How To Hike To Havasu Falls: The Complete Guide For 2023

The hike to Havasu Falls through the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable adventure that should be on your bucket list. With its blue turquoise pools surrounded by lush vegetation and the high canyon walls, it is a backpacker and outdoor adventurer’s dream.

We traveled across the country twice and haven’t seen anything similar. Exploring this stunning landscape in the middle of the Grand Canyon is one of our most unforgettable experiences.

But to reach these secluded treasures you will need to do some preparation. First, you have to snag a precious permit to visit Havasupai, then you have to hike down a demanding trail into the Grand Canyon to reach the campground.

Get all the expert information to prepare for your adventure and for your Havasu Falls hike itself right here.

In this hiking to Havasu Fall guide we will cover:

1. About the Havasupai Indian Reservation and Havasupai Tribe – Learn more about the Havasupai Indian reservation land and Havasupai Tribe to fully appreciate the place you will be visiting.

2. How to Snag a Havasupai Falls Permit – Your biggest challenge will be to get permits for Havasu Falls. Learn all the expert tips and tricks for your best chances!

3. How to Get to Havasu Falls Trailhead – Before you can do anything, you need to know how to get to Havasupai Falls. Details on closest airport and driving directions.

4. What to Expect When You Hike to Havasu Falls – A comprehensive Havasu Trail guide so you know what to expect along the Havasupai Trail.

5. All of the Havasupai Waterfalls + Additional Trail Information – Info on the 5 Havasupai waterfalls, where to find them, and how to get there.

6. Suggested Havasu Falls Trip Itinerary – Take a look at a sample itinerary for Visiting Havasu Falls (4 days / 3 nights) based on our personal experience.

7. Best Time to For the Havasu Falls Hike – Specifics on when to hike to Havasu Falls based on the season and Havasupai weather.

8. Staying at the Havasupai Campground – What you should know when camping at the Havasupai Falls campground.

9. What to Pack for your Havasu Falls Trip – Don’t forget any of the essentials when backpacking to Havasu Falls. Keep the load manageable.

10. Photography Suggestions + Gear – Best ways to take incredible photos to document your once-in-a-lifetime hike to Havasu Falls.

11. Things to Know Before You Hike to Havasu Falls – Some things which are extremely helpful to know before hiking Havasupai Falls.

12. FAQs About Your Havasu Falls Hike – The questions everyone is looking to get answers to!

Our Other Resources for Havasupai:

• Mooney Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Find Beaver Falls Arizona
• How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls 

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UPDATE: Newest Information about the Havasu Falls permit in 2023

After a long shutdown from COVID and other issues experienced by the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Tribe is happy to be welcoming back tourists in 2023. The Reservation will be opening back up as of February 1, 2023.

Here is what you need to know about Havasu Falls permits for 2023:

• Any current reservation from February 1, 2023, through May 31, 2023, will remain the same.

• Reservations for the dates June 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, will be rescheduled for the same date in 2023. This applies to Havasupai Campground, Havasupai Lodge, and Pack Mule reservations that have been booked.

• New permits that will be available for 2023 are the ones posted to the Cancel & Transfer List. The list can be checked each day at 8:00 AM Arizona Time.

• You will need to check-In for all permit reservations at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona 86434. Check-In will NO LONGER happen at the Tourist Check-In Office located in Supai Village.

• New Check-In Procedures: The trip leader must check-in for the entire group starting the day before your arrival date and no later than 5:00 PM on the first day of your reservation. Failure to check-in will result in your reservation being canceled.

• Unfortunately, Havasupai Lodge is still closed to tourists due to ongoing construction. The tribe hopes to open the lodge to tourists starting July 2023. Reservation holders affected by this will receive notice from the Havasupai Tribe.

• No information has been posted about getting new permits for 2024. Continue to check the official Havasupai Reservation website for updates.

• No information regarding the Havasu Falls permit lottery has been posted.

About the Havasupai Indian Reservation and Havasupai Tribe

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Most people refer to the Havasupai Indian Reservation area as Havasu Falls. However, Havasu Falls is just 1 of the 5 Havasupai waterfalls home to the Havasupai Tribe.

The Havasupai Indian Reservation is a sovereign Native American nation. It has its own rules, custom laws, and way of life. It is located in Arizona within the Grand Canyon.

The people of the Havasupai Tribe have been able to thrive in one of the most remote and harsh desert landscapes in the United States. The Supai village has been able to succeed for thousands of years from the hidden limestone aquifer which provides the blue-green waters to nourish the field crops. Today, the Havasupai Tribe benefits from tourism.

Please remember, you are visiting their home. Keeping a good relationship with the native people ensures being able to visit Havasupai in the future.

How to Snag a Havasupai Falls Permit

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A Havasupai Falls permit is REQUIRED to hike to Havasu Falls. Without a permit, you will not be able to enter the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Grabbing a Havasu Falls permit might be the most unrecognized challenge for your Havasu Falls hike. The Havasupai reservation process is extremely competitive and continues to get harder. Permits will normally sell out for the entire year within minutes of them going on sale.

We were extremely lucky to get a permit the first time we tried and would like to share our way to success with you. In this post, we will provide you with a quick reference guide to the most crucial information on getting a permit.

For more details, read the step-by-step walkthrough “How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls” in our Havasu Falls guide, which also gives you the most successful tips to snag a permit.

So what does this reservation process look like?

1. Pre register and set up an account before February 1st.

You can ONLY apply to purchase a Havasupai Falls AZ permit online at the official Havasupai reservation website havasupaireservations.com.

