How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls in 2024

If you are ready to start planning your trip to Havasu Falls, then you have landed in the right place. Snagging a precious permit for Havasupai Falls is becoming more and more competitive.

The process can seem complicated and overwhelming, but we are here to help you with easy step-by-step instructions and helpful information so you will have the best opportunity to get a permit for Havasupai Falls. 

In addition to the permit for Havasupai Falls being extremely popular, the way to secure a Havasu Falls permit also changes frequently. 

So before we get into all the information on hopefully securing the permit for Havasupai Falls, if you were having any doubt about whether or not to plan a trip to Havasu Falls, the answer is an easy YES. This once in a lifetime adventure is without a doubt 100% worth it. 

To help decrease some of the stress and confusion around getting a Havasu Falls permit, we have created this simple guide of instructions to assist you in landing a permit for Havasu Falls. 

Just to be extra clear, you need to have a permit to hike to Havasu Falls. They are checked more than once so there is no way to get around not having a Havasupai reservation permit. 

This post has been structured to strictly stick to the permit for Havasupai Falls process and not on the actual hike to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, or Beaver Falls. You can read more about hiking details within Havasupai with these additional guides.

• How to Hike to Havasu Falls: The Complete Guide
• Mooney Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Find Beaver Falls Arizona

Here is a glance at what will be covered in this permit for Havasupai Falls post.

• New Presale Permit System for 2024
• When to Apply for a Permit
• Where to Apply for the Havasupai Falls Permit
• Costs for the permits for Havasupai Falls
• How to Get a Permit (Step-by-Step Process)
• The Things to Know about the Havasupai Reservation Permit
• Best Tips for Landing a Permit for Havasupai Falls
• What to Do If You Missed Getting a Havasu Falls Permit 
• FAQ’s: Havasupai Falls Permit
• FAQ’s: What to Know about Havasupai

New Presale Permit System for 2024

For the 2024 season, the Havasupai Tribe Tourism Office is offering a presale of Havasupai Falls permits. 

The presale registration is open from 8:00 AM (Arizona Time) January 5th to 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) January 18th. During this time frame, tourists have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of Havasuapi Falls reservations before the public sale of permits which begins on February 1 of every year. 

The presale does not guarantee a Havasupai Falls reservation spot, but it does help increase your chances of securing a Havasupai Falls reservation on one of your preferred dates. 

How the Presale Permit System Works

1. Presale is open from 8:00 AM (Arizona Time) January 5th to 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) January 18th
2. You can purchase a reservation for the campground or the lodge.

3. You will select 3 preferred reservation start dates and a desired month in case your dates are not available. 

4. The presale fee is a non-refundable $15 per permit. 

5. Once the presale closes, a randomized process will assign the limited number of reservation dates

6. You will be notified of your awarded dates no later than January 26, 2024 via email and payment will be charged. 

The remaining Havasupai Falls reservations will become available to the public on February 1 starting at 8:00 AM (Arizona Time). 

• Campground reservations are available from February 1 – November 30, 2024. 
• Lodge reservations are available from April 1 – November 30, 2024.

Note: Applying for a permit for Havasupai Falls in the presale does not guarantee a reservation spot. 

Keep in mind the presale system is new for 2024. This process hopefully helps alleviate the mass amount of people on the Havasupai website on February 1, which has a tendency to crash. 

But this also means some people will be confused, frustrated, and even upset with the dates in which they were given as you are only asked to provide 3 preferred dates and month. 

Tip via the Havasupai Tribe Tourism Office: It is recommended that you have your PATL (Potential Alternate Trip Leader) is included on your reservation at the time of your presale purchase.

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How to Get a Permit for Havasupai Falls

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If you missed it above, we will remind you again, you 100% need a permit for Havasuapi Falls. There is no way around the permit process because yes the permits for havasu falls are checked.

Trying to visit Havasupai AZ and the waterfalls without a Havasu Falls permit is prohibited.

No permit, no access. 

Don’t drag your feet too long on getting a permit for Havasupai Falls or you will be waiting awhile for your next chance at snag another one.

You can apply for a permit for Havasupai Falls on the official website, havasuapiresevations.com. 

Note: The word “permit” can be a little confusing. With no day hiking allowed, you have to stay overnight. Your reservation is essentially your Havasupai Falls permit. 

When to Apply for a Permit

Applying for a permit for Havasupai Falls you have 2 options, through the presale system or during the standard public sale.

• Presale registration runs from 8:00 AM (Arizona Time) January 5th to 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) January 18th.

• Campground reservations are available from February 1 – November 30, 2024. 

• Lodge reservations are available from April 1 – November 30, 2024.

Where to Apply for the Havasupai Falls Permit

The only way to apply for a permit for Havasupai Falls is online. You will need to visit the official Havasupai Falls website, havasupaireservations.com 

Then you will need to make an account to apply for the permit for Havasupai Falls, which is highly recommended to do in advance. 

Costs for the Permits for Havasupai Falls

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The Havasupai Falls permits cost a pretty penny but they are totally worth it. With the hike to Havasupai Falls becoming more and more popular, prices have gone up. You can expect the prices of the Havasu Falls permits to rise yearly.

The current rates for a permit for Havasupai Falls for 2024 is as follows:

• Campground: $455 per permit per person, 3 nights included
• Lodge: $2,277 per lodge room, up to 4 people, 3 nights included

Additional: You can also reserve a pack mule for a fee of $200 per mule each way, which comes up to be $400 per mule round trip.

