 9am (from Supai) but it is encouraged to arrive a few hours before to put your name on the list.

There is a check in office located at Hualapai Hilltop for rides to the village and a check in office in Supai Village for rides back to Hualapai Hilltop. The helicopter ride takes about 3 minutes one way. Havasupai Tribe members will take priority over tourists.

• Hualapai Hilltop to Supai: $85 one way

Drugs & Alcohol Rules At Havasu Falls: 

The Havasupai Reservation doesn’t allow the consumption of drugs or alcohol anywhere on the reservation. So please don’t bring any with you. 

The 5 Waterfalls At Havasupai: 

There are 5 different named waterfalls along the hike to Havasupai Falls. Each waterfall is stunning in their own unique way!

Fifty Foot Falls: 

Fifty Foot Falls is the first waterfalls you will encounter. About ½ mile past the village, an unmarked trail will veer to the left. The trail to the right will take you straight to the campground, but if you want to take your pack off and take a little detour take the trail to the left. 

We set our packs down and changed our footwear so we could cross the water and get a good look at the waterfalls. I believe many people miss this falls because they hurry to the campground and you’d have to backtrack (3 miles roundtrip) from the campground to reach this one. 

And don’t expect to see it on your way out because if you leave early morning on your departure day (our recommendation), it will be dark when you pass it. 

Little Navajo Falls: 

Little Navajo Falls is shortly after Fifty Foot Falls. Continue down the path past Fifty Foot Falls and along the river you will see small terraced waterfalls leading to another larger drop. This waterfall has changed since the last Monsoon. We spent a few minutes enjoying the falls and taking some pictures before heading on to the campground. There is a path to the right that leads you back up to the path that takes you to the campground.

Havasu Falls: 

About ½ mile before reaching the campground, you will come across the breathtaking “Havasu Falls”. You will hear the giant falls before you can see them.

Continue on the path down toward the campground and to your right, you will see the beautiful aqua blue falls. Since this is only ½ mile from the campground, we snapped a few photos and continued on to set up camp and change into bathing suits before heading back.

The sun will pass fast on this falls between the tall canyon, so head there mid-morning and stay to swim til early afternoon if you want to get some sun! (May vary based on time of year)

Mooney Falls:

Mooney Falls is a stunning 200 foot drop into a deep aqua pool. Mooney Falls is actually very similar to Havasu Falls, but a bit taller and much harder to reach the bottom.

The campground ends right near the top of Mooney falls, so some dare-devil people set up camp right along the cliff above Mooney Falls. But you are not supposed to set up past the last bathrooms, so perhaps they got reprimanded.

If you plan to hike down be sure to use the bathrooms before heading down the treacherous ladders down to the bottom of Mooney Falls. The path down to Mooney Falls is dangerous but doable. You sign a waiver upon your arrival at the tourist office stating you will not hold the Havasupai Tribe accountable for any mishaps. But honestly, if you take your time and be extra cautious, you will make it up and down with no problems.

The path down consists of climbing down a steep canyon rock wall. You will first descend through 2 tunnels with stair-like carvings in the rocks until you reach the steepest section with ladders held up by bolts and chains to hold onto. Mooney Falls sprays mist on the rocks and chains, so they can be very slippery. Since there is only one route to travel up and down, it can become very crowded.

It is best to go early to avoid lines, and especially best to go before the crowds start to make their way back up, but once there are lines either direction, it might be nearly impossible to go the opposite direction of the crowds.

We encountered a couple trying to go down at about 3pm. They were perched in the rock face about halfway down the ladders with no way to communicate to the line of people coming up. I bet they waited almost 30 minutes for an opportunity to go the rest of the way down.

Beaver Falls: 

Beaver Falls is the last of the 5 named waterfalls. Located 2 miles from the end of the campground you will finally reach one of the many cascade pools you can swim in. This one is also the hardest to get to due to its length and challenging paths. 

Beaver Falls is about 2 miles further down the river from Mooney Falls. There is a trail to the left if you are looking down the creek. The path changes to each side of the river, so you will need to cross the creek a few times. 

About .5 miles from Mooney you will encounter very plush green vegetation between the canyon walls. Follow the path until you reach a giant tree that looks like a palm tree with no trunk. There are 2 paths you can take from here: the high road or the low road. 

The high road will climb a couple ladders on the right, just after the palm tree.  We suggest if you plan to take the low road to do it on the way there so you are going with the current. You will encounter a few small waterfalls you have to either pass on the side or jump down to continue toward Beaver Falls. 

If you take the low road, beware that the water level changes throughout the year, so you can’t always walk along the creek floor, and have to swim in areas. it’s about a 1/4 mile till you reach the top of Beaver Falls. 

It may be tempting to jump the waterfalls at Beaver but it is against the Havasupai Tribe rules. (We also don’t know how deep it is or if any rocks or logs are in the way.) 

In order to get to the bottom of Beaver Falls you will need to scale a wall for about 8 feet and climb a rope down a steep rock wall to the left if looking down the falls or if looking to the right, you can connect with the high road and continue that way. 

If you choose the high road, you have to climb a few ladders and along narrow paths with large cliffs to one side. Both are doable, but again be extra cautious. 

If you want the sun to be shining while you explore Beaver Falls, you should plan to get there before noon.  

Hiking To The Colorado River From Havasu Falls: 

Many people don’t make it past Beaver Falls, but if you are up for the challenge, you can hike to the Confluence where Havasu Creek and the Colorado River meet up at the Grand Canyon. The hike is an additional 4 miles from Beaver Falls (12 miles round-trip from the end of the campground). 

Jake & I decided to turn back after Beaver Falls, but some brave soles decide to hike down to the Colorado River. The trail starts to the right if you are looking down river from Beaver Falls. 

There are two ways to get down the ridge, one requiring rappelling and the other safely descending over the ridge to the right. The hike is said to be difficult and hard to follow at times, but inevitably follows the river. You will need to do many river crossings along the way to stay on the trail. 

It is advised to start this hike at sunrise and to bring a headlamp in case you underestimate the time it will take you. Bring at least 2 gallons of water or a water filter, sunscreen, & extra snacks.

Packing List For Havasu Falls: 

(Links included to our favorite products)

• Printed Permit
• Backpacking Pack
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Socks
• Water bladder or water bottle
• High Energy Food: Trail mix, energy bars, jerky etc.
• Electrolytes
• Sleeping Bag –> Check out our article on How To Choose The Right Sleeping Bag 
• Sleeping Pad
• Sunscreen  (Travel Size)
• Pants (for night)
• Layers (Check the weather- It can get chilly at night)
• Chaco’s or keens –> Check out our article on our Gear Review: Chaco’s
• Backpacking Towel
• Ultralight Daypack
• Bug Spray  (Travel Size)
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Toilet Paper (They supply, but they DO run out occasionally)
• First AidKit
• Inhaler (for people who have asthma)
• Rodent Resistant Bag  or  Bear Canister
• Food for lunch & dinner
• Cash (most places in the village only accept cash or if they do accept credit they charge a percentage)
• Hiking Poles
• Biodegradable shampoo & conditioner
• Cards/games
• Rain Jacket
• Battery Pack
• Camp Pillow
• Raft/Floaty (make sure to pack it back out with you)

Contact Info:

• Camping reservations: (928) 448-2180, (928) 448-2237, (928) 448-2141, or (928) 448-2121 Or https://www.havasupaireservations.com/

Reservation lines are open from 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. on Monday through Friday

• Lodging reservations: (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201

Takeaway | How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls In Havasupai

Havasu Falls is one of the most special places on earth. When you are there, you don’t know how something so majestic exists. While it may be an expensive and hard trip to plan, it will be worth every penny. Respect the tribe and leave the reservation better than when you arrived!

Note: Drones are Prohibited. There is NO dayhiking allowed.

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Grand Canyon West Rim Tours

Grand Canyon West Rim is the home of the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is run by the Hualapai Tribe. Visitors of Grand Canyon West must purchase a "Grand Canyon tour package" that transports visitors from a parking area outside of the Reservation to the Visitors' Center and Skywalk. Other attractions and points of interest are available through these tour packages such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and air tours over the Grand Canyon. The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is also near the put-in for many Colorado River rafting and float trips. Havasupai Falls, the gorgeous, turquoise waterfalls, can also be accessed near the West Rim. Visiting Havasupai Falls requires advanced permit reservations. Here's all the information you need to visit Havasupai Falls .

Grand Canyon West is most commonly visited by those starting their journey in Las Vegas. You'll find that air tours, helicopter tours, and day tour shuttles to the Grand Canyon are common. This is certainly one of the best ways to experience this Wonder of the World in style. Las Vegas tour operators are second to none, but if you'd like to stay in Boulder City or Kingman, these too, are fine places to catch a Grand Canyon West Rim tour.

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Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **

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Guide to the Havasu Falls Hike + Map and Tips!

Last updated: April 7, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 16 Comments

For a long while I’d seen beautiful photos of a series of waterfalls in Arizona within the Grand Canyon. I definitely knew that I wanted to get out here, see them for myself, and take a whole bunch of photos.

Which is exactly what I did, after figuring out what and where they were, and how to get to them.

The waterfalls are the Havasu Falls, found within the Havasupai reservation in Arizona. It’s a 10-mile hike each way to Havasu Falls which requires you to pack in and pack out all your gear, and this being a harsh desert environment, you’re going to want to plan properly.

It’s also a popular place to visit, and planning ahead is essential to ensure you are able to get a permit and are able to visit.

In this post, I’m going to share everything I learnt from my own Havasu Falls hike experience. I’m going to answer all the questions you might have, share tips for your trip, tell you how to get great photos at the falls themselves, and lots more! And if I don’t answer your particular question, let me know in the comments and I’ll do my best to help.

This post is regularly updated with the latest information, and currently includes information for booking Havasu Falls for 2024.

However, things can change quickly, so if you spot anything out of date please let me know in the comments.

Let’s get started with my guide to visiting Havasu Falls, Arizona, by answering some of questions you might have.

Table of Contents:

Common Questions for Hiking to Havasu Falls

What are the havasu falls.

Havasu Falls are one of the waterfalls on the Havasupai reservation, found within the rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

They are one of a series of falls found on Havasu Creek, a stream that flows into the Colorado River. The falls and the creek are famous for their incredible blue colour and idyllic, remote setting.

Havasu Falls and the other waterfalls on the creek can be visited as part of a trip onto the Havasupai reservation, home of the Havasupai tribe.

The Havasupai tribe, also known as the Havasu Baaja, or the “People of the Blue Green Waters”, have lived in this area for centuries, using the waters of Havasu Creek to irrigate their fields in this otherwise harsh desert landscape.

Supai Village, 8 miles from the trailhead and deep within the canyon, is home to many of the Havasupai people.

Havasu Falls, as well as the other falls near to Havasu Falls, have become a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and lovers of the wilderness, as well as generally for people who want to see these incredible falls themselves.

Why are the Havasu Falls so Blue?

When you see photos of Havasu Falls and the other falls on Havasu Creek, you will likely be astounded by the unreal blue colour of the water.

You will also probably think, as I did, that this is a result of some generous photo editing, rather than anything that can exist in real life.

Well, as I learnt, the falls and water really are that incredible iridescent shade of blue. This colour comes from the high levels of calcium carbonate in the water. This is further accented by the red canyon walls that rise up around the water, making the blue-green colour even more striking.

It really has to be seen to be believed!

How do you get to Havasu Falls?

Havasu Falls are found on the Havasupai reservation. They are primarily reached via a 10 mile (each way) hike from the Havasupai trailhead to the Havasu Falls.

Note that you can only visit Havasu Falls with a permit, and if you have accommodation booked.

Permits must be collected prior to your visit. As of 2024, permit collection is at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn .

See the sections on permits and accommodation further on in the post.

Where is the Havasu Falls Trailhead?

The Havasu Falls trailhead is at Hualapai Hilltop, which is found at the end of BIA Road 18. You can see it here on Google Maps. The closest town is Peach Springs Arizona, where there is gas available.

The closest larger towns for supplies are Kingman, AZ and Williams, AZ. These towns are around 2.5 hours drive away.

At the trailhead there is a paved parking area, and a toilet. If the parking area is full (very likely), you can park along the road, although do be mindful of signage, as some parking is for vendors only.

There is no gas, water or other services available at the trailhead, so make sure you have plenty of gas available for the round trip. The closest gas station is at Peach Springs.

Where is the Nearest Airport to Havasu Falls Trailhead

The nearest major airports to Havasu Falls are Las Vegas, Nevada (~4 hours drive) or Phoenix, Arizona (~5 hours drive). These airports both offer good national and international connections.

Where Can I Stay near the Havasu Falls Trailhead?

The closest accommodation to Havasu Falls Trailhead is in Peach Springs, AZ, which is around a 90-minute drive from the trailhead.

This is actually on the original Route 66, so if you wanted to, you could see some of the Route 66 attractions as part of this trip. See our guides to spending a week on Route 66 and planning a Route 66 road trip for more information.

There are two accommodation options in the Peach Springs area, which are as follows.

• Grand Canyon Caverns Inn . Offers motel style accommodation. They are used to Havasupai hikers, and when I stayed they provided me with a little info pack for my trip out which included driving directions and a map for reaching the trailhead. This is also one of our recommended classic Route 66 motel options .
• Hualapai Lodge – Found in Peach Springs itself, this is a 2* hotel with an on-site restaurant and seasonal hot-tub. Note that some reviewers have noted that the proximity to the train line means if you are a light sleeper, you will likely want to bring ear plugs.

There are other options in Seligman and Kingman, however these are a quite a drive from the trailhead.

If you want to get an early start, which I would very much recommend, I’d advise staying closer to the trailhead if possible. The two options above are where I would recommend you stay.

For 2024, the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn is also where you have to check-in for the hike and get your wristbands (more on this further on in the guide), so would likely make the most sense as you can check-in the day before your permit starts.

Do I need a Permit to Hike to Havasu Falls?

Yes, everyone visiting Havasu Falls needs a permit. The permit is included as part of the fee for the campground and lodge.

The Havasupai tribe are quite careful about managing access to the reservation, and there are a number of controls in place to ensure everyone has the correct permission.

IMPORTANT – do not attempt to visit the trailhead or start the hike without your permit as you will be turned away.

As of 2024, you must pick up your permit before starting the hike. The permit office is located at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn , which is found at Mile Marker 115 on Route 66 near Seligman.

This is where I stayed on the night prior to doing the hike and is a recommended nearby lodging option.

The trip leader is responsible for performing the check-in process, which can be done any time from one day before your arrival date through to the end of your permit.

To check-in, the trip leader will need to provide photo ID and a screenshot or print out of their reservation and account information page. They will receive wristbands, baggage tags and an entrance form which must be completed by every group member prior to arriving at the Hilltop area.

The wristbands are plasticized, and more than sturdy enough to stand up to a few days of swimming and hiking in my experience.

If you are travelling as a group, the group leader can check everyone in, however everyone in the group should have photo ID and a copy of their account information page as well as this will be reviewed at the Hilltop area and/or the Havasupai Reservation boundary checkpoint when you are driving to the Hilltop area.

Note that in prior years, permits were issued at Supai Village after the first 8km of the hike, and many websites will still have this information. You can see the update from the tribe here on the new process.

Instructions for permit collection will be provided when you buy your tickets, and on the official website, so be sure to check the most up to date information, as things can change.

Around four miles before you arrive at the trailhead you will pass through a vehicle checkpoint (the Havasupai Reservation boundary checkpoint) where your reservation and Photo ID will be checked.

Your car and belongings will be inspected for prohibited items, which include alcohol, illegal drugs, and drones. Make sure you don’t have any of these items in your car or with you along the trail, the search is very comprehensive and you will likely be refused entry if these items are discovered.

It may also be checked again when you arrive at the Hilltop parking area, although this didn’t happen to me, possibly because I arrived very early.