How to set up your Havasu Falls account:

• Enter an email address and password – And don’t forget to save this information!
• Check for a confirmation email to confirm your account
• Fill out all the required information
• Optional: Add a payment method – We would highly recommend doing this when you set up your account because it will save precious time on opening day.
• Read the Havasupai Reservation Policy and confirm
• Save all your information and wait for reservation day on February 1st or June 1st for Havasu Lodge reservations.

Top Tip: Before the permits for Havasu Falls go on sale, you should have made a decision when you would like to visit Havasupai Indian Reservation. We would highly suggest having multiple dates in mind.

2. February 1st – Permit Day!

Follow these steps to hopefully be one of the lucky permit holders for the upcoming season:

1. Log into your online account (havasupaireservation.com) BEFORE 8:00 AM Arizona Time. It can be difficult just to get signed in because everyone who is looking to get a Havasupai Falls permit will be doing the exact same thing.

2. Be ready to keep refreshing your page the minute the line opens.

3. Continue refreshing the page until you are able to click on “make a campground reservation.” Reservations usually sell out in the first minutes.

4. Select the number of people (up to 12) and the days you want to reserve. Smaller groups will have a better chance of getting a permit. Also remember, there is a 3 night minimum for all reservations.

5. The next page will direct you to the available dates. Select a set of dates that are available to reserve. It is best to have a few dates picked out ahead of time in case one isn’t available.

6. Don’t hesitate! You will only have a certain amount of time to finalize your reservation.

7. If you haven’t already added a payment method, do so quickly before your time is up.

This is just a quick glance at the reservation process for getting a permit to hike to Havasu Waterfall. To find out more about pricing, the Havasu Lodge, our best tips, and more head over to our post, “How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls”.

How to Get to Havasu Falls Trailhead

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The Havasupai hike is just west of the official Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Getting to the Havasupai Indian Reservation is not an easy task, due to its remote location. But this should not discourage you from planning an epic trip to Havasu waterfall.

Closest Airports

If you live far away, you might arrive by plane. The closest airports are in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona.

1. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is about 3 hours and 30 minutes drive to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.
2. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 4 hour and 40 minutes drive to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.

To proceed to the Havasupai Falls trailhead, you will have to rent a car and drive the last part of your way.

Driving to the Trailhead

The Arizona Havasu Falls trailhead is located at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. To get there, you have to drive on Indian Road 18 for 60 miles. It will take roughly 2 hours from the start of Indian Road 18 to the parking lot. On this road, you won’t find gas stations, convenience stores, accommodations, or anything else. And oh yeah, there is no cell phone service either.

Also be careful when driving down this road, because you never know when wildlife will be sharing the road with you. We saw a lot of wild horses.

Before you reach the parking lot, there will be a check-in station, where people from the Havasupai Tribe will ask you for your permit. Make sure you have this available for them.

Then you will continue on to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot where there is ample parking for all Havasu Falls hiking visitors. However, please pay attention to parking signs and only park in designated areas. The parking lot may be a little tricky for larger vehicles, like RVs. You will not have to pay a fee to park there, your Havasu Falls permit is enough.

What to Expect When You Hike to Havasu Falls

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General Trail Information

Trail Name: Havasu Falls Trail or Havasupai Falls Trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 10 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Elevation Loss/Gain: 3,307 feet (From Havasupai Falls Trailhead to Beaver Falls
Havasupai Falls Trailhead Elevation: 5,200 feet above sea level (at the Hualapai Hilltop)
Supai Village Elevation: 3,205 feet above sea level
Trailhead: Havasupai FallsTrailhead (Hualapai Hilltop parking lot on the Havasupai Indian Reservation)

Expect an exhausting and difficult hike down the Grand Canyon due to the fact that you will most likely hike to Havasu Falls with your own camping gear. The trail itself is quite easy to follow.

Top Tip: If you feel more comfortable bringing a trail map, we would recommend using AllTrails. With the Pro version, you can download an offline map of the entire Havasu Falls hike before you head out. Then you can know your exact location on the trail every step of the way.

From the Havasupai Falls trailhead, you will begin by going down multiple switchbacks into the Grand Canyon. Right off the bat, you will get the majority of your descent completed within the first mile.

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Eventually, you will reach the canyon floor. Here the Havasu Falls trail will flatten out as you walk along the dry river bed. Although the trail is mainly flat and wide, it is still a demanding 8-mile hike to Supai Village. Stop often and enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery around you.

Top Tip: Be aware there are pack mules led by locals running up and down the canyon. When you hear a roaring sound, they are getting close, so step aside and wait until they pass you.

The Havasu Falls trail is relatively easy to follow since there is only one way to reach Supai Village. The village will be your first stop on your hike Havasupai Falls adventure to pick up your permit.

As you get closer to the Supai Village, it can be a little tricky to find your way to the Tourist Check-In Office. Keep right and look for a sign directing you. At the Tourist Check-In Office, you will have a little reprieve, while you wait to get your permit for Havasu Falls.

Depending on which accommodation you reserved, you either have to walk a few more steps to the Havasu Lodge, located almost next to the Tourist Check-In Office, or another 2 miles to the Havasupai Falls campground.

For the last 2 miles of your trek to the Havasupai campground, you will walk along a dusty dirt path. This path seems to go on forever. After hiking for 8 miles, walking on the soft and sandy dirt path with all your gear on your back is exhausting.

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If you are in need of some motivation to continue, keep an eye out for Lil’ Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls. You should pass them after another mile.

Just walk a little further (0.8 miles) and you will reach one of Havasupai’s highlights, Havasu Falls. This bird’s-eye view of the iconic turquoise Havasu waterfall will reward you for all the effort.

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You will know that you are getting close to it when there is a cliff off to your right and you have to walk down a short hill. But the most obvious way to tell you have reached Arizona Havasu Falls is by the people. This spot is great to take pictures of the roaring waterfall.

