Hike | Havasupai 101: A Beginner's Guide | Grand Canyon — Arizona Hikers Guide

After 5 days of stressing over which way to pack what in my backpack, securing the Goldfish (a very important trail snack, FYI), and perfecting the art of rolling very big gear into super small bags, I was ready to take on the trail.

The trailhead starts at Hualapai Hilltop, which is where we decided to camp the night before in the back of our pickup truck. Snuggled up in my sleeping bag, I couldn’t sleep for more than 4 hours before I was up and ready to start down into the canyon.

Promptly at 7:30 AM, I forced my other half to get ready as I packed our backpacks full to the brim with snacks and food for our night at the falls. 

Around 8:00 AM, we descended down into the canyon and immediately realized that the trip back up was going to be brutal.

From Hualapai Hilltop you descend 2,000 feet down into the canyon with the first mile being the steepest part of your trek. Four switchbacks later and you’re down on the canyon floor. The rest of the 10-mile hike to Havasu Falls is relatively flat.

It was breathtakingly beautiful the entire way.

We stopped three times prior to the village (located 8 miles into the hike!), checked in, petted some of the amazing native pets, including horses and dogs, and carried on our way to Havasu Falls.

About a mile past the village, you’ll see Little Navajo Falls. A picturesque mini waterfall that really gets you giddy for the falls to come.

Half a mile after Little Navajo, you come across the waterfall you’ve all been waiting for: Havasu.

Amazed by what I saw, we stopped immediately as we rounded the corner down into the Falls and campground area. There’s something about falling water that really makes you stop and think.

After I was prodded on by my hiking partner, we set up camp right next to the river about a half mile away from Havasu Falls.

Havasu Falls Campground

The camping area goes on and on past the Ranger’s station, almost to Mooney Falls (1 mile after Havasu). There are plenty of places to camp alongside the river as well as composting bathrooms for you to use every so often along the trail.

While we visited, there was always toilet paper, but to be safe we brought our own. I imagine during the busier months that toilet paper will be scarce, so definitely pack a few rolls if you’ll be staying for more than a night!

Down at the campground, you also have access to drinking water if you are running low. We brought enough with us, but in case you leave a bottle or two behind in the car you will have plenty down at the campground!

You must also pack your own trash bags. There are NO trash cans down at the campground. All the trash you pack in, MUST be packed out.

We forgot trash bags (bad on me!), but we packed everything out in our daypacks! If you are going to be down at the campground for a few days, be sure to bring your own bags to throw your trash away and pack it all the way out!

There are a few trash cans available for your use by the village stores, but they definitely are not large enough to throw away a large amount of trash.

The Falls

Havasu & Mooney Havasu Falls are mind-blowing. The water gets its color from lime deposits in the soil beneath it, but you will be hard pressed to find water as crystal blue elsewhere.

Havasu has a large swimming area, but it was much too cold for us to go all the way under in February. You definitely want water shoes to avoid hurting your feet in the fall areas, but I stuck with my wool socks and climbed right on in.

The water was pretty chilly, but mostly due to the wind. I was about thigh deep before I couldn’t take it anymore, although some others were all the way in and seemed to enjoy it!

We spent about an hour and a half at Havasu before we decided to head down to Mooney Falls.

HAVASUPAI PSA: Mooney Falls is much more difficult to get to than Havasu Falls. You have to descend down through a small slippery and rocky space. You have only chains and a few wooden ladders to support your climb down to Mooney, so beware before you decide to descend!

After landing with feet safely on the ground at Mooney Falls, you see a small island in front of you. I wandered through the water to the island and then saw a rope swing!

Even though I hadn’t been too far into the water at Havasu Falls, I couldn’t resist a good rope swing so I grabbed hold and swung over the mini falls and into the freezing water. Twice.

It was truly an experience I will never forget. Also because I think the freezing water shocked that memory into permanent existence in my brain. You most definitely want to visit the Falls during warmer weather to enjoy them at their fullest!

Hiking Out of Havasupai

After we experienced it all in such a short time, we were exhausted and promptly fell asleep at 9 PM before hiking out the next day.

We packed up around 7:00 AM and made our way through the village and through the canyon. We doubled up on our stops (6 stops instead of our previous 3) and finally reached the last mile around 11:00 AM.

The last mile was tedious, painful, and steep. It took us about an hour and a half to make it up the last mile itself, but we were so proud of ourselves once we reached the top. The last mile is the reason why they say this hike is difficult.

It takes a lot of motivation and water to make it up a trail that steep, so if you plan to visit in the warmer months, please take as much water as you can carry. You will need it.

All in all, this was a trip of a lifetime. From start to finish, I couldn’t stop smiling and I know your trip will be the same.

And remember: Always be safe, smart, and keep it wild.

THE NARRATOR

This blog was thoughtfully written by Erin Maxon.  You can find her on Instagram @airmax14.

* Please remember to hike at your own risk. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer.