Havasu Canyon Basics:
Update: Due to 2008 flooding, the canyon was just opened to visitors in June 2009. Check the official website for updates and for reservation information. Attraction
Beautiful blue green waterfalls deep within the canyon. Hike, horseback ride or helicopter in.
Location:
West of the Grand Canyon National Park and accessible from Peach Springs. It's a 4 hour drive from Flagstaff and about 2-3 hours from Kingman. Map. The area is not accessible from Grand Canyon South Rim.
Contact Information:
Tel: 928 448 2121, 928 448 2141, 928 448 2174
Email: tourism@havasupai-nsn.gov
Planning:
Because the numbers of visitors to the canyon and the falls are limited, it is important to plan your trip. Decide if you are physically able to descend the 8 mile switch-back trail passing closely by horses and pack animals and then climb out again. Or would riding a horse down that same narrow trail in the sun be better for you? Or, if you can be patient while mail, groceries and locals are transported, maybe a helicopter trip in and out of the canyon would work best for you.Where is Havasu Canyon and the Village of Supai?:
Supai is a small village at the bottom of Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Nation reservation. The Havasu river, tributary of the Colorado, appears blue-green against the red rocks and landscape. The famous waterfalls (Havasu Falls (100') and Mooney Falls (200'), lie at either end of the campground with Navajo Falls between Havasu Falls and the village. The trailhead is at the Hualapai hilltop on the Havasupai reservation at the end of Highway 18. Take the Route 66 from Peach Springs and be careful. Highway 18 is not well marked. MapKey Information for Planning:
Havasupai Official WebsiteHavasu Falls from a Hiker's Perspective
Deciding Where to Stay the Night Before:
It's best to begin your trip down into the canyon early in the morning. Since the trailhead is far from "civilization," the best place to stay is in Peach Springs. The Hualapai own a motel and restaurant right on Route 66. It's also right on the railroad tracks so bring earplugs! More information on Hualapai Lodge.Others spend the night in Flagstaff or Kingman but then they would have to drive a longer distance in the morning.
Deciding Where to Stay in the Canyon:
You can stay at the motel in the village of Supai or plan to camp.The campground is a 2 mile hike past the village and can accomodate up to 300 campers. Both facilities are basic. Either way, you must make plans ahead of time. Reservations must be made by phone. More information.Fees:
There are a myriad of fees associated with your trip into the canyon. You will need cash except with the Camping Enterprise and the lodge where Mastercard, Visa, travelers checks and money orders are accepted. The entrance fee is $35 per person (Children 12 or under discounted 50%. 10% Discount on groups 15 or above). The camping fee is $17 per person per night. (Children 12 or under discounted 50%. 10% Discount on groups 15 or above). More Fees... (2008)What's at Supai?:
Havasupai Lodge is a simple but comfortable place to stay. There is also a cafe, general store and post office. It's fun to mail postcards from the post office as it's the only one in the U.S. where the mail goes out on pack train. There is a special postmark for this.Visitors not used to other cultures or reservation life may be surprised at how simple Supai is, how many "rez" dogs laze around the area and how few creature comforts are available.
Best Time To Go:
The hiking trail is exposed to the sun so summer is not the best time to go. During warm days, the middle of the day is often too hot and dusty so plan your hike to begin first thing in the morning.Hiking to Blue-Green Waters - Review and Recommendations:
Havasu Canyon and the beautiful falls are on the list of adventures for those who love the natural beauty of the canyons of Arizona. It's not a great hike and it's not a great place to stay but the sight of the blue-green pools and waterfalls make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure worth the 8 mile hike, the dust and the lack of conveniences.If you are fit and want to see those beautiful blue-green falls, you can make this trek with some amount of pre-planning. Don't forget to pack your hiking boots, sunscreen, hat and layered clothing. And, don't forget to fill your pack with at least 2 liters of water. Oh yes, bring your camera!