When you’re not too exhausted, take a minute to take it all in.

Otherwise, continue walking just a little bit more and you will be at the beginning of the Havasupai Falls campground, which stretches for around 1 mile. Head in and find your camping at Havasu Falls site.

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Depending on the time of year and what time you start your hike, you could hike most of the way without much traffic from other hikers.

Since the Havasupai Tribe doesn’t give away a lot of permits a day, you won’t have many fellow hikers who hike down the canyon with you. You will also pass some occasional hikers making their way back to the Havasupai Falls trailhead. As soon as you reach Supai Village, expect to see more people on the Havasu Falls hike.

All of the Havasupai Waterfalls + Additional Trail Information

As we already mentioned, Havasupai has more to offer than just the Havasu Falls. You will find 5 different Havasupai waterfalls, which are absolutely worth visiting. Without seeing all of them, you won’t get the whole Havasupai experience.

Use this Google Map below for a visual of where the Havasupai waterfalls are along the Havasu Falls hike.

Find more details and further instructions on how to get to each of them below:

1. Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is arguably the most alluring Havasupai waterfall. The fall is approximately 100 feet high and falls from the travertine rock formations into a turquoise pool of water. Havasu waterfall is one of the best spots to take a dip in the water, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. Due to its easy access, it is the most visited Havasupai waterfall, so expect to share the view with many fellow adventurers.

Where is Havasu Falls Located?

Havasu Falls is located almost 10 miles into the Grand Canyon, just before the Havasupai Falls campground. When you hike from the Havasupai Falls trailhead to the Havasupai campground, it is the 3rd Havasupai waterfall you will pass on the hike to Havasu Falls.

How Do You Get to Havasu Falls?

Once you make it down the 10 miles into the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is easy to reach. Since it is located right next to the Havasu Falls trail, you will see where to go immediately. The pool is surrounded by a big open field, which offers a lot of space to lie down and soak in the tropical feeling.

2. Mooney Falls

Havasu Falls may be the most famous Havasupai waterfall, but Mooney Falls is the highest. The beautiful blue-green water from Havasu Creek drops down approximately 200 feet of the canyon wall landing in a magnificent pool of water. Sounds almost exactly like Havasu Falls? You’re right. You could even think of Mooney Falls as its taller sibling.

Where is Mooney Falls Located?

The Mooney Falls trailhead is located about 0.5 miles after the Havasupai Falls Az campground. From there, the views of Mooney Falls will leave you speechless. You can decide to admire the waterfall from that point or to go down the almost vertical descent to the base of the waterfall.

How Do You Get to Mooney Falls?

When you want to make your way to the bottom of Mooney Falls, you will have to navigate yourself through a hole in the rocks and down a steep cliff using chains, ladders, and bolts. This adventure is not for everyone, so read our post to know what to expect and how to prepare.

3. Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls at the junction of the Havasu Canyon and Beaver Canyon. It is the most secluded of the 5 Havasupai waterfalls which makes it the most difficult to get to. Beaver Falls is best known for the beautiful views, a cave behind the waterfall, and multiple large turquoise pools, which make it a perfect spot for taking a swim.

Where is Beaver Falls Located?

Beaver Falls is located approximately 3 miles after the base of Mooney Falls. A round trip hike from Havasupai campground to Beaver Falls will be a total of about 7 miles. Beaver Falls is also about 4 miles from the confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek. If you are looking to reach this spot, where the turquoise water of the creek meets the dark waters of the river, you would have to continue past the falls. The round trip from the campground to the confluence has a total of approximately 15 miles.

How Do You Get to Beaver Falls?

Beaver Falls is the most challenging Havasupai waterfall to see. To reach the falls you will have to descend down the Mooney Falls ladders and hike about 3 miles through the canyon. The hike can be quite challenging at times, not just because of the rugged terrain but because it can be difficult to stay on the main path. You will also have to cross Havasu Creek several times.

4. Lil Navajo Falls

Lil Navajo Falls is the newest and first Havasupai waterfall you will reach as you hike to the Havasupai Falls campground. Before the August 2008 flood hit the area, this Havasupai waterfall did not exist, or at least it was not flowing with the famous blueish green waters of Havasupai. Now it is a dazzling waterfall that dives about 75 feet into tranquil pools of turquoise waters.

Where is Lil Navajo Falls Located?

Lil Navajo Falls is located about 1 mile down from Supai Village and 1 mile up from Havasupai Falls campground. Although you will pass Lil Navajo Falls on your way to the campground from Supai, it is not directly located on the main trail.

How Do You Get to Lil Navajo Falls?

After leaving Supai Village, you will walk on a wide dusty, sandy trail for about 0.5 miles. To reach the falls, you will have to make a left off the main path on your way to the Havasupai Falls campground.

Once you see the trail start to open up a little, keep an eye out for the trail leading to Lil Navajo Falls on your left. If you miss this turn, you won’t even know you passed until you are already below the falls.

5. Fifty Foot Falls

Fifty Foot Falls is the first visible Havasupai waterfall you will see on your trek to Havasupai Falls campground. It is one of the most accessible Havasupai waterfalls and a perfect place to go for a swim in the gorgeous turquoise pools.

Where is Fifty Foot Falls Located?

Fifty Foot Falls is located right off the main path (Havasu Falls trail) from Supai Village to the Havasupai Falls campground. If you are looking to admire the Havasupai waterfall from afar, move off to the side of the trail. You can also decide to follow a path and take a swim in the Fifty Foot Falls. Either way, the Fifty Foot Falls is absolutely stunning.

How Do You Get to Fifty Foot Falls?

From the Havasu Falls trail, you will need to take a small trail off to the left, which will lead you straight to the waterfall. It is a quick trail since the waterfall is relatively close to the main pathway.

