11 Important Things to Know Before Your Havasu Falls Trek

Hiking to Havasu Falls

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at this stunning blue-green paradise.

Havasu Falls lies deep in Arizona’s Grand Canyon, where bright blue-green water tumbles 100 feet down orange-red cliffs (all thanks to special minerals), and the water stays at a nice swimming temperature of 70°F all year. 

Every year, about 35,000 lucky people get to see this hidden treasure. If you’re one of them, here’s a short guide about getting there safely.

Getting Your Permit

• Campground reservations are $455 per person for 3 nights
• Lodge reservations are $2,277 per lodge room – up to four people, 3 nights

Reservations are now open (February 1st onwards at 8 AM Arizona time). Note that these bookings are non-refundable. Sign up on havasupaireservations.com two weeks beforehand.

The permits sell out super fast, usually within 30 minutes. If you miss out, don’t give up, just keep checking their website every Tuesday and Friday at 9 AM for cancellations.

Preparing for the Big Hike

The trail starts at Hualapai Hilltop and goes down 2,400 feet through twisty paths. Right away, you’ll drop 1,000 feet in the first mile, primarily due to steep switchbacks.

Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person, since you won’t find any until you reach the village. While there is no drinking water along the trail, there is a water spigot near the front of the campground that provides creek water.

Start hiking early morning (4 AM) to beat the heat, especially in peak summer when it can get as hot as 110°F. Some hikers report taking up to 10 hours to complete the trail, due to heat and water breaks.

Pack All the Right Things

Good gear makes the trip much better, so don’t skimp here.

Break in your waterproof hiking boots before you come by, walking at least 20 miles in them. Bring clothes that keep you dry and covered.

Dried meals work great because they’re light and easy to make (2 pounds per day is enough). Don’t forget a first aid kit and walking poles, they’ll help your knees on those steep parts.

If you’re concerned about knee strain, consider using a knee brace or strengthening exercises before your hike to help with the physical demands.

Camping Basics

You’ll find 250 camping spots along the creek, spread out over a mile.

It’s essential to reserve these campsites in advance, as they fill up quickly due to high demand. The best spots are near the bathrooms or by the water, but watch out for spots near the creek, which might flood during heavy rainfall (July to September).

It can get really cold at night in winter (40°F) or too warm in summer (75°F or more), especially in the surrounding desert area. Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good pad to cushion you from the hard ground.

Exploring the Waterfalls

Havasu Falls is just the start – wait until you see Mooney Falls. It’s even bigger at about 200 feet tall, but you’ll need to climb down through caves and hold onto chains to reach it, which can be intimidating for some hikers.

Beaver Falls is worth the extra hike too, but you’ll cross the creek multiple times to get there.

The water makes everything slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. The special blue-green color comes from minerals in the water (there’s a lot of calcium in there).

The high mineral content also contributes to the creation of travertine deposits that build up around the falls over time.

Respecting the Land and People

This beautiful place is home to the Havasupai Tribe, whose families have lived here for over 800 years, with historical records dating back to around 800 AD.

All 503 tribe members get their supplies by helicopter or mule because there are no roads leading to Supai Village. Keep your camera away from homes and ask before taking pictures of anyone.

The tribe often has special ceremonies during full moons and harvest times. The tribe’s connection to nature is deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs and daily life, influencing their ceremonies and community activities.

Best Times to Visit

February and March offer a quieter experience with cooler temperatures, making them ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds. But spring is the perfect time for a hike.

Try to visit between March 15th and May 15th when it’s not too hot or cold. Summer days get super hot and winter can bring snow. Watch out for summer storms, especially from July to September.

The Havasupai Tribe prioritizes visitor safety, especially during monsoon season. They have warning sirens and escape routes marked with shiny signs for precaution.

Just Getting There

You’ll start your journey from Las Vegas (260 miles away) or Phoenix (310 miles away). The last 60 miles need a tough car because the road isn’t paved.

If hiking’s not your thing, you can take a helicopter ($100 each way) or send your bags by mule ($400 round trip). Just remember, helicopters only fly five days a week if the weather’s good.

While Las Vegas and Phoenix are popular starting points, you can also reach Havasu Falls from other nearby cities like Kingman, Arizona, which is about 150 miles from the falls.

Ensuring Safety First

Your phone won’t work in the canyon, and the nearest hospital is 177 miles away in Kingman. It’s a good idea to look into medical evacuation insurance that includes coverage for helicopter rescues.

Bring a special satellite device to call for help if you need it. There’s a small clinic in the village with a nurse, open during the day on weekdays.

Some travelers also use emergency beacons or personal locator devices (PLBs) when venturing into remote areas within Havasu Falls.

Keeping Nature Beautiful

Everyone who visits makes about 2.5 pounds of trash each day, you’ll need to carry it all out with you. It’s essential to minimize waste by using reusable containers and bags during your visit.

Avoid leaving food scraps or unattended food out in the open. The tribe gives out special bags to keep food safe from hungry animals. Stay off the rocks and only swim where the blue flags say it’s okay.

Making Memories

Want great photos? Come early! The light is perfect 30 minutes before sunrise (around 5:15 AM in summer) and an hour before sunset.

A camera stand helps you take amazing waterfall pictures. The Havasu Falls area tends to get crowded in the middle of the day, so early morning visits (before 8 AM) are indeed ideal. Try Mooney Falls before 10 AM, and Beaver Falls after 2 PM.