On the hike in, I was also stopped by a ranger on horseback, who asked everyone he was passing for their full name to check their reservation.

Everyone I encountered as part of the security and check in process was very professional and courteous. The only issue I had was on the hike in, when I took a photo of the pack mules which I had thought to include in this post.

I was quickly told by the guide accompanying the pack mules that photography of the mules was not permitted, and I deleted my photos. He was firm but polite and of course I was happy to comply.

For more on photography restrictions at Havasupai, see the section on photography.

Can you visit Havasu Falls as a Day Trip?

No, you are not permitted to visit Havasu Falls on a day trip. The only way to visit Havasu Falls is with an overnight reservation at either the campground or the Lodge in Supai Village.

See the section on accommodation in this guide for more information.

Note that you used to be able to visit Havasu Falls on a day trip, but this is no longer possible.

How Long is the Havasupai Trail?

The Havasupai trail is approximately 10 miles in length from the Hualapai trailhead where you park your car, to Havasu Falls.

From the trailhead to Supai village is 8 miles, and then it’s a further two miles to Havasu Falls.

Just below Havasu Falls, the trail enters the campground. From here there’s another mile of trail through the campground area.

At the end of the campground, the trail descends to Mooney Falls, after which you can follow further trails to Beaver Falls and beyond. See more on what there is do at Havasu Falls further on in the post.

Here are some numbers of trail lengths:

• Trailhead to Supai Village: 8 miles
• Supai Village to Havasu Falls: 2 miles (10 miles total from Trailhead)
• Havasu Falls to Mooney Falls: 1 mile (11 miles total from Trailhead)
• Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls: 2 miles (13 miles total from Trailhead)
• Beaver Falls to Colorado River Confluence: 4 miles (17 miles total from Trailhead)

How Long Does It Take to Hike to Havasupai?

It took me around four hours to hike from the trailhead to Havasu Falls, and it took me around five hours to hike out from the falls to the trailhead.

Of course, the amount of time it takes you will vary depending on your level of fitness, how much gear you choose to carry, and the weather conditions.

I’d say that I am of average fitness, but I am not used to hiking with full camping equipment. I was pretty happy with my time, and based on other trip reports, I’d say it’s a pretty average time for the trip.

If you are particularly fit, expect to take less time. If you are not used to this sort of activity, it will likely take you longer.

How Hard is the Havasupai Trail Hike?

How hard you find the hike will of course vary depending on how used to hiking with camping gear you are.

The hike is not technically difficult, and the trail is easy to follow. However, if you are not relatively fit, or used to hiking with a fair amount of gear on your back, you might find it a bit of a challenge. This is especially the case on the hike out which involves plenty of elevation gain.

In summer, you will also be dealing with extreme temperatures, which can go well over 100F as the day progresses. If you hike in summer, you will want to hike as early in the morning as possible so as to avoid the heat.

When I did the hike, the trail opened at 4am, and I would advise starting the hike as close to 4am as possible in the summer months so as to complete the majority of it in the shade and cooler temperatures.

Here’s an overview of the hike each way to give you an idea of what to expect.

Hiking from the Trailhead to Havasu Falls Campground

The hike into Havasu Falls is pretty much all downhill. Overall, you descend from 5,200 ft at the trailhead to 2,800 ft at the campground, a total elevation change of around 2,400 ft.

For reference, that’s approximately twice the height of the Empire State building, or a vertical half mile.

The first mile or so of the trail from the trailhead is the steepest part of the trail, with a number of switchbacks down the side of the canyon wall and to the riverbed.

If you are not used to carrying your gear on your back, you will want to take it easy here as your body adjusts to the extra weight.

After the first mile or so, the rest of the hike will feel fairly level. It follows a dry river bed down to Supai village. The village has some food options, public toilets, and a couple of stores for supplies. There are large signs to point you in the right direction.

After Supai Village, the trail drops down a bit more until you reach Havasu Falls and the camping area. Here are some photos of the hike to give you some idea of what it is like.

Return Hike from Havasu Falls Campground to the Trailhead

In my experience, the hike out is definitely more challenging than the hike in. It starts with the ascent out of the campground and up to Supai Village, an elevation change of 400 feet, after which you retrace your steps along the dry river bed.

It’s around this time that you realize that what felt like a flat walk on the way in is actually a gently sloping walk all the way out. It’s not super-hard, but it is consistently uphill. The surface you are walking on is largely loose sand and small rocks, which doesn’t make progress easier. Expect your feet to be very dusty by the end.

The hardest part of the hike by far is the final mile or so as you climb up out of the canyon and to the trailhead. The switchback trail gains a lot of elevation, and you will want to take plenty of breaks.

I would also advise trying to get to this point before the sun is shining into the canyon. When I did the hike out of Havasupai in early July, I made it to the start of the switchback here just before 8am, which was just in time to beat the sun, something I was very thankful for. That meant leaving the campground just before 4am.

Is Water Available on the Havasu Falls Trail?

There is no water available along the trail, or at the parking area or trailhead. The only water is available in the campground, or at the lodge in Supai Village. There are also bottled drinks for sale at the lodge in the village.

It is absolutely vital that you carry plenty of water for the hike, both in and out. For the hike in you will need to fill up your water bottles before you set off to the trailhead. For the hike out, you can fill your bottles at the spring in the campground if you are camping, or at the lodge if you are staying at the lodge.

I’d recommend 3 – 4 litres of water per person for the hike each way, and ideally an electrolyte based drink or some soluble electrolyte tablets like this .

Dehydration is a really serious condition, and you absolutely need to take care of yourself and your hiking companions. Check out the signs of dehydration so you know what to look for.

Are there Toilets on the Havasu Falls Trail?

There are no toilets along the trail. The only toilets are at the trailhead, at Supai Village and at the campground.

Ideally you will not need to use the toilet during your hike, but obviously the situation might arise. The tribe requests that if you must go, to please be courteous to other visitors and pack out everything that is non-liquid, including toilet paper.

The easiest option for doing this is to use a “ wag bag ”. However, Ziploc Freezer Bags will work. Just flip the bag inside out and use it like a glove to pick up all solids and then flip back and seal up and place in another sealed up outer Ziploc Freezer Bag).

See more on the principles of leaving no trace here .

Is the Havasu Falls Trail Easy to Follow?

The Havasu Falls trail is easy to follow. For the most part it is a wide and sandy trail that is well trodden. The descent down the hill from the trailhead is an obvious switchback trail, and then the trail follows a river bed.

At any point on the trail where there is the possibility of confusion, there are very obvious signs to follow. You will also likely be walking with other people, and there will be plenty of obvious footprints to follow as well.

Do I have to Hike to visit Havasu Falls?

Whilst the majority of visitors to Havasu Falls choose to hike, it is not the only option. On some days you also have the option of taking a helicopter, which flies from the trailhead to Supai Village and back. This is operated by Air West helicopters .

Note that the helicopter can be cancelled without notice for a variety of reasons.

As such, helicopter flights cannot be relied on, and you should definitely be prepared to hike in and out with all your gear.

Even if you do take the helicopter, be aware that it lands at Supai Village, which is two miles from the campground and Havasu Falls, so there will still be some hiking required to see the falls and get to the campground if you are camping.

You also need a permit with an overnight reservation to use the helicopter.

Using the Helicopter at Havasu Falls

The helicopter service to and from the Havasupai Trailhead to the Supai Village is operated by Air West helicopters .

From March 15th through to October 15th, the helicopter operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. During the rest of the year the helicopter only operates on Fridays and Sundays.

The helicopter service operates on all holidays except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

On the days that it runs, the helicopter service from the Havasupai trailhead to Supai Village and back usually operates from 10am in the morning, although this time can vary.

The helicopter costs $100 per person each way (as of January 2024), and you can take one carry-on sized bag with you. There is a $10 surcharge if you pay by card instead of cash.

The helicopter operates on a first come first serve basis, and there is a wait-list on the day. It cannot be booked in advance.

Wait list sign ups generally open around an hour before the flights start. However, the queue for the helicopter wait-list can start much earlier than this, especially in Supai Village (the hike out is harder than the hike in, so many people hike in and take the helicopter out).

When I hiked out of Havasupai in July, I walked through Supai village at 4.30am and the line for the helicopter wait list had already begun!

Note that locals and employees get priority on the helicopter, regardless of when they show up. So if a lot of locals are travelling on a particular day, you may need to wait even longer.

Usually, Fridays are the busiest days for locals leaving Supai Village, and Mondays are the busiest days for locals flying from the trailhead. On these days, you can face significant delays if going in the same direction as the locals.

AirWest endeavours to fly everyone who signs up between 10am and 1pm on the day. If you sign up after 1pm, you will be added to a standby list, but your flight is not guaranteed. Flights are also always weather dependent, and like any flight, can be cancelled for a variety of reasons.

The information above was obtained by contacting Air West helicopters directly via phone, and is up to date as of 2020. We do recommend calling Air West prior to planning your trip for the most up to date information. There is an automated message which tells you everything you need to know. Contact information is available on the Air West helicopters website.

What are the Accommodation Options at Havasu Falls?

There are two accommodation options at Havasu Falls.

The first of these is the Havasu Falls campground, which is found along the Havasu River around 2 miles from Supai village, between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

The other option is Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village itself. The lodge has room with beds, hot showers (subject to hot water availability) with soap and towels, and both air-conditioning and heating. Rooms also have electrical outlets, four per room.

There is also WiFi at the lodge, and guests have access to a communal fridge, as well as a microwave.

Note that wild camping is not permitted anywhere on the reservation land, you can only camp within the marked camping area, which is between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

How Much does it Cost to visit Havasu Falls?

The price of visiting Havasu Falls varies depending on where you choose to stay, either the Havasu Falls Campground, or the Havasupai Lodge.

These are managed entirely separately, and they have different booking processes and cancellation policies, which we will also cover further on in the post.

Cost of Camping at Havasu Falls

Camping at Havasu Falls in 2024 is $455 per person. Reservations for the campground are only available for a period of 3 nights and 4 days.

Note that in previous years there were different prices for weekday nights and weekend nights but this is no longer the case for the 2024 season.

Prices increased in 2019 and also in 2024, largely because the tribe decided to reduce the total number of available reservations and create a more pleasurable experience for visitors.

I appreciate it may seem high, but it is definitely worth it!

The price includes your entry permit, taxes, environmental care fee, etc. This fee has to be paid in full in advance when you make your booking.

Cost of Staying at Havasupai Lodge

For 2024, the prices for the lodge are $2277 for a room. This is for a three night stay, so is $759 per night.

Rooms sleep 4 people, so this works out to be around $190 per person per night.

I’d recommend checking the official website for the most up to date information.

How do I Book for Havasu Falls in 2024?

There are different ways of booking accommodation at Havasu Falls, depending on if you want to stay at the lodge or the campground.

Let me cover the options you have for 2024, which should also apply for future years although details can change.

New for 2024 is a presale process for both the campground and lodge process.  I will cover this process as well.

How to book a campground at Havasu Falls for 2024

I will now cover the process for 2024 for booking a campground at Havasu Falls.

For 2024, there are going to be two ways to book a campground reservation. There will be an initial presale period with a lottery system in January, followed by a general sale in February.

Regardless of which option you go for, if you want to camp, you have to book and pay online at Havasupai Reservations .

All campground reservations have to be done online through the official reservations website, there is no phone, e-mail, or in person booking option.

One person can book a trip for up to 12 people, subject to availability of course.

The main decision you will need to make is whether you want to try your luck with the presale process or not. Regardless of whether or not you do that, you can also try booking when general availability becomes available.

Havasupai Campground Presale Process

The presale period for Havasupai campground reservations will open at 8am Arizona time on the 5th January 2024. A limited number of permit reservations will be made available for the presale.

Registering for the presale will require paying a $15 non-refundable fee. Upon registering, you will enter your three preferred reservation start dates, as well as a preferred month.

You will also need to enter all your details and provide payment details for full payment should you be successful at the end of the presale process.

Note that registering for the presale and paying the fee does not guarantee you a reservation.

The presale period ends at 5pm Arizona time on January 18th 2024. A randomized process will then have tickets allocated, and payment taken. This should happen no later than January 24th 2024.

If you are unsuccessful in the presale process, you will forfeit your deposit and will need to go through the general availability process for tickets.

The odds of being allocated a ticket via the presale process will depend on how many people choose to register for the presale tickets, and how many people choose similar dates.

This process is new for 2024 and so it is currently unknown if this will be a better way to get tickets for Havasupai or not. You can see the official announcement about the presale here on Facebook and on the official website here .

Havasupai General Campground Reservation Process

General campground reservations open on the 1st February at 8am Arizona time. The best option is to sign up for an account on the official website so you can be notified when reservations for the Havasupai Campground open.

If you want to camp at Havasu Falls, you should register at the official reservation page at least a couple days in advance of the reservations opening. On the day the reservations open the system gets very slow, and you don’t want to waste time creating a profile.

There are a few steps to creating a profile, including nominating a potential alternative trip leader in case the primary person booking the trip can’t make it. You can also select your preferred dates in advance, which can make the booking process a lot faster, and this is recommended.

You also have the option to add your payment information to the system in advance. Again, I’d advise doing this, so you don’t have to worry about it on checkout.

Please be aware that if you are travelling as a group, everyone who is coming needs to have an account, not just the trip leader. However, the group members only need to have the account prior to arrival, not prior to booking.

Campground reservations usually sell out entirely within a few hours of the system coming online.

When the day of the reservations open, expect the system to go very slowly. It is definitely a painful and frustrating experience, but if you persevere you should be able to get a date.

It took me a couple of hours to finally get to the end of the process, and I had to be fairly flexible with my dates as my first choices were booked before I could get through.

If you have problems or questions, the contact information is [email protected].

How to book at Havasupai Lodge for 2024

I will now cover the process for 2024 for booking the lodge at Havasu Falls.

The only way to book at Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village is online at this website .

Note that this is new as of 2021.  Up to 2020 the only way to book was by phone, so you might find other information advising you to call. This is incorrect as of 2021.

As with the campground, there will be a presale process for the Havasupai Lodge. This is new for 2024. I will cover these two different process below.

Havasupai Lodge Presale Process

The presale process for Havasupai Lodge is exactly the same as that for the campground, so rather than repeat that, I’d suggest just scrolling up a bit and reading that section.

Havasupai Lodge General Reservation Process

I will now cover the normal process for booking the lodge at Havasu Falls.

The booking process for Havasupai Lodge is slightly different than that of the campground and is managed by different teams.

For 2024, reservations for Havasupai Lodge are due to open on February 1st 2024. This is different from previous years where reservations for the current year opened in June of the previous year.

Demand for the lodge is also high, and you should expect the website to be busy when reservations open. All I can suggest is patience and persistence. When you get through, be sure to have all your details, including your name, address, phone number, required dates, and credit card information.

To make things easier, I recommend you sign up for an account well in advance. Once you have done that, you can pre-populate the reservation system with your details and credit card information, to make it easier to book when you get to the end of the process.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

For 2024 the same system is in place for both the lodge and the campground (prior to 2023 they had different systems).

Now, if you have either a lodge or campground reservation, you can transfer them using the official transfer system. This system was implemented in 2019 for the campground and 2022 for the lodge.

Prior to these dates there was a no-refund, no-transfer, no-cancellation policy, and many outdated websites still say this.

To transfer a campground or lodge reservation, you have to do it through the official Havasupai Reservations system. You can either transfer your reservation directly to someone you know will want it, or you can release the dates into the system so others looking in the official system can find them.

For either of these options, once the person buying your transfer has done so, your payment will be returned minus a 10% transfer fee.

If you do need to cancel, we’d suggest putting your reservation up for transfer in the official Havasupai reservation system as soon as possible.

Also be aware that you are not permitted to advertise your transfer anywhere other than in the official system, and doing so runs the risk of having your whole trip voided with no refund at all.