Suggested Havasu Falls Trip Itinerary

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Remember ALL Havasupai Campground reservations are for at least 4 days / 3 nights. Here is an example itinerary for your visit to Havasu Falls Arizona.

Day 0 (the night before your arrival date): Arrive at the Trailhead

Plan to arrive in the area of Havasu Falls Arizona. We would suggest that the easiest place to stay the night before is at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. This means you would have to pitch a tent by your car or sleep right in your vehicle. Then you won’t have to worry about a long drive early in the morning to the Havasupai Falls trailhead.

Day 1: Hike Down the Grand Canyon and Get Settled

Plan to begin your 10-mile hike to the Havasupai campground early. We started our hike at about 4:00 AM after staying the night in the parking lot. The Havasupai Falls trailhead to Havasu Falls Arizona is right off the parking lot.

The 10-mile hike to Havasupai AZ will take a few hours. 8 miles into the hike to Havasu Falls you will reach Supai Village. At the Tourist Check-In Office, you will pick up your official Havasu Falls permit.

After checking in, hike the remaining 2 miles to Havasupai campground. On your way to the campground, you will see the 3 upper Havasupai waterfalls, Fifty Foot Falls, Lil Navajo, and Havasu Falls. Find a good campsite, set up, explore the campground and nearby Havasu Falls (if you still have some energy).

Day 2: Explore the 3 Lower Havasupai Waterfalls

Plan to explore the 3 lower Havasupai waterfalls. We would recommend starting with the hike to Mooney Falls, then continuing onto Beaver Falls. Return back to the Havasupai campground and end the day relaxing near Havasu Falls. This would be about a 5-mile round trip hike.

Day 3: Visit the 2 Upper Havasupai Waterfalls

Plan to explore the 2 upper Havasupai waterfalls, Fifty Foot Falls, and Little Navajo. Make sure to stop by a Havasupai Reservation Tribe stand and try a Navajo taco. And if you want to, enjoy the evening near Havasu Falls again.

Day 4: Say Goodbye to Havasu Falls

Take the 10-mile trek back out of the canyon to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. Or you can decide to pay for a helicopter ride out of the canyon. Either way, we suggest starting your day well before the sun comes up. Once you have made it out of the canyon, go relax and recover in the closest town.

Days before or after your Havasu Falls Arizona Trip: See Nearby Attractions

Depending on your plans, you can extend your stay by visiting Arizona and checking out some popular destinations nearby. You may want to consider visiting:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Lake Mead
• Hoover Dam
• Las Vegas
• Rafting on the Colorado River
• Antelope Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Sedona

Best Time For the Havasu Falls Hike

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In general, Havasupai is a great destination anytime, but different seasons bring different advantages to visiting this beautiful place. Since it is very difficult to get a permit at all, try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to picking a date. To be honest, the best time for your Havasu Falls hike is anytime you can get a permit!

But the most optimal or best time to visit Havasu Falls would most likely be in the spring or fall. Let’s see how the Havasupai weather is during different times of the year:

Warmer Months

As you can probably guess, the warmer months are the most popular months to visit Havasupai. During the earlier part of the warmer months (spring), you will experience nice temperatures during the day and lower temperatures at night. Hiking is more bearable during this time, and you can even take a dip in the several turquoise pools.

In the later warmer months (summer) the Havasupai weather can become extremely hot. Temperatures can rise well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even during the nighttime, temperatures barely decrease. But if you are looking to enjoy the majestic blue-green pools of the Havasupai waterfalls, then this is the time to go, because it is perfect for swimming.

Be aware that it is monsoon season in July and August. There is an increased chance of rain and flash flooding. You have to check the Havasupai weather before your arrival because a monsoon could severely impact your trip!

On our two last days in Havasupai in August, there was a chance of a monsoon. As a precaution, people who had a reservation for those days were not allowed to enter Havasupai Indian Reservation. No monsoon actually appeared, the Havasupai weather was hot, sunny, and beautiful for our entire trip, but safety goes first.

Colder Months

As you get closer to the end of the year, temperatures can become colder especially for camping and swimming. Since the pools in Havasupai have 70 degrees all year long, swimming is still possible, but the outside temperatures won’t be as pleasant.

The plus side to the colder months is that it is not the most popular time to visit, which means you may have an easier time securing a permit for Havasu Falls. Exploring the Havasupai Indian Reservation in these months is also more fun because the sun is not beating on you.

Note: Please keep in mind the Havasupai weather can change rapidly which may alter your hiking to Havasu Falls plans. The Havasupai Tribe can close down access to the Havasu trail at any time if weather conditions are not good. There is also NO guarantee that your reservation will be rescheduled or refunded. This is why the Havasupai Tribe highly recommends getting travel insurance for your trip.

Staying at the Havasupai Campground

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You have two choices of where to stay in Havasupai: The Havasupai Campground and the Havasu Lodge. Most of the people decide to stay on the campground since it is cheaper and closer to the main waterfalls in Havasupai.

On our hike to Havasu Falls, we also opted to stay overnight at the campground and absolutely loved it. It brought us even closer to nature and was an experience we will never forget.

Where is the Havasupai Falls Campground?

The Havasupai campground is located 10 miles into the Grand Canyon. The entire campground is about 1 mile long, situated between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

Where Should I Camp?

The majority of the sites for camping Havasu Falls are along Havasu Creek. Although staying at the campground requires a permit, the campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For the most part, you can’t go wrong with finding a good campsite. The area around Havasu Creek is relatively flat with trees and picnic tables which is perfect to set up camp.

How many campsites are there?

There are around 300 campsites at the Havasupai Falls campground.

What are the Havasupai Campground facilities?

