Havasupai – Arizona Hikers Guide
by Cameron Jarman on March 12, 2015
Havasupai is one of the most well known and photographed waterfall destinations in the world. Consisting of five major waterfalls including the most famous “Havasu Falls”, this oasis in the desert should be on the top of any backpackers bucket list.
Length: 20.0 miles round trip
Elevation: 5200
Gain/Loss: -4800
Difficulty: 3.5
Rating: 4.5
Solitude: 1
Trail Description:
Note: I have completed the trip twice; once before the major 2008 flood and once after. The trail description and details will reference the most recent trip.
The Havasupai Trail begins at Hualapai Hilltop and can be reached at the end of Indian Road 18. The trek down to Supai, AZ is 8 miles. This is the village that is located near the waterfalls and the Havasupai trail travels directly through the town. After about a two mile decent into the canyon floor the trail is fairly long and boring until you get to Supai. Once at Supai, you are about 2 miles from Havasu Falls. From here, I recommend taking a quick picture above the falls but after that I would go secure a desirable campsite. There are campsites all along the river and some are quite neat. There are also bathrooms and trash receptacles.
After a visit to Havasu, I recommend getting down to Mooney Falls. Now beware, getting down to Mooney Falls can be scary for those who are afraid of heights as you have to use chains and rebar to scale down the side of a canyon. There are ladders and mounted chains for support. Once down, enjoy the falls and make your way to Beaver falls. I have never been beyond Beaver Falls but a few more miles of hiking will bring you to the confluence of the Colorado River. When you have sufficiently enjoyed all of the falls, canyons, cliff jumping, swimming, and everything else, clean up your site better than you found it and leave with good memories. This is a hike worth soaking in.
For more information on reservations, the trail, waterfalls, and more visit havasuwaterfalls.com
My Thoughts:
This trip takes months of planning ahead and one must call in advance to reserve spots. This can be quite a chore because of its popularity. I would consider planning at least 3 days to a week to fully enjoy the beauty of this place. Before 2008 the water flowing into Havasu Falls which leads to other falls was much stronger than it is today. The 2008 flood diverged some of the river above the falls which created “New Navajo Falls” and dried up “Old Navajo Falls”. This is quite a shame because Navajo Falls used to be the most secluded and peaceful waterfall of the 5. It had a hidden grotto, a deep swimming hole, and prime locations for cliff jumping. Now, New Navajo Falls is out of the way and not very interesting. Also, I was shocked to see how much the pools at Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls had shrunk. The water is only about knee deep now and is hardly a swimming hole anymore. To be honest, the trip I took before 2008 ruined me because of how much better it truly was. I was disappointed the second time and will probably not return. However, I say that carefully because if you have never been, it truly is a sight to behold.
Tips:
1. Try to plan at the end of June. The water is warm enough to swim in and the weather is not as hot as July and August.
2. Stay at least 3 days.
3. Sleep in your car the night before you hike down. This way you can wake up around 3:30 or 4 a.m. and start your hike through the exposed desert before daylight hits.
4. Bring water shoes.
5. Get a burrito at in Supai. They are like 8 bucks but definitely worth it!
6. Enjoy it. Take pictures, relax, and clean up after yourself. Pack out what you pack in.
Map To Trailhead:
Havasupai Trail Gallery:
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