We highly recommend having good travel insurance that includes cancellation cover should you need to cancel your trip.

Havasu Falls Sold Out! Now what?

The first time I thought about going to Havasu Falls, I figured it would just be a question of popping onto the website, making a booking for when I wanted to go, and then wandering in.

I quickly learnt that this is not the case. If you want to visit Havasu Falls, you need to plan well in advance, and you need to make your booking on the day that the reservation systems open for the best chance of success.

But, life happens, and not everyone is going to necessarily manage to get a booking.

All hope is not lost. Life happens to other people too, and as described in the section above, when folks cancel, their bookings can become available.

If this happens for lodge or campground reservations, they will appear in the Havasu Reservations website on the cancellation / reservation list.

This list updates regularly (normally every day at 8am Arizona time for both the lodge and campground), and is your best option for securing a reservation. Note that you cannot buy part of a reservation – if the available spots are for more people than you want, you will have to buy the whole reservation, and then you can use the transfer system to try and sell any spare slots.

If you want to go to Havasu and have not been able to get a reservation, the transfer list is somewhere you should be checking on a daily basis. In the course of writing this post, just over a few days I have seen reservations popping up for sale.

Of course, using the transfer system is going to require you to be fairly flexible in terms of dates. It will also be harder the more people you are trying to travel with. People traveling alone have a better chance than a group of 5 people. But it is definitely possible to visit Havasu Falls even if you miss the initial reservation window.

Where Can I Rent Camping Gear for Havasu Falls?

If you are from the U.S., you probably have your own camping gear, but international travelers are less likely to have their own gear with them.

When I visited Havasu Falls it was as part of a longer trip across the USA, which we’d started from our home in the UK. I didn’t want to bring camping equipment from the UK, and buying gear for a one-off trip seemed unnecessary and wasteful.

Thankfully, there are a number of options for renting camping gear. I flew into Las Vegas , which was where I picked up a car rental to drive out to Havasupai.

I rented my camping equipment from a company called Basecamp Outdoor Gear .

These guys only do gear rental, and you need to book in advance before your trip, which you can do on their website. You can book items individually, or (as I did), you can book a camping kit. They also rent out hiking backpacks, which I also took advantage of.

Once you’ve booked, you arrange a pick up time. As it was only a 10 minute drive from Las Vegas airport to the pick up location this was a really convenient option, and I thought the prices were very fair. The equipment I rented was in excellent condition and it was good quality stuff too.

Of course, there are lots of other options for renting camping gear, some of which will even mail you the gear in advance of your trip – either to your home, or to your hotel in Peach Springs.

Here are some options to consider.

Online Rental with delivery

• Lower Gear Outdoors , Rent online, Nationwide shipping (to home or even to hotels in Peach Springs) and return
• Outdoors Geek , Rent online, Nationwide shipping and return

Camping Gear Rental in Arizona

• Chandler: REI
• Flagstaff: Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters
• Flagstaff: Peace Surplus
• Phoenix: AZ Hiking Shack
• Tempe and Lake Havasu City: Lower Gear Outdoors
• Scottsdale: Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company

Camping Gear Rental in Nevada

• Las Vegas: UNLV ,  Basecamp , Cloud of Goods
• Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Mountain Sports

When is Havasu Falls Open in 2024?

As of 2024, you can visit Havasu Falls from February 1st to November 30th.

However, not every accommodation open is available for these dates.

If you want to stay in the campground, the Havasu Falls campground is open from the 1st February through to the 30th November.

If you want to stay in Havasupai Lodge, this will be open from April 1st through to November 30th.

When is the Best Time to visit Havasupai?

The reality is that the demand for campground and lodge reservations is so high that the best time to visit Havasupai is likely going to be whenever you can get a reservation!

However, visiting at different times will result in a different experience. Here’s an overview of what to expect at different times of year.

Winter at Havasupai (February)

This is the coldest time of year, and only the campground will be open at this time of year. Expect freezing temperatures overnight, and temperatures generally in a range of 30F – 55F.

You will want to bring warm clothes for day and night wear, and despite the water having a year round temperature of 70F, the air temperature will make swimming an unattractive option.

Spring at Havasupai (March – May)

March through to May is a nice time for hiking at Havasupai as the temperatures are not extremely hot, but are instead pleasant.

It might be a bit cool for swimming still in early Spring, but this will improve as the months progress. Note that the trees will likely be bare at this time of year.

Summer at Havasupai (June – mid September)

This is by far the hottest time of year to visit, with day time temperatures likely to exceed 100F. If you visit at this time of year, you will want to plan your hike in and out as early as possible – ideally you’ll want to start hiking at 4am to avoid the heat.

This time of year is great for swimming and the trees are lovely and green. There is a possibility of bugs, although I had no issues when I visited in July. Also be aware that there is a higher possibility of thunderstorms and flash floods at this time of year.

It is worth knowing that on days when the temperature goes above 115F the trail will close to hikers for safety reasons. This is most common in July and August, so if you want to avoid this happening, try to visit in the cooler months.

Fall at Havasupai (mid-September – November)

As September draws to an end the temperatures will start to drop. Conditions will be similar to Spring, with cooler temperatures, around 50F – 80F. It’s great for hiking, and should be warm enough for swimming still. The leaves will also turn, which can make for some lovely photos.

So when is the best time to visit Havasu Falls?

Well, if you want a quieter experience, you will want to visit when only the lodge is open over the winter months. With the campground closed, you will only be visiting with the other people staying at the Lodge.

The lodge has 24 rooms which can each accommodate up to 4 people. So the maximum number of people staying at the lodge is 96.

I’m not sure what the total number of campsite reservations is that they accept each day when the campground is open, but I have seen numbers ranging from 200 – 300 a day. As they pretty much always sell out, when the campground is operating the trails and sights will obviously be busier.

Otherwise, I would say that May or September would be good months to visit. It should not be insanely hot, but it should still be warm enough to enjoy swimming.

Can I Take a Tour to Havasu Falls?

In prior years it was possible to take a guided tour to Havasu Falls with an outside company. However, as of 2019, it is no longer possible to book a guided tour to Havasu Falls, and the only way to get in is by making the reservation yourself and planning the logistics yourself.

The tribe now manages all visitors themselves. This decision will likely be evaluated on a year by year basis, and we will update this post if it changes.

There are no options to hire any kind of guide at the time of writing this post.

Do I Have to Carry all my Gear?

If you are camping, you will be carrying all your camping equipment as well as food and any other supplies, which can add up to quite a heavy pack.

If you would rather not carry all your equipment, you have the option to request a pack mule. This option is available for both campground and lodge guests.

The pack mules are managed by the tribe and they make regular trips to and from the trail head to the campsite / lodge.

If you hire a pack mule and your reservations is successful, you will need to drop your bags off at the trailhead or accommodation drop off point by a certain time in the morning. You leave your bags at that location, and then hike in.

Your bag will then be collected by a tribe member who is responsible for a group of pack mules. They will guide the mules to the lodge or campground, where your bags will be dropped off. You will then need to collect your bags from the drop-off point.

During this time, you won’t have access to your bags. We would suggest you have a daypack with water, snacks, camera, any essential medication as well as other essentials / valuables. You should also have a copy of your accommodation reservation, and ID.

Note that you cannot ride the pack mules, nor are you able to accompany them personally. When hiking, you need to give way to the pack mules. They are faster and bigger than you, so give them plenty of space.

Each pack mule can carry up to four bags, with a maximum weight of 32lbs per bag. In 2024, the price for a pack mule for round-trip transport is $400, or $200 one way. So if you do hire a pack mule, it only really makes financial sense if you split the costs with four other people.

If you are travelling with less than four people, it might make more sense to take the helicopter instead, as you can take a pack on this. See more on helicopters elsewhere in the post.

If you want to book a pack mule, it is highly advisable to do it at the same time as you make your reservation. There are a limited number of pack mules available, far fewer than the number of people hiking in and out each day.

Pack mule reservations are not guaranteed – you put in a request when you have made your reservation, and you will find out if the request was successful before your visit.

In theory it is possible to book pack mules for one-way transport; however, the official website advises that as priority is given to round trip bookings, one-way bookings are unlikely to be successful.

How to Book a Pack Mule for Havasupai

Both both the lodge and the campground, you will make your pack mule request once you have made your booking online.

If you do not book your pack mule when you reserve, you can return to your reservation and add one at any time.

However, the longer you leave it, the further down the wait list you will go, and the lower the likelihood of a pack mule reservation.

If you change your mind before the pack mule reservation is confirmed, you can cancel without a fee online.

However, once the pack mule reservation is confirmed it is non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable. So if you can’t make the trip, you will not get your fee refunded.

If you book a pack mule, be sure to follow the instructions around where to leave your bag, how to label your bag, as well as the rules around weight and size restrictions.

A note about the pack mules. Prior to 2019, there was concern over the welfare of the pack mules. However, the tribe has made significant changes to their policies regarding the pack mules, including things like maximum pack weights, and as of 2019 the pack mules are believed to be treated better.

Certainly, I saw a number of pack mules go past when I was hiking in and out, and they looked to be in good condition.

That said, I am certainly no expert on animal welfare, and I personally chose to carry all my belongings. That decision was more to do with wanting to overcome the challenge of the hike (it is quite a feeling of accomplishment!), but please make your own mind up regarding use of a pack mule.

If you don’t want to carry your gear or use a pack mule, consider using the helicopter service to get to and from Havasupai instead.

How Long Should I Stay at Havasu Falls?

The minimum amount of time I would recommend for a Havasu Falls trip would be two nights and three days. This way you get a full day of rest between the hike in and hike out, as well as time to explore.

For a more relaxing experience, I would recommend spending three nights. This will give you ample opportunity for swimming, hiking out to some of the other sights, and generally enjoying this incredible location. It will also give you more recovery time between the hike in and out.

Three nights is the amount of time recommended by the tribe, and as of 2019, all campground and lodge reservations at Havasu Falls are for three nights / four days. Of course, you don’t have to stay all three nights, but as you are paying for it, you might want to consider taking advantage of it.

I’d definitely advise against just staying one night as this will be quite exhausting, especially if you hike.

If you want to stay for longer than the three-night campground reservation but you still want to camp, you can try to add time at the lodge either before or after your campground reservation. As far as I can tell, you can also book an additional campground reservation adjoining your existing reservation, although that would result in a six-night stay.

Personally, I think three nights and four days is a good amount of time for your visit. Staying for much longer will make the logistics of booking the trip more challenging, plus you will have to carry more food.

How Busy is the Havasu Falls Hike / Campground?

From 2019, the tribe reduced the total number of permits for access to Havasupai, and as such, less people are visiting each day than in previous years.

It is certainly not a quiet experience, and you will definitely be frequently passing people on the trail as you hike in and out. There will also be plenty of other people at the campsite and at the waterfalls. However, it did not feel crowded at all, and there was more than enough space for everyone when I was there.

There were also plenty of toilets available in the campground area, with three toilet locations throughout the camp. There was also no shortage of camping areas with picnic tables to choose from.

It was also possible to have moments entirely alone if you don’t mind keeping odd hours. For example, I found myself all alone at Havasu Falls for sunrise and when I went to shoot the stars over the falls in the evening.

So even when it is busy it is possible to find moments alone to enjoy nature.

For the hike in and out, I certainly passed plenty of people, but I started very early and it never felt crowded or too busy.

What Facilities does the Havasu Falls Campground have?

The campground is fairly basic, but it does have three sets of toilets as well as a spring for drinking water. There are also picnic tables throughout, and most people pitch their camp next to a picnic table.

The toilets are laid out with one set at the start, one in the middle and one at the end. They are composting toilets rather than flush toilets, but they were in good condition when I visited with plenty of toilet paper. I observed them being cleaned regularly while I was there.

There is one spring for drinking water in the campsite called Fern Spring. The tribe recommend you filter or boil this water before drinking it. I personally brought a LifeStraw water bottle and used it for the spring water and drank directly from the river using it.

There are also no trash facilities at the campground. You need to carry your trash out with you. Please do this. There was so much trash at the site left behind by inconsiderate campers, including entire camping setups. I couldn’t quite believe it.

The tribe do their best to keep the site tidy, but picking up left behind tents, tarps and other trash like that really shouldn’t be up to them. It’s really sad to see such a beautiful place being impacted by people. If you don’t want to carry something out, I’d suggest not bringing it in in the first place.

There are also no showers or washing facilities at the campground. You are also not permitted to use soap or shampoo in the creek or campground.

Which is the Best Part of the Campground at Havasupai?

I explored the campground fairly thoroughly when I was there, and I would say that there isn’t a huge difference from one end to the other.

The campground at Havasupai is around a mile long, so it will take you around 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other.

As I mentioned, there isn’t that much difference; however, when picking a campsite there are some things to bear in mind.

First, if you are hiking in and out and carrying all your gear, if you camp closer to Havasu Falls then your hike out won’t be as long. I made the mistake of camping at the far end of the campsite, which meant my hike back out had an extra mile added on as I had to get all the way through the campground first.

Next, if you visit in summer, be aware that the canyon walls get very hot during the day, and radiate heat into the canyon. If you camp closer to the water, this effect is mitigated a little bit.

It is worth being aware that flash flooding is a possibility, particularly from June to August. There is not a lot of high ground at Havasupai, but it is marked on the map you are given when you check-in.

If rain is forecast in the area during your stay, you should definitely consider camping closer to the high ground locations so you can find a safe spot if the river rises, which can happen suddenly and with minimal warning.

As I cover in my tips section below, squirrels can be a real nuisance at the campground. They will eat through your tent and bags to get to any food they smell. I’m not sure if there were areas of the campsite with less squirrels than others, but if you see piles of them you might want to camp somewhere else.

If you don’t want to carry water back and forth long distances, you might consider camping nearer to Fern Spring. You may also consider camping closer to the restrooms if you don’t want a longer walk to these.

Finally, if you are visiting in summer, I’d advise picking a campsite with as much shade as possible. Most of the camp is pretty shady, but just bear in mind that temperatures regularly exceed 100F in the summer, and you will definitely appreciate the shade.

Otherwise, just find a nice level spot with a spare picnic table (they are found through the campsite), and pitch up. There was no shortage of space at all when I visited, and you definitely don’t need to hike through the entire campsite looking for the “perfect spot”, as to be honest, they are all pretty similar to each other!

Is There Food Available at Havasu Falls?

The answer to this appears to vary depending on the time of year. In Supai Village itself, there is a general store and a cafe, although the latter was closed for renovation when I visited. You can see opening hours and an idea of what they have for sale here .

There are also various stalls between the village and the campground advertising fry bread and soft drinks, including frozen Gatorade. These were advertised as being open during the day, and I did see people with frozen Gatorade, however I didn’t try the food.

In terms of paying for items, cash is obviously the easiest option, so I’d make sure you have some cash on you. Although in the village you should be able to pay by card. Be aware that prices will be a little higher than average due to the remote location and challenges associated with getting products here.

However, it is a good option to have if you run low on supplies.

Can I Take Photos at Havasupai / Havasu Falls?

Yes, you can take photos at Havasupai, as hopefully this post demonstrates.

There are however some exceptions to this rule.

You are not allowed to take any photos of Supai Village, of any tribe members, or of the pack mules / horses on the trail.

In addition, drone photography of any kind is not permitted anywhere in Havasupai, and drones are not permitted on the reservation. There is a risk that drones may be confiscated if brought onto the reservation, so we would advise leaving them at home.

Other than this, you can take as many photos as you want. See more photography tips section for some tips on getting great photos at Havasupai.

Are Pets Allowed at Havasu Falls?

Pets are not allowed on the Havasu Falls hike. There are dogs in the village, but these belong to the people who live in the village. Visitors are not permitted to bring any animals with them.

Is the Havasu Falls Hike Suitable for Kids / Families?

This of course depends on the kids! Certainly, families do visit Havasu Falls and I saw a number of families on the hike and at the campground.