As you could probably guess, camping Havasu Falls does not come with many of the amenities we are accustomed to. So please do not expect anything luxurious when it comes to your accommodation. Instead, you will get spoiled with an out-of-this-world view from your campsite.

Here is what you can expect from the Havasupai Falls Az camping facilities:

• Bathrooms – You will find a few pit toilets throughout the campground, which are pretty nice. The compostable toilets are cleaned frequently and are usually stocked with toilet paper.
• No Showers – Showers are none existent.
• Water Spigot – Close to the start of the campground you will find 1 water spigot. Here you are able to refill your bottles.
• No Trash Cans – You will not find trash cans anywhere in the Havasupai Falls campground. Please make sure to bring something to pack your trash out with you.
• Picnic Tables – At the majority of the campsites you will find a picnic table.

Havasupai Falls Camping Rules & Tips:

Although we did some research before we visited, there were still some surprises we wish we would have known before we went.

We want you to be fully prepared for camping Havasu Falls with these rules and tips:

1. Don’t bring alcohol

Alcohol is not permitted on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Havasupai Tribe will inspect your vehicle before entering the Reservation. If you do have alcohol on you, they will ask you to pour it out there. If you don’t want to throw your alcohol away, don’t bring it with you! Campfires – While you are camping in Havasu Falls, campfires are NOT allowed.

2. Don’t camp where you aren’t supposed to

When you pick your campsite, make sure you camp in the designated camping area in the Havasupai Falls campground. The campground is about a mile in length, running between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.

The beginning of the campground is marked by a fence, whereas you won’t find any signs at the end of the campground. Nevertheless, you should be able to figure out when you’re leaving the designated camping area.

3. Be a good camping neighbor

Most of the campsites are close to each other, so make friends with your camping neighbors. It is always fun to meet new people. Plus you never know when they will have to help protect your food and gear from the crazy Havasupai squirrels when you are away from your site.

4. Pick a good campsite

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the campsites at Havasupai Falls campground. Try not to put too much emphasis on finding the best campsite because you will be spending most of your time exploring, hiking, and swimming in the beautiful Havasupai waterfalls. After hiking for 10 miles, you will be glad to find a place to relax and won’t be too picky anyway.

However, there are some factors to consider when picking a campsite:

• Are there at least 2 trees to hang a hammock?
• Do you want to stay close to the river?
• Do you want to have a bathroom close by?
• How far away do you want to be from the water spigot?
• Do you want to be closer to Havasu Falls or Mooney Falls?
• How close do you want your camping neighbors?

We opted for staying next to the creek for some idyllic views. Just make sure that the water level isn’t too high where you’re camping in the summertime. Otherwise, there will be a chance that your tent gets flooded, when it starts raining.

5. Bring a hammock

A hammock is a must when camping in Havasu Falls. It is the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking and exploring around the Havasupai waterfalls. Make sure to find a campsite with some trees to hang your hammock.

6. Cooking & best food to bring

We found it best to bring instant or freeze-dried meals which are sold in plastic packages. Freeze-dried meals are very nutritious and you just need to add water. You will want to bring a backpacking stove to do all of your cooking.

Don’t forget to pack food that will give you some energy, like apples, granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, and quinoa or rice.

In case you forget something, you can go to the grocery store in Supai Village, but expect the food to be more expensive.

Top Tip: Bring some cash with you to try the Navajo tacos, which the Havasupai Tribe members sell at stands around Havasu Falls.

7. Clean up after yourself

• Pack out your trash – There are no trash cans in the Havasupai Falls campground. Make sure you are prepared with something to pack your trash out. You don’t want to be the one who leaves trash at your campsite for someone else to take care of. Keep Havasupai Falls campground clean!

We brought two small trash bags. Knowing that you have to pack your trash out, you may want to think about what types of food would be best to bring to have less packaging.

• Animals at Havasupai Falls Campground – Don’t underestimate the Havasupai mammals. Yes, they are cute little animals, but they want your food and will do anything to get to it.

The squirrels at Havasu Falls have perfected the craft of getting into your stuff to find food. They are not even afraid to bite holes in your tents and bags to get to it. It is like their ears are tuned into every rustling noise of food and their noses sniffing out faint smells. When it comes to cooking or having a snack, you can be sure a squirrel will be around the corner. And when the squirrels are asleep at night, it is the raccoon’s time to try and get your food.

Under no circumstances feed any of the animals at Havasupai Falls Az campground.

• Don’t leave food out at your campsite – We saw a lot of 5-gallon buckets at the campsites and were confused about what everyone was doing with them. Soon we found out that everyone was storing their food in it. And for added protection, people put a few heavier rocks on top of the buckets.

We were thankful we were able to find a bucket to use for our food. To make sure you have something to put your food in, you can also bring bear canisters.

Food is not the only problem at your campsite. The squirrels like anything with a scent. Don’t leave body scents, soaps, or something similar in your tent.

Pack some type of line instead, so you can make a clothesline in your campsite, where you can hang items from. Make sure not to hang stuff too close to the trees, otherwise, it is easy to access for them.

We used our dry bags to store our hygiene items and hung them on the line. You can also bring Ziploc freezer bags odor-proof bags.

Be smart, be prepared, and always leave your campsite clean. Then you should have no issues. Since we were very cautious about how we left our campsite, we had NO encounters with the animals.

8. Respect the Havasupai Tribe

Havasupai Tribe has approx. 650 tribe members. Most of the Havasupai Tribe members work and live in Supai village in the Grand Canyon where they have everything they need. Don’t forget you are visiting their home. Keeping a good relationship with the Havasupai Tribe ensures being able to hike to Havasu Falls in the future.

9. Don’t take pictures everywhere

Of course, you are going to take pictures on your Havasu Falls hike. Make sure to capture the beautiful landscape. However, if you see a sign that says “No Photos”, make sure you are not taking photos in that area. Taking photos of the Havasupai Tribe and in the Supai Village is prohibited.

What to Pack for your Havasu Falls Trip

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Packing for your Havasu Falls hike can be a little tricky. You will need to pack everything you need for your stay, but you also don’t want to overpack. Remember you are carrying all your gear when you hike to Havasu Falls.

Whatever you bring with you, you also have to carry out again, which also includes your trash. Even when you think, fellow campers could use it, don’t leave it behind. We saw so many half-full propane tanks.

Essential Items for Your Packing List:

Necessary Hiking Gear:

• Backpacking Backpack – You will need a quality backpack for your Havasu Falls hike. In our opinion Deuter makes some of the best backpacking packs on the market. I Deuter

• Daypack – A daypack is essential for your hike to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls. We like to use the Deuter Speed Lite day pack because it is extremely lightweight and has a comfortable fit. I Deuter

• Trekking Poles – When you decide to hike down the steep canyon, trekking poles will be super useful. They will take off the strain of your joints and help balance your body with the heavy backpack. They will also give you support when crossing river beds. I Black Diamond

• Water Shoes or Outdoor Sandals – There is a lot of water in Havasupai, so bring shoes which can get wet. We love to wear our Chacos and Bedrock hiking sandals as they are comfortable, lightweight, and dry quickly. I Chacos, Bedrock Sandals, Tropicfeel

• Hiking Boots – For the 10 miles hike to the Havasupai Falls Az campground, we would definitely recommend wearing over the ankle hiking boots to give your ankle more support. I Columbia

• Hiking Socks – Our favorite high quality hiking sock brands are Falke (German brand) and Darn Tough (US brand). I Darn Tough, Falke

• Comfortable Clothes – If you are visiting during the warmer months, we would recommend clothes out of polyester or nylon. All of these materials move your sweat away from your skin and dry quickly. Also, make sure that you can move freely in your clothes since you will have to be flexible on your hikes.

• Hat – A hat is always an easy way to protect your face from the sun. A personal favorite is the North Face Horizon Folding Bill Cap since you can easily fold it up to take up less space.

• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit is essential, as you will not have any access to medical supplies once you are in the canyon. I Amazon

• Hand Sanitizer – Anytime we travel, we like to pack a little hand sanitizer to keep our hands clean.

• Sunscreen – It can get very hot in the canyon, so don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin. I Blue Lizard

• Sunglasses – A pair of the affordable Goodr outdoor sunglasses are vital for your hike to Havasu Falls. I Goodr

Handy Kitchen Supplies:

• Water Bottles & Canisters – Keep your water cool by bringing an insulated water bottle, like a Hydro Flask. I Hydro Flask

• Water Filtration System – It is recommended to treat the water from the Havasupai Falls campground. The Sawyer filtration system is an affordable water system which is perfect to hike to Havasu Falls. I Sawyer

• Backpacking Dishes & Utensils – Don’t forget proper table sets for your outdoor adventure, including a plate, bowl, cup, and spork. I GSI Kitchen Set, GSI Cooking Set

• Backpacking Stove and Propane : You are allowed to bring backpacking cooking stoves and gas canisters to prepare your meals. I Amazon

• Food Storage – It is best to pack some type of food and trash storage like a bear canister or odor proof bags. I Stasher Bags

• Food & Snacks – Make sure to bring food you like because that is all you will have.

• Trash Bags – Be prepared with trash bags or something similar to pack out all your trash when it’s time to leave Havasupai.

Don’t Forget about Your Hygiene:

• Clothesline – You will need something to hang your clothes and bags. It can be as simple as a rope, or you bring a travel lite clothesline with two parallel cords, which will hold your wet socks. Just make sure it is long.

• Biodegradable Soap – Just because you won’t find a shower at Havasupai, doesn’t mean you totally have to forget about your hygiene. Use eco-friendly biodegradable soap for your quick wash, but remember to be at least 200 ft away from a water source, when you dump the dirty water. I Amazon

• Travel Towel – We love our quick-dry, small packable microfiber travel towels. I Amazon

Electronics You Don’t Want to Forget:

• Headlamps – A red headlamp is best for the night, as it does not mess up your night vision while providing some light. I Black Diamond

• Power Banks – Pack a power bank to recharge your devices. You may also want to put your phone into airplane mode to save your battery life. Don’t be left without a battery. I Anker

For Your Night Rest:

• Backpacking Tent – Consider the weight, space, and quality of the tent you want to use for your backpacking trips.

• Sleeping Equipment – Bring a lightweight sleeping bag, sleeping pad or mattress, and inflatable pillow for some comfortable nights in your tent. I Exped Mattress

• Hammock – Some hikers actually choose to sleep in a hammock versus a tent. We loved having a hammock to relax in while listening to the sounds of Havasu Creek. I ENO

Top Tip: Don’t forget to pack these documents! – Photo ID, printed copy of the email confirmation for your Havasupai Falls campground reservation, and your license plate number of the vehicle you left at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.

Photography Suggestions + Gear

You can’t hike to Havasu Falls and not take incredible photos. Here are some tricks we have learned along the way to create cool shots. Unfortunately, we were only beginning to get more into photography when we visited Havasu Falls and weren’t able to use all the photography skills we have now.

1.Utilize a tripod

Our travel tripod goes absolutely everywhere with us. It makes it possible for us to take pictures of us both. Plus it helps stabilize our camera for those alluring long exposure shots of waterfalls.

2. Use long exposure shots to photograph the Havasupai waterfalls

After learning about long exposure shots and how to do them correctly, we have captured priceless photos of a variety of waterfalls in the United States, especially many of the New York waterfalls. Getting the perfect long exposure shot takes practice.