Obviously the hike is long and probably not a good option for young children The official website discourages bringing young children due to length of trail, extreme weather, safety hazards, lack of medical facilities, etc.

Whether or not it is suitable for your kids will be a personal decision, as no one knows your kids like you do. This might be a great trip for older kids and teens!

Is Alcohol Permitted at Havasu Falls?

Alcohol is not permitted anywhere at Havasu Falls. Your vehicle will be inspected on the road in, and you should not have alcohol in your vehicle.

It is actually both a tribal and federal crime to possess, distribute or consume alcohol on the Reservation. This is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment (see law 18 U.S.C. §§ 1154 and 1156)

Similar laws and penalties exist for the possession and/or consumption of illegal drugs on the reservation, including marijuana.

Is There Cell Phone Reception at Havasu Falls?

Personally I did not have cell phone reception at Havasu Falls, and in fact I didn’t have reception from at least an hour’s drive away from the trailhead. This is a very remote part of the world, and there just aren’t many cell towers out here.

That said, I know other people mentioned that they did occasionally get reception. However, I would absolutely not rely on having phone reception, and I would assume you will have no reception or connectivity of any kind during your visit. There is also no WiFi along the trail.

To save your phone battery, I would suggest switching it to airplane mode. This will let you use it as a camera, but the battery won’t run down as it tries to find a mobile signal.

If you are staying at the Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village, there is free WiFi here.

Is Havasu Falls Open Year Round?

No, Havasu Falls is only open from February 1st through to November 30th.

Full Pricing Information for Camping / Lodge / Helicopter / Mules at Havasu Falls

We’ve covered this information elsewhere in the post, but we wanted to put it all in one place for quick reference. Prices are up to date for 2024.

Campground Prices for Havasupai for 2024

• $455 per campground permit per person

Campground stays are all for three nights / four days and include all taxes and entry permit.

Lodge Prices for Havasupai for 2024

• $2,277 per room (sleeps up to four people)

Lodge prices are all for three nights / four days and include all taxes and entry permit.

Pack Mule Prices for Havasupai

• $400 for round-trip pack mule, can carry up to four bags

One way mules are theoretically bookable but priority is given to round-trip bookings.

Helicopter Prices for Havasupai

• $100 one way per adult. Children under 2 free. $10 surcharge for paying by card

What to See and Do at Havasupai

Now that you know what to expect of the Havasupai Trail and the experience in general, you might be wondering what there is to see and do here.

Well, the answer is plenty! Here’s what you can get up to.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is definitely the star of the show. On the hike from the campground you will pass some other falls (see the section below on other waterfalls), but Havasu Falls is the one that will really take your breath away.

The falls are one continuous drop into a large pool, and are around 100 ft in height. The large pool below the falls in popular for swimming and picnicking.

Mooney Falls

A mile or so downstream (basically at the other end of the campsite) from Havasu Falls is Mooney Falls.

In terms of waterfalls, Mooney is just over twice the height of Havasu Falls, at 205 feet. It falls straight down into a large round pool surrounded by red rocks.

Mooney Falls can be seen from viewpoints around the rim. It is also possible to hike down to the base of the falls.

This is a challenging descent down a very steep path, which includes time passing through caves, as well as a descent holding onto chains, ladders and handholds. Up until the cave section the descent is not too bad, but the section after the caves is much more tricky.

This descent is not recommended if you are nervous about heights, or if the weather is bad.

It’s also recommended to wear gloves for improved grip, and to secure all your valuables and place them into a backpack.

When I visited, there was a collection of gloves at the top of the tricky section, which visitors left at the base of the climb for those climbing back up.

The climb up and down is best if you don’t try to go up if someone is coming down, and vice versa. So if someone is ascending for example, it is best to wait until they pass you before attempting to descend.

If you are reasonably fit and not worried about heights, the climb down is definitely achievable, and the views from the base are very nice.

The base of Mooney Falls is also where the hike to Beaver Falls starts from, as well as the hike to the confluence of the Colorado River.

Hike to Beaver Falls

If you make it down to the base of Mooney Falls, then you might consider hiking to Beaver Falls as well.

It is slightly over 2 miles hike each way from the base of Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls, and you should allocate around 1.5 hours for the hike each way.

The hike is not particularly hard, but it does require you to cross the river three times. These river crossings are generally through water around two to four feet in depth. Obviously this hike is not advisable if the river is in any kind of flood condition.

The trail is quite easy to follow with the occasional signpost. It is hard to get lost as you are basically just following the river between two canyon walls. From time to time the path will split, giving an illusion of choice, but usually all the versions of it end up at the same place.

Beaver Falls are very different to the Mooney Falls and Havasu falls. The drop is much smaller, and they are more of a series of falls between swimming holes. It is very picturesque, and I definitely recommend doing this hike on one of the days you are there if you have the time and energy.

If you are visiting in summer, I highly advise doing this hike as early in the day as possible. There are long stretches of the hike that is unshaded, and as the day progresses it will get very hot. I started my hike at around 8am and was very glad I did so, as by the time I got back to the campsite it was already very hot.

You’ll also want to carry plenty of water for this hike, and consider bringing some snacks.

Hike to the Colorado River Confluence

If you are a really keen hiker, you can continue the hike on from Beaver Falls downstream all the way to where Havasu Creek flows into the Colorado River.

From Beaver Falls to the Colorado River confluence it’s around 4 miles each way, so you are looking at around 6 miles each way from Mooney Falls. After Beaver Falls you are also leaving Havasupai land.

This hike will likely take you all day if you choose to do it, and there are multiple times where you will have to cross the river. It is not recommended unless you are an experienced hiker, and you will either want to carry plenty of water and snacks, or bring some sort of water filter.

This hike is also not recommended in the summer months due to the heat. I visited in July so did not do this one.

Other Waterfalls at Havasu Falls

There are five waterfalls in Havasupai that are accessible from the campground and lodge. The three we’ve already mentioned are Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

The other two waterfalls are Fifty Foot Falls and Little Navajo Falls. These are found between Supai Village and Havasu Falls on the hike in.

These are actually very pretty falls as well, and they actually get very few visitors. Most campers take a couple of pictures as they head down to the campsite, and then only pass them again on their hike out. But there are swimming holes here as well, and they are the closest falls for those staying at the lodge. So don’t overlook these falls when you visit!

Swim in the River

So far all these options have likely seemed like quite a bit of effort. So here’s a much less stressful option – take a swim in Havasu Creek!

You can swim in the creek in a wide variety of locations, including as it passes through the campground and at the waterfalls. Just take care when swimming at the falls as there can be undertows and currents around the actual falls themselves. If you are visiting  on your own, it is best to swim when others are present for safety. Children should of course be supervised at all times. There are no lifeguards at Havasu.

You also want to be careful not to swim in the creek directly above any waterfalls for obvious reasons as you don’t want to carried over them!

The water in Havasu Creek is a constant 70F year round. It is particularly refreshing in the hot summer months.

If you do swim, you will definitely want a good pair of water shoes as there can be rocks and other sharp outcrops which can be painful.

Also note that rock climbing, diving, nudity, and jumping are not permitted at the falls.

After hiking all the way in, setting up camp, exploring waterfalls and so on, you are likely going to be a bit tired. So don’t forget to relax!

You’ve likely got a few days to enjoy yourself at Havasupai, so definitely take plenty of time for relaxing. That could mean napping, laying in a hammock, reading a book, chatting with friends, or playing cards.

It’s also worth being aware that once darkness falls, it does get really dark here. B etween the darkness, tiredness, and lack of activity, people usually go to bed pretty early. In my experience, the camp was pretty quiet when I was there from around 8pm, and I was usually in bed by 10pm, with the exception of when I did astrophotography.

Tips for Visiting Havasu Falls

Based on my experience visiting Havasu Falls, I wanted to share some quick tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Watch out for the squirrels!

If there is one major nuisance to be aware of when you visit Havasupai, it’s the squirrels.

These guys live at the campsite, and as far as I can tell, they survive entirely by carrying out sophisticated raids on the food supplies of unsuspecting campers.

The squirrels will eat through your tent, your backpack and any packaging in order to get to any food that they smell. When I rented my camping gear, I was warned about the squirrels, as they had had equipment returned that had suffered squirrel damage.

So what can you do about the squirrels? Well, the key is to put your food outside of your tent in something that the squirrels cannot get into.

A popular option is a Rat Bag – a steel mesh bag that the squirrels won’t be able to gnaw through. You may also consider sealing all your food inside  resealable food storage bags in order to prevent odor escaping. You can then hang your rat bag from a line in a tree to stop the squirrels getting to it.

When I visited Havasupai, there were also lots of sealable plastic buckets available throughout the campsite. Most of the campsites also had string hanging from the trees. So I was able to just put my food in one of these sealable buckets and hang it from a tree. Another option is to leave it on the ground or picnic table with a heavy rock on top of it.

Obviously you can’t rely on these buckets being available, so a rat bag is a good option.

Basically, don’t keep or eat any food in your tent, and remove it from your bags on arrival, so the squirrels aren’t tempted to eat through your equipment!

In terms of other animals, obviously this is a large area of wilderness, which is home to mountain lion, coyote, snakes, spiders and so on. The campsite is a busy place, as is the trail, so larger animals are liable to give it a wide berth, but it is worth being aware that potentially life threatening animal encounters are possible.

Stay overnight nearby before your hike

I can highly recommend finding a nearby hotel such as the two I recommended earlier in Peach Springs to stay overnight before you hike in.

If you are driving from somewhere like Las Vegas or Phoenix, it’s around a 4 to 5 hour drive to the trailhead. Even if you left relatively early in the morning, you wouldn’t be able to start the hike until mid-morning.

In the cooler times of year this might not be too much of an issue, but in the summer you absolutely want to start the hike as early as possible. The best way to do that is to stay overnight as close to the trailhead as possible.

I have read reports of folks driving to the trailhead and staying overnight in their cars before hiking in. I personally wouldn’t do this as I’m not sure it would make for a good night’s sleep, and I don’t know if this is officially permitted or not.

Be Careful Driving to the Trailhead

The road out to the trailhead has a fairly low speed limit, and this is for good reason – there are massive elk and other animals all along this road. If you are driving in the early morning, they will be all over the place, including in the road.

You definitely want to be alert and very careful when driving on this road. I saw a lot of them as I drove it, and they were definitely of a size that would have ruined my car and ended my trip had I accidentally run into one of them!

Consider renting your camping gear

If you do not regularly hike and camp, or if you are visiting from out of state or country, you might want to consider renting your camping gear.

High quality camping equipment can be expensive, so if this is your first time doing this, renting will likely save you money. Of course, if you are planning on getting into hiking and camping, buying your own gear might be a better long term investment.

The other thing to consider is having to bring your gear from wherever you are travelling from. The price of checking luggage on airlines seems to be ever increasing.

Of course, if you have your own gear and equipment that you know and love, you will definitely want to bring this. I just wanted to share that renting is an option, and it worked really well for me.

Start the hike as early as possible

Hopefully I have made this point fairly well by now, but just to be clear, I very much recommend starting the hike as early as possible, especially in the summer months.

When I started my hike, the sun had not risen and my vehicle reported the outside temperature at 70F. This is a very comfortable temperature to hike in. By the time I arrived into the actual campsite, it was getting close to 100F.

Leaving early for both the hike in and hike out means you will be hiking when it is much cooler, and for the most part you will be hiking in the shade. Once the sun gets above the canyon walls, the temperatures noticeably increase!

Note that overnight hiking is not permitted, but early morning hiking is advised. When I visited I was told that the trail was open from 4am until 10pm, however, there is no official time posted. The official advice is to set off so you finish your hike by 10am, and to start early in the morning, but that night hiking is not permitted.

Take a water filter

There is no treated water available at the campground. The only water comes from a spring found in the center of the campground, and the tribe recommends that you filter this water.

I personally used a LifeStraw Go water filter bottle for my water filtration purposes. I even used it to drink the water from the creek itself which saved me carrying liters of water to and from Beaver Falls.

We have a guide to the best water filters for travel if you would like some options.

Take plenty of food

When planning your packing, make sure you bring enough food with you. The average person needs around 2,000 calories a day of food, and when you are hiking your needs will be higher.

So when planning your meals, a good idea is to figure out how many meals you’ll need (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and ensure that you are going to be getting your calorie needs met by looking at the calorie contents of the food you buy.

High calorie foods like nuts are a good option as they offer a good ratio of weight / calories.

Note that campfires are not permitted at the campground or anywhere along the trail. You are allowed to use gas canister powered camping equipment to prepare hot meals if you are willing to carry this in with you of course.

Food is also available in the village for purchase, as well as fry bread at the stalls, so you will always have options. This means that if you don’t want to carry all your food, you don’t have to.

However, the choice at the store can vary, and it can close, so if you bring your own food you will for sure know that you have enough.

Bring good hiking shoes

The Havasu Falls hike covers a variety of terrain, much of which is loose. A good pair of well fitting hiking boots that you know and trust will go a long way to improving your hiking experience.

You should also plan to bring enough socks for each day that you will be using your hiking boots. For me that was just hiking in and out, so two pairs, but if you plan on hiking during your time at Havasu you might want some more.

It is also likely worth packing some sticking plasters or Moleskin in case of blisters.

Bring water shoes

I entirely admit I made an error with my packing – I wore hiking boots, and just brought flip flops with me for my time camping.

This was definitely an error. If you want to swim or hike down to Beaver Falls, water shoes are going to make it a lot more comfortable than flip flops.

I’d say water shoes are essential for swimming especially as the ground in the falls can be sharp. You definitely don’t want to get cut out here.

I was lucky in the end because I found a pair of water shoes that someone had left behind that fit me. You can’t rely on this of course, so I really recommend getting a good pair of water shoes and bringing them with you.

If you don’t already have water shoes, I’d recommend buying a pair like this that is also suitable for light hiking as well.

Get Travel Insurance

I highly recommend you get travel insurance for your trip out to Havasupai. This is a remote part of the world, and if something should happen to you, travel insurance should cover the costs of any emergency medical assistance you require.

Travel insurance can also help protect you against the cost of having to cancel your trip for any reason – visiting Havasupai is not cheap, and a cancellation might end up being pricey.

There are a lot of travel insurance options on the market, depending on where you are travelling from. Just be sure to read the fine print and ensure you are covered for medical evacuation, as well as this sort of activity.

Map of Havasupai Trail and Sights

To help you with your planning, I’ve put together a map of the main trail and some of the sights, as well as the campground area. You can see this below, and on Google Maps here . There is also a trailmap on the official website here .

Photography Tips for Havasu Falls

One of the main reasons I was keen to visit Havasu Falls and Havasupai was for the photography opportunities. As a passionate professional photographer, I love taking photos, and this seemed like an amazing place to do just that.

Based on my experiences taking photos at Havasu, I wanted to share some quick tips to help you get great photos yourself when you visit. If you are looking for a good camera for this trip, see my guide to the best cameras for hiking and backpacking for some tips.

Bring a tripod

I appreciate that adding more gear to carry into Havasupai might not be awesome, but a tripod is going to let you get much more interesting photos, both in the daytime and at night.

It’s also a much more effective tool for taking photos of yourself than a selfie-stick!

Paired with a neutral density filter for your lens, a tripod will let you take those lovely long exposure shots of waterfalls that create that soft look. It will also let you take photos of the stars over the falls at night.

If you would like to learn more about these topics, see my guide to long exposure photography , as well as my guide to Neutral Density filters .

I personally used a carbon fibre VEO 2 tripod on this trip, which is a lightweight but sturdy tripod designed for travel. We have more tripod recommendations in our guide to why you need a travel tripod .

Time the sun

The beautiful blue-green water and red canyon walls at Havasupai look their best when the sun is shining on them and making the colours really pop.