3. Bring a variety of lenses for your camera

If it is possible, bring a variety of lenses for your camera. Using different lenses helps get different perspectives, angles, distance, lighting, and action.

4. Photography takes patience

If you are looking for the best shot, you are going to have to put in the work. This may mean waking up early, visiting a particular spot at a specific time, or just waiting till people are not in view of your shot.

Shortlist of Camera Gear we like to use to capture our perfect shot:

• Photography Gear: Peak Design with its many smart photography accessories makes capturing our adventurous hiking moments so much easier. l Peak Design

• GoPro – Film your thrilling adventures in Havasupai Falls with a GoPro. One of our favorite hands free GoPro accessories is the Peak Design P.O.V Kit. With this tool, we can mount our GoPro in the Peak Design capture clip, which goes right on our Deuter Speed Lite backpack. Your GoPro is accessible within seconds and you have your hands free. I GoPro

• Camera – You will want to catch some pictures on this unforgettable hike to Havasu waterfall adventure. I Olympus

• Camera Remote – Help avoid camera shake for sharper images and to be present in your own photo. I Amazon

• Polarizer Filter – Using a polarizer filter can help remove sun glare. I Hama

• Lens Hood – Help protect your lens from direct sunlight. I Amazon

• Tripod – The tripod we use is the Rollei travel tripod but another great choice is the Peak Design travel tripod. I Rollei, Peak Design

Things to Know Before You Hike to Havasu Falls

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Stay at the Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead the night Before

The night before your Havasu Falls hike, you can stay in a hotel that is at least 65 miles away from the Havasupai Falls trailhead in Peach Spring, or at Hualapai Hilltop trailhead.

The Hualapai Hilltop is just a parking lot. You would have to sleep in your vehicle or on a mattress next to your vehicle. It doesn’t offer any amenities, except for a restroom. But the big advantage is that you are as close as possible to the Havasupai Falls AZ trailhead.

Especially in the summer months, we would recommend sleeping at Hualapai Hilltop, because you will have to start your hike early. When you stay overnight at the Havasupai Falls trailhead, you can have a fresh start to hike to Havasu Falls, without driving 1.5 hours from your hotel.

Arrive at Hualapai Hilltop Early (Trailhead to Hike Havasupai Falls)

If you plan on spending the night before you will start your hike to Havasu Falls at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, we suggest not arriving too late.

You will have to drive on the remote Indian Road 18 for 60 miles and the road with you. The darker it gets, the more difficult it is to spot wildlife crossing the road. We would also avoid arriving late because packing up your gear in the dark can be tricky.

We arrived about 45 minutes before the sunset, which was a little too late! However, we were able to watch the most beautiful sunset over the Grand Canyon. So if you plan on spending the night at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, take a minute and watch the sunset.

Start Your Hike to Havasupai Falls Early

The earlier, the better. Especially during the summer months, you will want to start your hike before the sun rises to beat the Arizona heat.

We visited in early August and began to hike down the canyon at 4:00 AM. We were accompanied by some other hikers who also stayed in the parking lot overnight. We started the hike to Havasu waterfall in the dark and used headlamps to see, which we barely needed because it got bright quickly.

We arrived in Supai Village a little after 8:00 AM. This worked out perfectly for us because we arrived at the Tourism Office just in time before the crowd of hikers started to roll in, which meant we did not have to wait long to get our permit to continue on to Havasupai Falls campground.

Check the Weather Before You Go

It is always a good idea to check the Havasupai weather before you hike to Havasu Falls, especially if you are going during the monsoon season in July and August. During these months, there is an increased chance of rain and flash flooding. Also, watch out for messages from the Havasupai Tribe. They may contact you to postpone your reservation due to inclement weather. Safety comes first!

Pack Only What You Need

Remember everything you pack will be carried on your back for 10 miles when you choose to hike Havasupai Falls. When you choose to take the helicopter, you still have to hike 2 miles to the campground. Therefore, if you think you can’t carry your pack for about 5 hours, you may want to rethink your packing.

Top Tip: Make sure you have the right backpack and gear. Having the right backpack will make your hiking experience a lot more enjoyable.

Don’t Reserve Pack Mules

The Havasupai Tribe offers pack mules, which will transport your hiking gear for you. Not carrying your heavy equipment on your hike sounds like a nice idea at first, but turns out to be very harmful to the animal. Even though mules were always hard-working animals, running up and down the canyon with heavy backpacks is very abusive and you shouldn’t support this violence against animals.

Helicopter Ride In and Out

If you don’t want to hike into the canyon, there is also the option to take a helicopter for $85 per person per ride (as of 2019) to fly in and out of the canyon. If you plan on doing this, make sure to have cash. Rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if you don’t want to wait long, make sure to be there early to get in line.

Note: Havasupai Tribe members have first priority when it comes to flying in the helicopter. Tourists have to wait until all the Havasupai Tribe members are flown out.

After hiking down into the canyon and exploring Havasupai for a couple of days, we decided to take the helicopter to get out of the canyon. It wasn’t an easy decision but in the end, it was less stressful for us and we really enjoyed the views out of the helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon.

Since we’ve heard some terrible stories about people, who couldn’t take the helicopter because they arrived too late, we started our hike to Supai Village at 4:00 AM. We had to wait for a little for the helicopter to arrive but then we were one of the first ones to get flown out.

FAQ’s About Your Havasu Falls Hike

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Can I day hike to Havasu Falls?
No, day hiking Havasupai Falls is not allowed and honestly, it wouldn’t be doable. The Havasu Falls hike and Havasupai waterfalls deserve much more appreciation than 1 day. Even the minimum 4-day / 3-night stay can feel like not enough time to fully enjoy and appreciate the area.