However, the canyon walls are pretty steep, and so there are only a few hours each day when the sun is actually shining on the falls. When I visited in July, this was during the middle of the day, when the sun was pretty much overhead.

Earlier and later in the day, the sun was either behind the falls, or had dipped below the canyon walls and creating shadows.

Obviously the angle of the sun and its position in the sky will vary at different times of year. I recommend checking the Photographer Ephemeris website here for the time of year you are visiting to see where the sun will be.

Visit the Falls early or late

During the day both Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls will be quite busy with people swimming and enjoying themselves.

If you want to get photos without people, your best bet is to come early in the morning or later in evening. I visited Havasu Falls at sunrise and was the only person here. After sunrise I hiked down to Mooney Falls, and was the only person there as well.

So it is certainly possible to get the falls to yourself, even when the campground and lodge are fully booked.

Just be aware that night hiking is not permitted, so don’t wander too far from the campground late at night!

Don’t miss the astrophotography opportunities

Being in the middle of the desert far away from any sources of light pollution means that there are incredible star gazing opportunities at Havasupai.

This only means that there’s the opportunity to take some great photos at night. When I visited in July, the milky was was rising in the early evening, which added even more stars to my photos.

If you do do astrophotography, my recommendation would be to shoot Havasu Falls. I’d advise against tackling the Mooney Falls climb at night for safety reasons!

For Havasu Falls, I had good results by using my headlight to illuminate the falls a little bit, just a few seconds during a 30 second or so exposure. This is a technique known as light painting.

For more on astrophotography, including camera settings and different techniques, see my complete guide to taking pictures of stars .

Bring spare batteries and memory cards

If you are camping, you aren’t going to have access to any power outlets during your time at Havasupai. So you will want to bring plenty of spare batteries for your camera, as well as enough memory cards to handle all the photos you are taking.

Another option is to invest in a USB power bank like this , which you can use to charge your phone. I also bought a charger for my camera batteries that runs off USB, and these are available for most camera manufacturers.

That meant I could use my USB power bank to top off my phone and my camera batteries.

Consider your clothing

If you plan on putting yourself into the photos, then I can recommend considering bringing along some brightly coloured clothing so that you stand out in the images.

Bright reds, yellow or blues would be good options, but really, any brightly coloured clothes will help you pop in the image against the bright colours at Havasu.

What to Pack for the Havasu Falls Hike

I’ve written a comprehensive guide to what to pack for Havasu Falls , but here’s a quick overview of what you should bring to get you started.

• Backpack – A 40 – 55L should work for most hikers
• Sleeping mat (I prefer a thermarest)
• Head torch or flashlight
• Water Filter and Water Bladder / Bottle
• Day pack – great for the day hikes
• Hiking poles – these will make the hike easier
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Travel towel
• Hiking boots (see our guides to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women for tips on picking a great pair)
• Water shoes
• Hiking socks
• Clothing (will depend on time of year)
• Swimsuit / swimming gear
• Toothbrush / Toiletries / Hygiene items
• Camera + camera batteries
• USB power bank and cables
• Sealable food storage bags or containers
• Toilet paper or tissues (just in case they run out for some reason!)
• Travel Wipes
• Sealable bags to pack your trash out in
• First Aid kit

Obviously, your needs will vary, but I would say that above list would make for a great starting point for any visit to Havasu Falls. It’s also worth being aware of what isn’t allowed, which includes amplified music, alcohol and so on. You can see the official rules here .

Further Reading for Havasupai

Well, that sums up what you hopefully found to be a thoroughly comprehensive guide to the Havasu Falls Hike! Before you go, I want to share some useful resources for you to help you plan your trip.

• I’ve written a detailed guide to what to pack for Havasu Falls to help you plan your packing list
• The official Havasupai Tribe website
• The official website for Havasupai Campground reservations
• The official Havasupai and Havasu Falls Facebook group . There are a range of subgroups as well, where you can talk about your trip, get tips from other visits, ask questions and more.
• The National Parks Service website about Havasupai
• Havasu Falls is within the Grand Canyon – do check out our guide to sunset and sunrise at the Grand Canyon for some photography tips
• When you drive to the trailhead, you’ll be on Route 66. If you want to turn your adventure into an awesome road trip, see our 1 week and 2 week Route 66 itineraries for inspiration, as well as our guide to planning a Route 66 road trip
• If you are new to travel in the USA, see our tips for driving in the USA and our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA for some tips
• We also have lots more USA content – see our USA guides on this blog here , and on Independent Travel Cats here .
• If you’re starting or ending your Havasu Falls hiking trip in Las Vegas, see our guide to things to do in Las Vegas for some ideas on spending time in the party city. We also have a guide to the best day trips from Las Vegas .
• If you would like a book, Exploring Havasupai is your best option. It has information on the area, tips on the hike in, what to bring, as well as detailed information on the hikes from the campground.

And that’s it for our guide to the Havasu Falls hike. We hope you found it useful in planning your trip.

If you have any feedback about the above, or questions that we’ve not answered, please let us know in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Jenny Heidel says

4th October 2023 at 2:21 am

We were charged $1980 (or $660/night) for a room at Havasupai Lodge in 2021/2022/2023. Also the Grand Caverns Inn was purchased by the Havasupai tribe and no longer includes breakfast. Thanks for all the information!!

Laurence Norah says

4th October 2023 at 8:18 am

Thanks so much for the updates. I’ve updated that information in the guide. I hope you have finally made it to Havasupai now, and if not, have a great trip 🙂

3rd September 2023 at 4:48 am

Very detailed and Informative guide! Thank you for putting this together Lawrence & Jessica!

3rd September 2023 at 7:40 pm

Our pleasure Sapi, enjoy your trip to Havasu 🙂

23rd August 2023 at 4:37 pm

The website says the permits are picked up at the Grand Canyon caverns inn at mike marker 115 off Route 66, but your guide says you pick up the permits in Supai? Maybe this has changed since you did it?

23rd August 2023 at 5:14 pm

You are absolutely correct. This has changed since I did it but it sounds like a much more seamless process now as you go through all the admin prior to actually starting your hike. It now makes even more sense to stay at the Grand Canyon Inn the night before as well. I have updated the guide, thanks so much for bringing this to my attention 🙂 Have a great time at Havasupai!

Sue Lyttle says

16th March 2023 at 10:17 pm

Las Vegas is in Nevada, not Arizona. Just in case anybody is looking for a flight to Las Vegas, AZ and can’t find it.

19th March 2023 at 8:18 am

Thanks Sue! Of course it is. Oops! Not sure how that slipped through but I’ve fixed it now, many thanks for calling that error to my attention. Have a great time at Havasu!

27th December 2022 at 5:40 am

Havasu Falls is set to officially reopen on 2/1/23! I’ll be making my first trip on 8/31. Thanks for posting so much great info.

27th December 2022 at 9:05 am

Awesome, you are going to have an amazing time! I’ve updated this guide with the latest information and the announcement from the official Facebook page. Let me know if you have any questions!

Brian Volk says

18th April 2022 at 4:47 pm

Probably the most accurate info on visiting the falls that I’ve seen. Well done! I typically don’t finish reading these guides, but I did yours. The actual hiking milage, in my experience, is low but there are plenty of debates on that. My wife and I have made over 40 trips into Supai and even their own maps depict distances on the low side. But that doesn’t matter with what you have written, here.

18th April 2022 at 5:53 pm

Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know that you found this content accurate, that is awesome especially coming from someone with so much experience on the area. I try to include as much content in my posts as I can (sometimes possibly too much!), and also to keep it up to date which has been a challenge over the last couple of years. Hopefully the trails open soon. If you take the trail again in the future and/or notice anything has changed, do feel free to let me know 🙂

Safe trails!

Jonathan says

3rd October 2020 at 3:43 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica,

Great guide to Havasu Fall and how to get the Havasupai reservation permit, amazing photos as always!

I have long wanted to visit here but of course now am unsure when that might be possible. But I have to be in Arizona at the end of next year for a family wedding. Wondering what you would advise in terms of when to get ready to get the permit and any tips given all the closures this year?

Also wanted to ask if you could share more about visiting the Supai village itself? I didn’t see much in your article other than you went through it and checked in. Is there anything to see or do here?

Finally, wondering your thoughts of how to plan a 7 to 8 night trip, thinking about starting in either Las Vegas or Phoenix and ending in the other city. Flying from NYC, traveling solo, active mid 30’s man interested in most things. 2 nights for the family wedding in Phoenix, 3 nights for the Havasu Fall trail (if get lucky!), and wondering how to spend the other 3 days? Thoughts?

Thanks for your help, Jonathan

3rd October 2020 at 4:19 pm

Hey Jonathan, it’s good to hear from you – and thanks for your kind words 🙂

So assuming the trail is open next year (it’s been closed most of this year for obvious reasons!), in theory it will open for campground reservations on the 1st February 2021 at 8am Arizona time.

There are a few caveats. First, the majority of the folks who couldn’t go this year are going to be given priority for slots next year, and I’m not sure how that’s going to affect the timing. So that might happen before the slots open to the general public. Whenever it happens, it definitely means there will be less availability next year.

The good news is that you say you are visiting at the end of the year, which is generally a quieter time to visit. So my advice would be to definitely try and get a slot when the site opens, but not to fret too much if you fail. The reason is that lots of people cancel as the year goes on, so you are likely to be able to get a spot through the cancellation system. The only problem with that is of course that your timeframe isn’t that flexible, so ideally you’d want to get a slot when they open.

The booking system definitely gets overloaded, and as you have to click through each month to get to the last months, it can be a really frustrating process. The webpage times out a lot, and you have to then start all over from the first month. Patience and perseverance are key!

Now for your other questions. Honestly, I didn’t hang around Supai village because it felt a bit like I was intruding. The tribe are quite private and other than the shops there wasn’t much to see. Photography isn’t permitted in the village, and there are quite a few “private” signs. Overall it felt like a place to stock up and check in, but not to sightsee. Your experience may be different. I’d also add that as it’s a couple of miles from the campsite, and I was pretty hot and tired, I didn’t really feel like stopping on the way in and out, and the falls area had so much to see and do that I didn’t take the time to walk back once I was at the campground!

For the remainder of your trip you have a few options. From Vegas you have the Valley of Fire park and also the Lake Mead National recreational area (home to the Hoover dam), both of which are worth a visit. The stretch of highway from Kingman to Peach Springs, where you turn off for the trailhead start, was originally Route 66. It’s a good stretch with quite a few sights, so is worth checking out. On the way out, you could continue on to Seligman and even go to the Grand Canyon – well worth the visit if you’ve not been before. Otherwise there’s lots of lovely outdoor wilderness to explore on the way down to Phoenix!

I hope this helps, let me know if I can be of further assistance!

Safe travels,

Barry S. says

14th August 2020 at 10:06 am

This is a GREAT and informative website, but it looks like due to COVID-19, this year’s reservations will be put on next year’s set, so getting a reservation in 2021 will be unlikely.

Note, helicopter prices are now $100. a flight, as of recording on August 12, 2020.

14th August 2020 at 11:04 am

Thanks so much for your input. I’ve updated the article with the revised helicopter prices, and more information about how 2021 is likely going to be even hard to get a reservation than normal! I hope you are able to visit at some point though if you haven’t already 🙂

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Havasu Falls Havasupai Travel Guide

• Travel Guide
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Havasu Falls Grand Canyon (Open for 2023)

The Havasupai Tribe will OPEN Havasu Falls and the Havasupai Reservation to tourists on February 1st 2023. There are no NEW reservations/permits for 2023. Only those reservation holders that were impacted by the COVID tourism suspension have a confirmed reservation. The only way to get a reservation for 2023 is to purchase off the official transfer list.

Havasu Falls is one of four major waterfalls in Havasu Canyon located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, west of Grand Canyon National Park. These waterfalls are world famous for their beautiful turquoise color and Havasupai actually means ‘people of the blue green water.’  The Havasupai Tribe is the only group of Native Americans who still live inside Grand Canyon, and their home is one of the most amazing destinations in the world. The waterfalls of Havasupai are one of the Grand Canyon's most unique and amazing destinations.

Many national park visitors do not know about Havasu Falls. The waterfalls of Havasu Canyon rival any tropical paradise in the world, and they are truly an anomaly in the desert southwest. The water from Havasu Creek that spills over these magnificent falls eventually makes its way to the Colorado River. Havasu is world-renowned for the unique color of its water, a captivating blue-green that is the result of high levels of travertine, a type of limestone.  Travertine is also responsible for the myriad pools all along the creek and at the base of the falls, which make excellent swimming holes. Read the guide below to learn more and plan your trip to Havasupai, or check out our Havasu Falls map to see all Havasupai destinations and attractions!

Grand Canyon Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks.

Havasu Falls Travel Guide

While it is a strenuous hike, Havasu Falls offers year-round adventure for all types of people. Families, experienced hikers, and novices can experience the magic of Havasu with some advanced trip planning . The weather from March through November is best, but winter trips offer the most solitude. The most popular option is hiking in to Havasu (with pack mules to carry your gear) and camping at beautiful Havasu Campground. You can also acquire transport via helicopter for an additional fee and if camping under the stars is not your cup of tea, the Lodge is a quick two-mile hike from the falls.

You get to Havasu Falls by heading west on Historic Route 66 from Seligman, Arizona or east on Route 66 from Peach Springs, AZ and then taking Indian Route 18, a 60-mile dirt road that dead ends at Hualapai Hilltop (the Havasu Falls trailhead). From the trailhead, it is an 8-mile, downhill hike to Supai Village (where the tribe resides), and another 2 miles to Havasu Falls and the campground. This beautiful hike can be done with or without the assistance of pack mules and you must book a campground or pack mule permit online before you can hike in. There are also limited first come, first serve helicopter flights from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village. It is important to know that if the helicopter can't fly you must be prepared to hike out on your own since accommodations are limited and may not be available.

Camping Permits and Reservations

Making a campground or pack mule reservation.

All reservations for the campground and pack mules must now be made online at the official Havasupai Reservations website. They no longer accept phone calls for these reservations, even to check for last minute cancellations.

Reservations always sell out fast. All 2019 reservations were made available on the website on February 1, 2019 at 8:00am.

All campground reservations are made per person, per night and are for 3 night/4 days.

With the required 3 night/4 day reservation, it will cost between $300 and $375 per person to camp.

No, it is a "camp wherever you want" campground running for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Fall. This means there are no assigned camping sites and you are welcome to set up camp anywhere within the campground area that is safe and respectful of the land and your fellow campers.

Pack Mules and Mule Rides to Havasupai

• Pack Mules are $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.

The Havasupai Tribe no longer offers mules rides in and out of Havasu Canyon; they transport gear only, not people. Your only non-hiking option is to ride the first come, first serve helicopter.

• If you want to learn more about Grand Canyon mules rides, check out our page on guided mule rides .

Maps and Directions

The hike or flight to Havasu Falls starts at Hualapai Hilltop. To learn more about getting to Hualapai Hilltop check out our Havasu Falls Maps and Directions  page to get information on the best way to travel to Havasupai from various nearby cities.

Hualapai Hilltop

Hualapai Hilltop is the trailhead for all hikers heading to Havasu Falls and is also where helicopters fly in and out of Supai Village. This part of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is not as scenic as other areas so you might not have the same jaw-dropping impression at this dusty trailhead that you have at other Grand Canyon destinations. This is one of those trips where it is more about the destination than the journey. Along the trail, shortly before you reach Supai Village, you'll get your first glimpse of the blue green waters of Havasu Creek. 

Supai Village

Supai Village is home to the Havasupai Tribe, and you'll see homes, horses, a post office, a café, and a store. This is also the location of the permit office where hikers need to check in before heading to the campground below Havasu Falls. If you have a Lodge reservation, it is located in Supai Village.

There are no roads to Supai and everything is either carried down by pack mules or via helicopter. Provisions are both sparse and pricey, so don't plan on stocking up on gear and food for your trip here. You should definitely bring both a credit card and cash in case you need anything or just want to buy a cold drink in the middle of a hot day.

The Waterfalls

When you leave Supai Village the scenery starts to change quickly, and it's a flat 2-mile hike to the campground and Havasu Falls. As you follow the trail out of Supai Village it won't be long until you reach your first Havasu Canyon waterfalls . After the flood of 2008, Havasu Canyon went through some major changes. Two new waterfalls were formed from the flood, 50 Foot Falls and New Navajo Falls (the original Navajo Falls is no longer around). These are the first major waterfalls you'll see before you reach Havasu Falls. Below Havasu is the campground which stretches for about a mile until you reach the next major waterfall, Mooney Falls. Mooney Falls is the tallest waterfall in Havasu Canyon and the end of the developed area. From the top of Mooney Falls there is a steep climb (that involves using chains drilled into the canyon walls) to got to the base of the waterfall. From there, you can continue hiking to the least visited waterfall of Havasu Canyon, Beaver Falls. Below Beaver Falls Havasu Creek continues on its long journey to the Colorado River .

Weather and Conditions

Starting from the West Rim at Hualapai Hilltop and traveling to Supai Village and Havasu Falls in the inner Grand Canyon you'll experience quite a bit of variation in weather. The Grand Canyon also has very different conditions depending on which season you travel to Havasu Falls. Make sure you're prepared for your trip by learning more about Havasu Falls weather before you travel.

Hiking to Havasupai

Although there are limited first come first serve helicopter flights to Supai Village, nearly all visitors to Havasupai will take the trail from Hualapai Hilltop. Learn about about what the hike is like and what to expect by reading our guide on hiking to Havasu Falls .

Take a look at our overview of Havasu Falls services to get a better idea of what is available for your trip to make planning a bit easier.

Havasu Falls FAQs

Our Havasupai FAQs section below will answer the basic about Havasu Falls, Supai Village and the Havasupai Tribe.

Private Southwest Tours

Bespoke Vacation Packages

Popular tours near havasu falls.

Two Day Grand Canyon White Water Rafting 

Duration: 2 days Rating: 5 out of 5 from $1194 on Viator

Grand Canyon Hoover Dam with Optional Skywalk

Duration: 9 hours Rating: 5 out of 5 from $188 on Viator

Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets

Duration: 8 hours Rating: 4.5 out of 5 from $124 on Viator

45-minute South Rim Helicopter Flight

Duration: 45 minutes Rating: 5 out of 5 from $279 on Viator

Havasu Falls Photo Gallery

Havasu Falls Services

The Havsuapai Tribe has a map of Supai Village including the services that they offer. In Supai Village you will find a post office, store, café, lodge, Tourist Office and clinic. You won’t find much more than postcards for purchase at the Store. Regardless, you should bring a credit card and some cash in case you need to buy extra food or something that you forgot.

Havasupai Lodge

Havasupai Lodge is the only lodging at the bottom of Havasu Canyon. Reservations sell out fast and must be made as soon as they are available {All 2020 Lodge reservations were made available on June 1, 2019 at 8:00am}. Unlike the campground, all Lodge reservations must be made over the phone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. You cannot reserve Lodge rooms online.

Most Havasu Falls hikers choose to stay in a nearby hotel in either Peach Springs, AZ or Seligman, AZ the nights before and after their trip. To find the best hotels, check out our West Rim hotels and lodging page.

Supai Restaurants

The only restaurant at Havasu Falls is the Café in Supai Village. The Café is open from 8am-5pm and sells basic diner food like eggs and toast and burgers and fries. Try the Indian Taco, which is served on fry bread. Cash, credit and debit cards accepted. 

The Store is open 7am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am- 5pm Saturday & Sunday. They carry basic food items such as sodas, fruit, canned goods, meat, and bread. They also have travel size toiletries. Expect to pay more for items than you would at home since they account for the unusual transportation costs in their prices. Cash, credit and debit cards accepted. 

Havasu Falls Guided Tours

In 2019, the Havasupai Tribe stopped allowing guided trips onto Reservation land. In the past, many people chose to take a guided trip because of the difficult logistics of Havasu Falls trip planning.

But don’t let this stop you from visiting the beautiful turquoise waterfalls of Havasu Canyon! Grand Canyon Guru has all of the trip planning information you need, whether you want to hike, ride a helicopter, stay in a hotel, or camp next to the waterfalls. On our site, you’ll find all of the information you need to plan out all of the necessary logistics, so you are prepared for the adventure of a lifetime! If you want to learn more about guided tours in the canyon, check out our Grand Canyon Tours page.

Havasupai Tribe

The Havasupai people of world-renowned Havasu Falls have lived in the Grand Canyon for over 800 years. Arriving circa 1300 AD, the Havasupai are known for being the only permanent, continuous inhabitants of Grand Canyon. You can learn more about The Havasupai Tribe here .

Remember that you are a visitor on the Havasupai’s sacred homeland, and you must follow their rules and regulations, including:

• No rock climbing
• Appropriate clothing is required throughout the Reservation

Not sure where to begin planning your trip to Havasu Falls? Doing some planning before your trip will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our comprehensive FAQs below to find everything you need to know to have the adventure of a lifetime!

Where is Havasu Falls located?

Havasu Falls is located in the western part of Grand Canyon, about 60 miles north of Peach Springs, Arizona.

Is Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park?

Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Reservation and is in the Grand Canyon but is not part of Grand Canyon National Park.

How do I get to Havasu Falls?

All trips into Supai and the Havasu Falls area start at the Hualupai Hilltop trailhead on the Havasupai Reservation. You access the trailhead off of Old Route 66 by driving about 60 miles down Indian Route 18. Indian Route 18 is unpaved but is usually kept in good condition for regular passenger vehicles.

Once I’m at Hualupai Hilltop (the trailhead) how do I get into the canyon?

From the Havasu Falls trailhead you can hike or take a helicopter. There are no guaranteed helicopter rides and all visitors staying at the Lodge or campground must make a reservation beforehand.

Camping Permits & Pack Mules Reservations

How do i make a campground or pack mule reservation, how far in advance should i make my campground or pack mule reservation, what is the minimum stay for a campground reservation, how much does it cost to camp, does my campground reservation include a designated campsite, i would prefer to not carry my camping gear. how much is a pack mule.

Mules are $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.

I prefer not to hike and want to ride a mule instead. How do I make a reservation?

Helicopter filghts to havasupai, i’m not up for the adventure of hiking to havasu falls. how do i make a helicopter reservation.

The helicopter company (AirWest) does not fly every day and is first come, first serve only. Tribal members always have priority so regardless of when you get in line you might have to wait for hours, if you get a ride at all. Because of this, it is essential that you are prepared for the possibility that you might have to hike both into and out of the canyon, if needed.

Where does the helicopter drop you off?

The helicopter lands in Supai Village so you will still need to hike the last two miles to the waterfalls.

How much does the helicopter cost?

It is $85 each way and includes one bag up to 40lbs.

Havasupai Lodging

I’m not into camping.  is there a hotel at havasu falls.

Yes, there is one small Lodge in Supai Village, two miles from Havasu Falls.

How do I make a reservation for the Lodge?

Unlike the campground, all Lodge reservations must be made over the phone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. You cannot reserve Lodge rooms online.

How far in advance should I make my Lodge reservation?

Rooms sell out fast. All 2020 Lodge reservations were made available on June 1, 2019 at 8:00am.

How much does it cost to stay in the Lodge?

Rooms are $440 per room, per night and can accommodate up to 4 people per room. In addition, there is a $100 entrance/environmental fee per person, as well as a $100 deposit per room, per night.

Where will I eat when I stay at the Lodge?

The only options for food in Supai Village are the Store or the Café. The Store sells cold drinks, ice cream, fruit and canned goods. The café is open from 8am-5pm and sells basic diner food like eggs and toast and burgers and fries. People enjoy the Indian Taco, which is served on fry bread.

Where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?

Since it is recommended that you start your hike (or get in line for the helicopter) by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay in the closest hotels to the trailhead. You’ll find basic hotels in Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhead) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20min from trailhead).

Hiking to Havasu Falls

How far is the hike into havasu falls.

It is 8 miles from Hualupai Hilltop to the village of Supai (where the Lodge is located) and the campground and waterfalls are an additional 2 miles from Supai.

Is the hike difficult?

While thousands of people do the hike every year, it is a strenuous hike that is made much more difficult because of the remote desert conditions of the trail. Temperatures can soar to 115 degrees during the heat of the day so it is important to hike early, carry and drink plenty of water, and to know your limits.

I would like to do Havasu Falls as a long day hike. Can I do that?

No. Hiking anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation is by permit only and hiking permits are only issued with an existing campground or Lodge reservation. You may not hike into the canyon for a day hike.

Since the trailhead is remote, where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?

Since it is recommended that you hit the trail by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay close by so they can get an early start. You’ll find basic hotels in both Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhed) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20mins from trailhead).

The Waterfalls of Havasu Canyon

How tall is havasu falls.

About 100 feet tall

Are there other waterfalls?

Yes, there are several other turquoise waterfalls nearby including New Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

Why are the waterfalls turquoise?

The waters that feed the falls come from underground springs that include high levels of dissolved magnesium and calcium. As the water percolates through the local limestone, it becomes saturated with precipitated calcium carbonate (also found in chalk, snail shells and eggshells). Together, the magnesium, calcium, and calcium carbonate reflect sunlight in such a way that it creates the brilliant turquoise color. The white limestone rocks that line the creek amplify the color and make it appear even brighter.

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The Hualapai Hilltop: The Havasupai Falls Trailhead [2024 Update]

THE HUALAPAI HILLTOP LOT & HAVASUPAI TRAILHEAD

The Hualapai Hilltop is the gateway to a trip to the Havasupai Trailhead and the waterfalls along Havasu Creek.  You’ll find the trailhead for the 10+ mile hike to the Havasupai Falls Campground, a helicopter landing pad, and the mules used to haul visitors’ luggage and gear.

You’ll find it in a remote part of the Desert Southwest, at the end of Indian Road 18, about an hour north of Peach Springs, Arizona.

If you’re heading to the Hualapai Hilltop, chances are you already have your Havasupai Falls permit (congratulations!!) and you’re looking for information on how to plan your adventure.

Hotels Near the Hualapai Hilltop

Under the new check-in policy beginning in 2023, the leader of each group has to check in at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn along Route 66.

It’s an eclectic operation, featuring a cafe, a motel, a cavern underground you can rent for the night, and different Route 66 antiques and memorabilia.

Check-in is currently from 6:00am to 7:00pm … BUT … the hours change throughout the year, so it’s worth calling the Caverns to double-check before your trip. During the spring, the check-in hours were reduced to 8:00am – 5:00pm.

There are a number of hotel options in Seligman, Arizona, which is 26 miles east of the Grand Canyon Caverns check-in location.  You can use this interactive map to plug in your dates and search for hotels in the area.

I’d suggest staying at the Hualapai Lodge , which is about 10 miles away from the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs, AZ.

The rooms are spacious, so you’ll have plenty of room to lay out and repack all of your camping and hiking gear, if necessary.  It’ll also be your last hot shower for several days, so enjoy!

The Hualapai Lodge has a big breakfast menu, which is the perfect way to start a long day ahead.  The Diamond Creek restaurant opens at 6:30, so there’s time to eat and load up and then get to the Grand Canyon Caverns check-in by 8:00am.

Distance to the Hualapai Hilltop & Havasupai Trailhead

A trip to Havasupai Falls requires a road trip from one of the nearest airports and cities, and an overnight stay in a hotel nearby.

Here are some mileages for you, since some will come from a flight to Phoenix, others a flight to Las Vegas, and others on a road trip around the Southwest:

Las Vegas to Hualapai Hilltop

• 3.5 hours drive
• Stay in Peach Springs, AZ (65 miles from trailhead)

Phoenix to Hualapai Hilltop

• 4+ hours drive

Flagstaff to Hualapai Hilltop

• 2.5 hours drive

Sedona to Hualapai Hilltop

• 3+ hours drive

South Rim Grand Canyon to Hualapai Hilltop

The drive to the hualapai hilltop & havasupai trailhead.

Once you check-in for your trip to Havasupai Falls, you still have an hourlong drive to the Hualapai Hilltop.

No 4×4 Needed

From Route 66, you’ll head north on Indian Road 18.  It’s pretty much a straight shot up a nicely-paved road, so you will *not need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.  Any kind of car can make the trip to the Hualapai Hilltop lot.

Careful of the Wildlife!

You’re bound to see elk in the pine forest section of the drive.  They’re right alongside the road, so be wary of them.  

Meanwhile, cattle will be right *in the road itself.  They free-roam and graze all over the area, so you’ll definitely have to be on the lookout for them as you drive up to the Hualapai Hilltop lot.

The Checkpoint on the way to the Havasupai Trailhead lot

There’s one checkpoint on the road, about five miles before you reach the Hualapai Hilltop.

It may, or may not be, staffed, when you drive through.

The checkpoint seems to be open from around 8:00am until 5:00pm, though the hours vary.

If you’re heading up before dawn (which many hikers do in the summer months to start and finish their hikes before the intense midday heat) you likely won’t see anyone at the checkpoint, and can drive right through.

Key Advice Heading to the Hualapai Hilltop…

They will not let you begin your hike at the Havasupai Trailhead after 2:00pm.  The tribal staff will turn you around if you try passing through the checkpoint after 2:00pm.

Parking at the Hualapai Hilltop Lot

The parking lot at the Havasupai Trailhead will likely be full when you arrive.  Don’t worry: there’s plenty of parking along the road leading up to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.  

Some people have to park more than half-a-mile down the road.  If that’s the case when you arrive, you can drop your gear off in the lot with someone, park, and then walk back to the lot.  You likely don’t need an extra half-mile trek with 35 pounds on your back, even if it’s on the flat road!

No Sleeping at the Havasupai Trailhead

I’ve had friends in the past drive all the way to the parking lot at night and sleep in their cars to get an early start.  The Havasupai Tribe banned car sleepovers in 2023, when they reopened post-pandemic.

Other rules include:

Advice for Hikers parking at the Hualapai Hilltop

Leave a fresh change of clothing and shoes in your car when you park at the Hualapai Hilltop!  You’ll be thankful for them after you leave and shower for the first time in days.

Also, leave bottles of water, plus food and snacks.  You’re likely to be totally out of water after you 10+ mile hike out from the campground to the hilltop, so you’ll be relieved to have drinks and a mini snack buffet waiting for you in the car (even if it’s warm after sitting there for several days).

Hike Havasu Canyon from the Havasupai Trailhead

Once you’re done organizing everything, you’ll be in awe of the view itself from the Hualapai Hilltop.  

The Havasu Canyon below (at least in terms of geography and the satellite view) is part of the greater Grand Canyon.

You won’t be hiking through the Grand Canyon National Park, but if you follow the canyon in front of you far enough, you’ll cross from Havasupai tribal land into the national park.

In fact, many hikers choose to do just that!  While it’s 11 miles from the hilltop to the campground, the following day you can go another nine miles (or so) to the confluence.  That’s where Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park.

I’m getting ahead of myself.

Also from the Hualapai Hilltop, you’ll see the immediate path in front of you: a two mile stretch of switchbacks and a downward slope that will lead you from the rocky cliff you’re on down to the canyon floor.

The switchbacks are nicely maintained by the Havasupai Tribe, making the steep descent (and days later, you climb back up) more manageable.  

Cell Service at the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot

You won’t have cell signal for most of your visit to Havasupai Falls, so send all of your important things and download whatever you need (and your AllTrails Pro maps) before you leave your hotel.

Cell signal is minimal at best at the Hualapai Hilltop. Depending on your carrier, you’re likely to get a bar or two on the road right before the main lot.  For me, it wasn’t enough to make a clear phone call. It was just enough to send a text (without photos).