How cold is the water at Havasu Falls?
The nice thing about the water at Havasupai is that it stays pretty consistent at 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

Why is Havasu Falls blue?
The color of the blue-greenish water of the Havasupai waterfalls is intense. To simplify the answer it has to do with the chemistry of the rocks and water and a chemical reaction of calcium carbonate. If you are interested in a more scientific detailed description of why the waters of Havasu Falls are so blue, check out some of the educational articles on Google.

Is a Trip to Havasu Falls AZ Worth the Effort?
Absolutely! It is one of our top United States adventures and we would spend the time and energy again in a heartbeat to come back and do it again. All the preparations and effort can be overwhelming and can get frustrating, but you will be more than rewarded once you see the blue-green water of Havasu Falls. If there is one adventure you do not want to miss, it is this one.

How long is the Hike to the Havasupai Falls?
The Havasupai waterfalls are spread out on Havasupai Indian Reservation. Lil Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls are the closest ones (9 miles from the Havasupai Falls trailhead), whereas Beaver Falls is the most far away (13 miles from the Havasupai Falls trailhead).

Here is a list of Havasu hiking trails and distances:

Hualapai Hilltop (trailhead) to Supai Village – 8 miles (one way)
Hualapai Hilltop (trailhead) to Havasupai Campground – 10 miles (one way)
Supai Village/ Havasu Lodge to Lil Navajo Falls and Fifty Foot Falls – 1 mile (one way)
Supai Village/ Havasu Lodge to Havasu Falls -1.8 miles (one way)
Supai Village/ Havasu Lodge to Havasupai Campground – 2 miles (one way)
Havasupai Campground to Mooney Falls – 0.5 miles (one way)
Havasupai Campground to Beaver Falls – 3 miles (one way)
Beaver Falls to Colorado River – 4 miles (one way)

If you were to hike from the Havasupai Falls trailhead to Havasu Falls, to Mooney Falls, and to Beaver Falls and back it would be a total of 25 miles.

That is a lot of hiking. Check out our sample Havasu Falls backpacking trip itinerary below to see how to split up the miles throughout your 4-day / 3-night stay.

What is the Havasupai Falls Hike Difficulty?
Technically, the hike to Arizona Havasu Falls is classified as hard. It is a long hike but when you look at the length plus the elevation gain together, it really isn’t too bad. Hiking into Havasupai Falls is relatively easy since the Havasu Falls trail is mainly flat after reaching the canyon floor. Whereas, the hike out will be a tad more difficult because you will have more than 2,500 feet of elevation gain at the end of a long hike. Needless to say, this trail is more than doable for most hikers and skill abilities. The hike to Havasu waterfall usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete.

Do You Need a Permit to Hike Havasupai Falls?
Yes! You definitely need a permit. Day hiking is not allowed. See our post, “How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls” for more details.

What is the Weather in Havasupai?
The weather varies greatly depending on the time of year. Refer to our “Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls” section below for a more detailed description of the Havasupai weather.

Which Havasupai Waterfalls are there?
Havasupai has 5 waterfalls: Havasu Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Lil Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls.

Along the entire Havasu Falls hike, from the Havasupai Falls trailhead to Beaver Falls, you will pass all 5 Havasupai waterfalls. First, you will reach Supai Village, then the upper Havasupai waterfalls, Fifty Foot Falls, Navajo Falls, and Havasu Falls before entering the Havasupai Falls campground. After the Havasupai Falls campground, you will reach Mooney Falls, and a few miles from there, Beaver Falls.

How many days to spend at Havasu Falls?
All Havasupai reservations are for a MINIMUM of 4 days / 3 nights. So you will have to plan for at least 4 days to hike to Havasu waterfall.

Is this hike dog-friendly?
Sadly, if your dog is your hiking partner, they are going to have to sit this one out.

Is hiking into Havasupai Falls kid-friendly?
We would say it would depend on the type of hiker the child is. If your child is an experienced hiker and backpacker, who tags along on your hiking adventures, then the hike to Havasu falls is absolutely kid-friendly. On our trip backpacking to Havasu Falls, we did see a lot of families with children of all ages.

But do keep in mind if your child is not ready to carry their own gear for a 4-day backpacking trip and you are not willing to do all the heavy lifting yourself, you may want to think twice.

Also, hiking to the lower Havasupai waterfalls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls is a little more tricky for kids. Find out more about Mooney Falls trail and Beaver Falls trail to see if you think your child can handle it.

Is the Havasu Falls hike crowded?
Permits do sell out, which means there will 100% be a packed house at Havasu Falls during your stay. Fortunately, the Indian tribe doesn’t give out a lot of permits, so it should never get really crowded.

When we were hiking Havasupai Falls we did NOT encounter many other hikers on the trails with us. Most of the time we saw around 5-10 other hikers on the trails at a time.

Is there water available to drink along the Havasu trail?
Water is NOT available along the Havasu trail. You will have to pack enough water for the 10-mile hike to Havasu Falls. The first water source from the Havasupai Falls trailhead will be a water spigot at the beginning of the Havasupai campground.

Do I need travel insurance?
We visited Havasupai in the summer during monsoon season and did not get travel insurance. We took the risk to challenge the Havasupai weather and luckily it was in our favor.

The next time, we would definitely get travel insurance though. First of all, the Havasupai tribe recommends. Second of all, it is a pricey trip and you just feel safer knowing that you would get a refund in case an unexpected occasion happens.

Which Havasupai waterfall do you like the most? How was your hike down into the Grand Canyon?

Share your experiences with us or drop a question in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Havasupai:

• How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls
• How to Find Beaver Falls Arizona
• Mooney Falls: Everything You Need to Know

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