The next cell service you might have will be after passing through the village of Supai.  On the trail by Navajo Falls, you’ll likely pickup a few bars, before losing them by the time you get to Havasu Falls a few hundred yards away.

A lot of people enjoy “unplugging” at Havasupai Falls, but for those who’d like to send an “I’m alive” text to a loved one, it’s information to keep in mind.

The Havasupai Mules

In addition to a separate lot where the Havasupai people park their vehicles (adjacent to the visitors’ lot) you’re also likely to see pack mules and horses at the Hualapai Hilltop.

They’re either here resting after a trek out from the campground with luggage, gear, and tents … or … preparing to walk back in, carrying mail and other supplies for the Havasupai Tribe.

You can hire a mule to carry your bags, but make sure to reserve your mule when you secure your permit.  You may be able to negotiate a deal with the leader of the mule train on the spot, but it’s unlikely.

Pack mules have been part of Havasupai life for centuries.  The Tribe has relied on them to work in the fields, and carry supplies to the remote area for as long as people have been living there.

Still, the mules are controversial here, as are horses in New York City and mules at the Grand Canyon.  The mules and horses don’t carry tourists down to Havasupai, but they do carry everything else.

In 2015, after tourists (and members of the Tribe) grew alarmed by the mistreatment and neglect of the mules, they launched a campaign to improve their conditions.

The Havasupai Tribe says they’ve taken steps to improve the treatment of the pack mules and horses.

Among the new maximum size and weight limits:

• 4 bags max per mule
• 32 pounds per bag max
• 36 inches long, by 19 inches wide per bag max

Pack Mule Prices at Havasupai

Again, you’ll have to reserve a pack mule when you initially book your reservations to Havasupai Falls.

The price to have a mule carry your bag from the Hualapai Hilltop to the Havasupai Falls Campground is $400 (round trip).  

Plus, keep in mind: it’s a dusty trail and these are dusty animals.  So most hikers choose to put an extra layer of protection around their gear, like a duffel or big plastic bag.

Key Information for Hikers Hiring Mules:

• Drop bags off by 10:00am at the Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead
• Drop bags off by 7:00am at the Havasupai Falls Campground (on the way out)

The Helicopter Landing Pad

The Hualapai Hilltop is also the home of the helicopter’s landing pad.  The Havasupai Tribe contracts with a company to fly tourists, locals, supplies, and construction workers between the Hualapai Hilltop and the village of Supai.

Helicopter Flights from the Hualapai Hilltop

Keep in mind: nothing is guaranteed on a visit to Havasupai Falls.  

Helicopter rides from the Hualapai Hilltop are first-come, first-serve.  There is no way to make an advanced reservation.  The helicopter also only flies certain days, and the crew gives priority to locals and supplies over tourists.

You should always be prepared to hike out with all of your gear, in case high winds or an emergency or a holiday prevents the helicopter from flying.

The pilot will keep flying until everyone who has paid is flown in (unless weather prevents it).

Here are the newly updated details:

• $100 per person (each way)
• Possible $50 luggage charge
• Sundays / Mondays / Thursdays / Fridays
• Flights out begin at 10:00am (though sometimes earlier, by 9:00am)
• Sign up at the helipad in Supai on the Airwest sign-up sheet
• Credit cards accepted

But again, these details are all subject to change without notice.

The Flight Back from Supai to Hualapai Hilltop

The advice is to hike up from the campground to Supai (two miles) early on your departure day.  Otherwise, you risk waiting several hours for your ride. 

You really never know how long you’ll wait, since it depends on so many factors.

The day we hiked out, people who arrived to sign in for the chopper in Supai by 7:00am flew out by 9:00am (on the first flight).   People who arrived by 8:00am waited five hours for their flight.

Anecdotally, others have said arriving at 1:00pm, they flew out by 2:00pm.

There are frequent reports of hikers showing up well before dawn to “sign up” on a list for the chopper, only to have the list no matter once the helicopter crew arrives.

So again, the bottom line is: if you’re depending on the helicopter, be patient… and always be prepared to hike out on your own.

Key Advice for Hikers:

Here’s something I wish I’d known before leaving:

You can choose to just send your backpack and gear on the helicopter for $30 (if there’s room).  This will allow you to hike with a much lighter load on your back!  That’s the option I’ll choose next time I go… *if* it’s available … because again, with the helicopter, there are no guarantees.

Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead: What You’ll Find

Don’t expect much in terms of utilities or services a the Hualapai Hilltop.  There’s no public water supply, and no electricity.

There are composting bathrooms, similar to the bathrooms you’ll find later in the Havasupai Campground.

There’s a ranger or tourism office, which may or may not be staffed.  The person working might be able to answer a few last-minute questions you have, but they don’t provide much additional guidance.

There are no vending machines or food options of any kind.  It’s truly just a place to park the car and make final preparations for your hike or flight to Havasupai Falls.

Hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to Supai

When to Start the Hike

Your hike start time should depend on several factors, but mainly the time of year.  

The heat can be scorching in the hot summer sun, during June, July, and August.  Here are my suggestions for when to leave the Havasupai Falls Trailhead at the Hualapai Hilltop:

Summer Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead:  

• Temperatures hit 100 by midday.
• Many people use headlamps to begin hiking at 4:00am (or earlier) to get to the campground before it gets too hot.

Winter Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead: 

• Daylight is limited from 7:30am to 5:00pm 
• Start before noon so you can arrive before sunset. 

Spring/Fall Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead:

• Daily temperatures fluctuate, so check the forecast for Supai.
• Generally, you’ll be okay hiking anytime during the day (with proper water and breaks) as long as you’re done by sunset.

Bring Water to the Hualapai Hilltop lot

There’s no faucet at the hilltop, so make sure you lug all your water in before leaving town.

Once you start the hike, there’s a spring several miles in, but it turns green in the summer. You’ll hit Havasu Creek around 6.5 miles into the hike.

Make sure to bring a water bottle with a filter on it so you can drink the creek water during your visit to Havasupai!

FAQ’s about the Hualapai Hilltop & Havasupai Trailhead

Can you do a day hike to havasu falls.

No, day hikes aren’t possible from the hilltop trailhead.  At one point the Havasupai Tribe was offering day hikes as an option for visitors, but that’s not currently the case.  It’s also not an option to fly in and out on the helicopter in one day (though Beyonce did it to shoot a music video at Havasu Falls in 2019).

Does a Native American Tribe still live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

On your hike to the Havasupai Falls Campground, you’ll pass the village of Supai .  It’s home to around 500 people who aren’t exactly at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but they’re certainly cut-off from easy access to the rest of the world.  There are no roads to Supai, so the people living there have to take a helicopter or mule to travel 10+ miles from the village to the Hualapai Hilltop.

Havasupai means “people of the blue-green water,” which is a fitting name for the tribe that’s lived in this part of the canyon for 700 years.

Supai has a K-8 school, a new medical center, a church, a small market, and a cafe.  It’s forbidden to take photos inside the village without special permission.  The homes are in desperate need of repair. Many have sustained flood damage over the years.  The windows in many homes are broken and boarded up.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BLOGS & VIDEOS ABOUT VISITING HAVASUPAI FALLS!

How to Get a Permit for Havasupai Falls

Hike to havasupai falls campground, the five havasupai waterfalls, guide to mooney falls (the biggest), guide to havasu falls (the most famous), guide to beaver falls, guide to the confluence (grand canyon), guide to little navajo falls, the havasupai helicopter.

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• Travel Guide

How To Get To Havasu Falls Without Hiking

Published: November 10, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Addia Spence

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world. The iconic turquoise-blue water cascading down the red rock cliffs creates a mesmerizing sight that is often described as paradise on Earth. While reaching Havasu Falls typically involves a challenging hike through remote terrain, there are alternative methods to experience this enchanting destination without embarking on a long trek.

In this article, we will explore four alternative methods for reaching Havasu Falls without hiking. Whether you prefer a thrilling helicopter tour, a scenic horseback ride, the convenience of hiring a pack service, or the adventure of camping with a permit, there are options available for every type of traveler. By leveraging these alternatives, you can still witness the beauty of Havasu Falls and create unforgettable memories without the physical demands of a lengthy hike.

Each method presents its own unique advantages and considerations, so it’s important to evaluate which option best suits your preferences and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to reach the falls or seeking a more immersive experience in the wilderness, read on to discover the alternative methods that will allow you to access Havasu Falls without hiking.

Method 1: Helicopter Tour

For those seeking a thrilling and time-efficient option to reach Havasu Falls, a helicopter tour is the perfect choice. Several tour companies offer aerial excursions that provide breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and a unique perspective of Havasu Falls.

During a helicopter tour, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of the falls from above. As you soar through the sky, you’ll be able to admire the vibrant blue waters contrasting against the red rocks, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. The helicopter ride itself is an adventure, providing an adrenaline rush as you take in the vastness of the canyon and the cascading waterfalls.

Since helicopter tours can be pricey, it’s important to consider your budget before opting for this method. However, the convenience and unforgettable experience of witnessing Havasu Falls from the air make it a worthwhile investment for many travelers.

It’s important to note that helicopter tours do not allow for direct access to the falls. The helicopter will typically land at a designated area near the falls, where you can disembark and spend some time taking in the beauty of the surroundings. While you won’t have the opportunity to hike down to the base of the falls or swim in the turquoise waters, the aerial view and the unique perspective offered by the helicopter tour make it a memorable experience in its own right.

Helicopter tours usually depart from nearby towns such as Las Vegas or Flagstaff. The duration of the tour can vary, ranging from a few hours to a full day excursion. It’s essential to check the availability and schedule of helicopter tours in advance and make reservations to secure your spot.

Overall, a helicopter tour is a fantastic option for those who want to witness the beauty of Havasu Falls without the physical exertion of hiking. It offers a unique perspective, breathtaking views, and a thrilling adventure that will leave you in awe of this natural wonder.

Method 2: Horseback Riding

If you’re looking to blend adventure with a touch of Old West charm, horseback riding is an excellent choice for reaching Havasu Falls. Riding on horseback allows you to traverse the rugged terrain with ease while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon.

Several outfitters in the area offer guided horseback riding tours that lead you to Havasu Falls. These tours cater to riders of all skill levels, so even if you have little to no experience with horses, you can still embark on this exciting journey. Expert guides will provide you with the necessary instructions and ensure your safety throughout the ride.

As you ride through the canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a unique perspective of the surrounding landscapes. The rhythmic motion of the horse’s gait and the scent of the wilderness add to the immersive experience, allowing you to fully connect with nature.

Horseback riding tours usually include stops at various viewpoints, including stunning overlooks of the Grand Canyon and, of course, Havasu Falls itself. You’ll have the opportunity to dismount, explore the area, and marvel at the turquoise-blue waters as they cascade down the red cliffs. Some tours even offer the chance to swim in the refreshing pools created by the falls, providing a truly unforgettable experience.

Before embarking on a horseback riding tour, it’s important to consider your physical fitness and comfort level with riding horses. While the horses are well-trained and accustomed to the terrain, riding can still be physically demanding, particularly for those unaccustomed to extended periods of time in the saddle. Ensure that you wear appropriate attire, including closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing, to ensure a pleasant and safe riding experience.

Overall, horseback riding to Havasu Falls offers a unique and captivating way to experience the beauty of this natural wonder. The blend of adventure, the connection with nature, and the opportunity to explore the area on horseback make it a memorable and enjoyable alternative to hiking.

Method 3: Hiring a Pack Service

If you want to experience the beauty of Havasu Falls without the physical challenges of hiking, hiring a pack service is a convenient and popular option. A pack service involves hiring a company or individual to transport your camping gear and supplies to and from the campground near the falls, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable camping experience without the burden of carrying a heavy backpack.

By utilizing a pack service, you can focus on immersing yourself in the stunning surroundings, without the worry of carrying a heavy load. This method is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, allowing them to fully enjoy the journey to Havasu Falls.

The pack service typically consists of a team of experienced packers who specialize in transporting gear and supplies to the campground. They are well-versed in navigating the trails and have knowledge of the best routes, ensuring that your belongings arrive safely and in a timely manner.

To hire a pack service, you can contact the Havasupai tribe or seek recommendations from local outfitters or guide services. It’s important to make arrangements in advance, as pack services can be in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons.

While hiring a pack service allows you to avoid the physical exertion of carrying heavy loads, it’s important to note that you will still need to hike to reach the campground. The packers will transport your gear, but you’ll still need to walk the trail. However, this can be a more manageable option for those who prefer not to carry heavy backpacks on their own.

Once you reach the campground, you’ll have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. You can hike to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and other nearby attractions without the burden of carrying a heavy backpack. This gives you the flexibility to fully enjoy the beauty of the falls and immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.

Overall, hiring a pack service provides a more comfortable and convenient way to visit Havasu Falls. By entrusting the transportation of your gear to experienced professionals, you can focus on enjoying the journey and creating unforgettable memories in this stunning natural wonder.

Method 4: Camping with a Permit

If you’re a camping enthusiast or prefer a more authentic outdoor experience, camping with a permit is a fantastic option for reaching Havasu Falls. This method allows you to immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time in the tranquil surroundings of the falls.

To camp at Havasu Falls, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Havasupai Tribe. Permits can be obtained online, and it is important to secure one well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand. Once you have your permit, you’ll be able to hike to the campground and set up your campsite near the falls.

The hike to the campground is a scenic and challenging trek that spans approximately 10 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon and takes you through magnificent landscapes, including towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the iconic turquoise-blue waters of Havasu Creek.

As you make your way to the campground, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Havasu Falls up close. You can take a refreshing dip in the pools, gaze at the cascading water, and capture memorable photographs of this picturesque oasis.

Once at the campground, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring the area at your own pace. Set up your tent, relax by the campfire, and savor the peacefulness of the surroundings. Camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Havasu Falls, waking up to the sound of nature and having the falls right at your doorstep.

It’s important to note that camping at Havasu Falls requires proper preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Ensure you have all the necessary camping gear, including a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and sufficient food and water. Respect the environment by properly disposing of waste and following any regulations set forth by the Havasupai Tribe.

While camping with a permit may require physical exertion and preparation, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the magic of Havasu Falls in a more intimate and authentic way.

Overall, camping with a permit is a rewarding and immersive method for reaching Havasu Falls. It allows you to fully embrace the wilderness, create lasting memories, and experience the beauty of this natural wonder firsthand.

Havasu Falls, with its stunning turquoise-blue waters and red rock cliffs, is a destination that captures the imagination of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. While it is commonly accessed through a challenging hike, there are alternative methods that allow you to experience the beauty of Havasu Falls without the physical demands of a long trek.

For those seeking a thrilling adventure and a unique perspective, a helicopter tour offers breathtaking aerial views of Havasu Falls and the surrounding Grand Canyon. Horseback riding provides a blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to traverse the rugged terrain in a leisurely manner. Hiring a pack service offers convenience by transporting your camping gear, while camping with a permit immerses you in the tranquil beauty of Havasu Falls.

Each alternative method presents its own advantages and considerations, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences and abilities. Whether you opt for the convenience of a helicopter tour, the scenic ride aboard a horse, the assistance of a pack service, or the authenticity of camping with a permit, you are sure to create unforgettable memories at Havasu Falls.

It’s important to plan and prepare for your chosen method in advance. Make reservations and secure permits if necessary, and ensure you have proper gear and clothing for a comfortable and safe journey. Additionally, always respect the natural environment and follow any regulations set forth by the Havasupai Tribe to preserve the beauty and integrity of this sacred place.

No matter which alternative method you choose, the opportunity to witness the beauty of Havasu Falls without the physical challenges of hiking is a remarkable experience. So, embark on your chosen adventure, let the turquoise-blue waters captivate your senses, and allow the grandeur of Havasu Falls to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

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Van Life Wanderer

Exploring Freedom - A Van Life Blog

How To Get To Havasu Falls Without Hiking

December 22, 2020 by Mariska Lee Leave a Comment

The great Havasu Falls is every adventurer’s dream water fall destination. What makes it so alluring? It is located in Grand Canyon, Arizona, known for its immense and vast beauty.

With growing popularity, access to Havasu falls now requires a permit. Aside from hiking, there are other means of transportation, no matter what the excursion is worth it.

As a part of the Havasupai tribal lands, the cultured atmosphere around the falls makes it even more desirable to experience. Today, the tribe has made the Grand Canyon home for more than 800 years with 600 members of the tribe.

How Long Does It Take To Hike Havasu Falls By Hiking On Foot?

The hike itself is a 10 mile round-trip. Taking the elevation descend of 2,500 ft and then the same amount of gain back up into account, it’s a designated, full day adventure. It is estimated that the hike down could take up to 4 hours and then the hike back up can take up to 7 hours.

This isn’t your average stroll in the park hike. It is not technically difficult, but the amount of time spent on your feet requires a level of fitness and motivation to take on. It is known to be very strenuous, but the most worth it for the full immersion in nature and among the true wilderness.

Fortunately, the trail is easy to follow and chances are you will be surrounded by other hikers when embarking on foot. Getting a permit to explore the area of Havasupai is a hot commodity, so if you are able to apply for the permit as early as possible, do it.

More on reserving a permit here .

Be sure to take into account the time of year and extreme temperatures in the summer. Always start the day as early as possible with plenty of water and snacks. Always know your limits and have an emergency contact plan.

Guide Tours By Horse

Hoping on a horse has become a common way to witness the majestic Havasu Falls. However, over the years the popularity has decreased, but it is still an option. Not everyone is willing to spend the day on foot and riding a horse offers another type of unique experience.

Waterfalls Of The Grand Canyon – With this company it is possible to pay for their horse transportation service or bring your own horse. Bringing your own horse requires that you pay a fee and provide feed for your horse. If you are staying at the Havasu lodge, the company can organize the horses trip for you. The tourism office can assist you if you are camping.

Cost – Round Trip: Hilltop to Camp & Back is $187 Havasu Fall Day Tour – from Lodge to Falls $60

Duration – 2-4 hours

Guide Tours By Mule

The Havasupai Tribe has their own mule service to offer visitors. Note that all reservations for pack mules must be made prior to arrival. Those reservations can be made here . The use of pack animals is becoming less and less common for personal transportation to Havasu falls due to the well-being of the animal. However, they are always available to carry your gear.

Havasupai Tribe Service – A unique day trip experience offered by the Havasupai Tribe where a pack mule will carry you and your belongings. The mule can allow people of all ages and ability levels to witness the beauty of the falls and its surrounding natural beauty.

Note: One pack mule can carry up to 4 bags at a maximum weight of 32 pounds per bag. The maximum size is 36 inches long, 19 inches tall, and 19 inches wide.

Cost – Between Hilltop Trailhead and Campground Entrance and Back: $400 round-trip

Duration -2-4 hours

Controversy With Treatment Of Horses And Mules

There has been controversy on the treatment of the animals and their use to transport people throughout the Havasupai Reservations. Many strongly advise against using any company that offers pack animal-supported tours. Apparently, all the companies who have been involved in offering these pack animal guided tours of a case of animal abuse and it is not to be taken lightly.

“For fifty to sixty years, visitors reported that the horses used for transporting tourists and baggage in and out of the canyon were grossly underweight, suffered from saddle sores and other injuries and were sometimes ruthlessly beaten for such behavior as collapsing on the trail.” source

Visitors have filed abuse complaints to attempt to save the horses and the apparent abuse but because it is going through the tribal government, it seems that no permanent change was being put forth.

A handful of foundations, like SAVE Foundation, and other volunteers and veterinarians have stepped in to help treat and protect the animals who have experienced abuse.

Remain aware of the situation and report any signs of animal abuse if you come across it.

Guided Helicopter Tours

For those who want to save the time and avoid hiking 10 miles to Havasu Falls, a helicopter tour is a whole other unique type of experience. Especially families with young children and the less physically able.

Waterfalls of the Grand Canyon – The same company that provides guided tours on Mule and Horse also offer the helicopter experience to Havasu falls. All three are great ways to see the attraction and avoid hiking 10 miles to get there.

Note: the price is subject to change and helicopter runs on first come first serve. The priority of use will always go to Supai residents first.

Cost – $85 one way

Duration – 8 minutes

From above, the Helicopter offers views of the landscape and surrounding wildlife that anyone can experience. The view of the turquoise waters from above will be a moment of a lifetime.

Can You Ride A Bike Or Dirt Bike To Havasu Falls?

Mountain bikes and dirt bikes are not allowed on the trail. Right now, the only ways to discover the area is through hiking, helicopter or a guided tour with a mule or horse. Riding a dirt bike or a mountain bike would be dangerous on this trail and would likely require a lot of bike hiking.

The residents of the tribe don’t even use other modes of transportation, other than walking and horse, in a strong effort to maintain the area as much as possible. On top of that, dirt bikes would cause noise and the disruption of the serene atmosphere and surrounding wildlife.

Final Thoughts

You can get to Havasu Falls without hiking, but the trip will require planning and making sure you have a permit to explore the area ahead of time. There is an option to witness the vast beauty through a helicopter, mule, or horse guided tour. However, the pack animals are more so for transporting your backpacks than you personally, due to the treatment and well being of the animals. The physical reward of embarking on a bucket list adventure via foot is incomparable and highly encouraged. Havasu Fall is no doubt a wonder of our world. For those who love adventure and to discover the beauty of the outdoors. Plan in advance, respect the wildlife, and be aware of all this adventure will entail.

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Everything You Need to Know to Visit Havasu Falls — Including How to Get a Permit, What to See, and How to Be a Good Visitor

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Havasu Falls this year.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Kevin Boutwell/Getty Images

The beauty of Havasu Falls needs little explanation. The waterfall topples off fiery red rock and drops into a turquoise pool that is so bright it looks fake. It is a site people have traveled from all over the world to see and photograph — and after it closed in March 2020 for the pandemic and subsequent flooding, traveler hype has only increased. 

This year, for the first time since early 2020, Havasu Falls is once again welcoming visitors — but it takes plenty of planning and a long hike to get there. The falls are located west of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona — more specifically, the site is found on the Havasupai Reservation, a Native American reservation for the Havasupai people. The landscape, which is managed by the Havasupai, should be respected to ensure it remains in good condition for both the next group of travelers and the Tribe.

To that end, the number of visitors that can access Havasu Falls and the surrounding lands is restricted, and obtaining a permit takes luck — in addition to lots of planning. And travelers who obtain a coveted permit must be prepared to trek into the remote falls (or book a helicopter ride).

It’s a complicated process, and there is plenty of false information out there. We’ve outlined the basics below, but keep your research to websites run and maintained by the Havasupai — namely HavasupaiReservations.com and TheOfficialHavasupaiTribe.com .

Putt Sakdhnagool/Getty Images

When to Visit Havasu Falls

The official tourism season runs from February to November, but most travelers visit between May and September. During the heart of summer, June to August, the heat can be extreme, and rains and flooding can occur. The months of May and September typically offer slightly cooler weather, although it’s worth noting that the temperature of the turquoise pools found at the base of the falls is roughly 70 degrees all year long.

The forecast for Supai, the capital of the Havasupai Reservation, can be found on weather.com.   

How to Get a Permit for Havasu Falls

A campground or lodge reservation — required for all visitors — includes all the necessary permits, tags, fees, taxes, and entry passes. So, in order to get a permit to visit Havasu Falls, you’ll need to book a campground or lodge reservation on HavasupaiReservations.com .

That said, reservations opened for the 2023 tourism season on February 1, 2023 and sold out quickly. Those who didn’t score a reservation and still want to visit Havasu Falls in 2023 can visit the official Havasupai reservation site each day at 8 a.m. (GMT-7) when reservations that were canceled or transferred are released. 

It’s worth noting that you’ll need an account on HavasupaiReservations.com to make a reservation, so you’ll want to register on the site in advance so you can quickly claim an available reservation. If you’re traveling with a group, the reservation can be put under one person’s name.

Choosing Between the Campground and the Lodge

All visitors must book a stay at either the Havasupai Campground or the Havasupai Lodge. Both reservations include the permits needed to access Havasu Falls. 

For 2023, all campground reservations are for four days and three nights and are $395 per person. The camping is dispersed , meaning you can camp wherever you want for about a mile along both sides of Havasu Creek. The campground is located between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, providing campers with easy and direct access to the landscape’s biggest sites. There are no designated or assigned campsites at the campground, but there are restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water. Campfires and alcohol are not permitted.

Like the campground, all lodge reservations are for four days and three nights. The rate per room is $1,980, and each room has two queen beds that sleep four adults (making the per-person nightly rate $495 for a group of four). The lodge is located in the community of Supai and is a two-mile hike (around 45 minutes) from Havasu Falls. There is a store and cafe where travelers can purchase food. The Havasupai Lodge is currently closed but will open in July 2023.

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Hiking Into the Havasupai Reservation and Havasu Falls

The falls, campground, and lodge are all located in a canyon, so you’ll leave your car at the top and hike down. Most travelers park at Hualapai Hilltop and begin the eight-mile descent to the community of Supai, where the Havasupai Lodge is located. Those with campground reservations will need to continue another two miles. There’s a handy map on the Havasupai website .

To avoid hauling all your gear in and out of the canyon, travelers can reserve a pack mule before their visit. The cost per pack mule is $400 round trip, and one pack mule can carry up to four 32-pound bags. There is also a helicopter service into the canyon.

What to See Besides Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls gets all the hype, but Navajo Falls above it and Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls below it are similarly spectacular. All hikers traveling to Havasu Falls will naturally pass Navajo Falls, which is a grand series of cascades and pools surrounded by lush vegetation. 

Around a mile downstream from Havasu Falls is Mooney Falls, which is arguably the second most popular site. Mooney Falls is an impressive 100-foot waterfall that smashes into stunning travertine pools of blue-green water. Those looking to bypass the crowds know to go to Beaver Falls, which is around three miles from Havasu Falls and the Havasupai Campground. Beaver Falls is a series of swimmable pools fed by small cascades.

And finally, since the Havasupai Reservation sits within a canyon on the edge of Grand Canyon National Park, visitors can expect nonstop canyon and desert landscape views from the trail, campground, and falls. 

Cultural Importance of the Havasupai Reservation and Havasu Falls

For many centuries, the Havasupai moved freely in and around the Grand Canyon. When the Havasupai Reservation was established in 1880 , it effectively confined the Tribe to the land at the base of Havasu Canyon. The Tribe’s new space limitation restricted their ability to hunt, grow food, and support their growing community, yet it did include the area surrounding Havasu Falls, which was historically used for cremations. Even the name of the Havasupai Tribe comes from the turquoise, mineral-rich pools of water that gather at the base of the many falls along Havasu Creek.

Christian Bradshaw/Getty Images

Rules for Visitors to Havasu Falls

There are several rules for visitors who make the journey to the Havasupai Reservation and Havasu Falls. For campers, bear canisters and bags are a must to keep critters out, and campfires are not allowed. All visitors should know that alcohol is not allowed on the reservation and everything you bring in — including trash — must be packed out. 

Where to Stay Nearby

Since the hike to the Havasupai Lodge and Campground is several miles, most travelers choose to stay overnight near the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop. The go-to spot is Grand Canyon Caverns Inn , which is located on Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona. The inn is just over an hour from Hualapai Hilltop and the trailhead into the canyon.

How to Get There

Part of Havasu Falls’ appeal is that it is hard to access — only those willing to put in the time to make advance reservations and hike in are rewarded with the beauty of the falls and the canyon. 

The trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop is close to three hours by car from Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) and over 3.5 from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. 

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Enjoy Havasu Falls' world-famous plunges and breathtaking turquoise waters!

Please Note : Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be operating Havasu Falls tours until further notice. We hope to continue operating tours to Havasu Falls in the future. In the meantime, we offer award-winning hiking and trekking vacations to other incredible Southwest destinations! Check out more of our Arizona adventures .

We offer several multi-day guided Havasupai hiking tours to choose from. All our trips are all-inclusive, allowing you to show up and focus 100% on hiking and enjoying the Grand Canyon ‘s most stunning waterfalls. Havasu Falls trips include all necessary permits and reservations, roundtrip transportation from Flagstaff, gear, meals, professional guides, and more!

We invite you to explore the options below and select the Havasu Falls hiking tour that best fits what you’re looking for! And you can always call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) if you need assistance deciding which trip is the right one for you.

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Havasu falls intro video.

Check out an introductory video about our backpacking trips to Havasu Falls. Arguably one of the most beautiful canyons anywhere in the world, Havasupai is a place everyone should visit at least once in their lives. See footage, interviews with guests and more.

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Why join a guided tour to havasu falls.

Our guided tours to Havasu Falls (“Havasupai”) are all-inclusive, expert-led hiking vacation packages that allow guests to focus 100% on hiking the Grand Canyon and soaking up the magic of the Southwest’s most amazing waterfalls. We provide permits and reservations, local transportation (from Flagstaff), the vast majority of your gear, all your meals, professional guides, natural and cultural history interpretation, and a passion for the Grand Canyon and the Havasupai Reservation!

what if i want to go on my own?

You can hike to Havasu Falls on your own, so you certainly don’t have to go with a guided tour company. If you’d like to hike Havasupai on your own, we recommend checking out our resource section for hiking to Havasu Falls. This resource gives you all the information you’ll need including how to make reservations, details about the drive and hike, phone numbers to call, what to pack, when to go, and more!

when should i hike to havasupai?

Havasu Falls is great year-round, but the best times to travel are in the spring and fall. The water flow is constant year-round, so don’t worry about high and low flows! Summer is great, but also very hot and susceptible to flash flooding, and Havasu Falls is closed in the winter. We also recommend avoiding holiday weekends, as the campground can sometimes be overbooked and quite crowded.

more havasupai info

Tips for visiting havasupai.

• VISITING HAVASUPAI : Get info on what’s required, when to visit, whether to go on your own or on a guided tour and more.
• 5 HAVASUPAI WATERFALLS : See photos and descriptions of all 5 of the Havasupai Waterfalls.
• HAVASUPAI RESERVATIONS : Information about how to obtain Havasupai camping permits, required fees, lodge reservations and more.
• HIKING TO HAVASUPAI : Driving instructions, hiking instructions, information about the helicopter, packing lists and more.

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Guided Tours

Havasu falls tours.

There are many benefits to joining a guided tour to Havasu Falls. For one, you don’t have to hassle with gear, meal planning, making reservations…etc., which allows you to focus 100% on enjoying your vacation. You can travel with nothing but your clothes, arrive ready to go, and let someone else deal with the complexities of planning the trip.

Secondly, some companies provide pack mule service for all the gear and food, which allows you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack vs. having to backpack with 30-40 pounds of supplies.

Thirdly, if you go with a reputable company (we recommend The Wildland Trekking Company and explain why below), you can expect to be hiking with an expert guide who will provide a higher level of safety as well as educate and entertain you with fascinating stories and information about the Grand Canyon’s early inhabitants, geology, wildlife and more.

» Read About Havasu Falls Tours

Grand Canyon National Park Hiking/Backpacking Tours

An all-inclusive hiking tour into the Grand Canyon is an exceptionally great way to experience this natural wonder. The Wildland Trekking Company provides a variety of trips including backpacking trips, Phantom Ranch trips, stock and porter supported trips, inn-based tours, and day hikes.

They offer guided trips into many of the waterfalls listed on this site, but not all of them. They do run custom trips though, and may be able to guide trips into places like Elves Chasm and Cheyava Falls.

» Check Out Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Other Guided Tour Options

• Grand Canyon Rafting Tours
• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
• Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Las Vegas Strip