How Do You Get a Permit for Havasu Falls: Step-by-Step Guide

Before we start with the step by step process of what it takes to snag a permit for Havasupai Falls, do know that on permit day, February 1, there will be tons and tons of people frantically going to the Havasupai Website, which has caused the site to crash or be extremely slow. 

So if you are able to be a little more flexible with your time schedule, you may want to really consider utilizing the new presale system for trying to obtain a permit for Havasupai Falls. 

However, if you rather wait till reservations go public on February 1, here are the steps you will want to take when applying for a Havasupai Falls permit:

Before February 1st: 

Set up an account on the havasupaireservation.com website

While setting up your account, you will need to fill out all the necessary information completely.

• 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 you read it

• Save all your information and wait for reservation day on February 1st

We would recommend making sure you have already picked out some desired dates or time frames in which you would like to visit Havasu Falls. It is best to be as flexible as possible as specific dates and times of year sell out quickly. 

Opening Day (February 1st):

Be ready to sign into your account on havasupaireservations.com before 8:00 AM Arizona Time. If you can, open up your account on multiple devices, to help maximize your chances of snagging a permit for Havasu Falls. 

• As soon as it hits 8:00 AM Arizona Time (you may need to refresh your page), Click “Make a Campground Reservation”

• Select the number of people (up to 12) and the days you want to reserve. (3-night minimum for all reservations)

• Select the start date from the available dates to reserve – make sure you have back up dates readily available ahead of time.

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

• Verify your information and pay the fee – If you haven’t already added a payment method, do so quickly before your time is up. We highly recommend doing this ahead of time.

At this time, your have probably snagged a permit for Havasupai Falls, Congratulations. You are soon going to be experiencing one of the coolest adventures the USA has to offer. 

The Things to Know about the Havasupai Reservation Permit

Getting a permit for Havasupai Falls has a bunch of rules and fine print you need to familiar with before your trip. Here are some things you will want to know when getting a permit for Havasupai Falls. 

Here is what you need to know before making a Havasupai Falls reservation:

• Reservations and accounts are required for all visitors created prior to arrival with the confirmation of their understanding of, and agreement with of the Havasupai Rules and Laws.

• There is only 1 name on a reservation. 

• Reservations are only valid if the name of the person on the reservation (“trip leader”) is present at check in with a valid photo ID.

• If trip leader is not present, or ends up with an extra spots on the reservation, you can use the official transfer system to transfer spots on the reservation directly to the PATL (potential alternate trip leader) or on the public cancellation/transfer list. 

• Besides what is mentioned above, reservations are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable.

• A PATL is the person who is eligible to have the reservation directly transferred to them via the official transfer system. Once a reservation is made, you can not change the PATL.

Note: A PATL can not use the reservation to check in unless the reservation has been directly transferred to them through the transfer system as the new trip leader

• All visitors must have proof of their account, proof of their campground reservation, and a photo ID available at all times while on Havasupai Lands.

• All vehicles must have a campground reservation confirmation code visible in the windshield on the passengers side at all times while on Havasupai lands. 

• All visitors must have something to protect their food and trash and everything with an odor. 

• If you bring it, you are responsible for bringing it out.

• Trip / travel insurance is highly recommended.

• No day hiking is allowed. 

• No drones are allowed. 

• There is no cliff jumping allowed.

• No alcohol and drugs are allowed.

Best Tips for Landing a Permit for Havasu Falls

Unfortunately, there is NO way to guarantee getting a permit for Havasupai Falls. But there are some ways to help increase your chances of being a lucky recipient of the highly competitive permit for Havasupai Falls. 

Do Before February 1st:

1. Set up your account at the Havasupai Reservation website ahead of time.

2. Keep your Havasupai group size small. Make sure you know your group is committed. Have a group strategy for getting a Havasupai reservation so you don’t book more.

3. Have multiple days in mind. It is highly likely that your date of choice will NOT be available when you try to make a reservation. Therefore, having more than one increases your chances of being successful. 

4. Avoid planning your adventure for the busy times of the year.

5. Mark the day in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone when you have to get your Havasupai Falls permit.

6. Figure out the time (difference) in Arizona from where you are located.

Havasupai Falls Permit Day: February 1 

1. Get ready and log in. Log in to your Havasupai reservation account and have everything you need to make a reservation within arms reach.

2. Login with multiple devices at the same time when the permits for Havasu Falls AZ go on sale.

3. At 8:00 AM Arizona time, the website will automatically refresh and have a “make a reservation” button which enables you to proceed with making reservations for Havasupai.

4. Keep refreshing the Havasupai reservation website until you find a free date. 

5. If you see an opening you want, act quickly!

6. Keep trying to get a Havasu Falls permit even when they are sold out. 

After you have snagged a Havasupai Falls permit, Congratulations. It is now time to plan your hike to Havasu Falls. 

What to Do If You Missed Getting a Havasu Falls Permit

Unlucky? And weren’t able to snag a permit for Havasu Falls on February 1st? Don’t worry you still have a shot.

Here is some things you can do to get your adventure to Havasu Falls alive:

1. Keep checking the cancellation/transfer list

Visit the official Havasupai Reservation website daily to see if new Havasupai reservations became available. To check this list, you will need to be signed in to your Havasupai Reservation account. The website is updated frequently, so be sure to check regularly. You will have to be flexible with your dates.

2. Consider coming back on June 1st for a Havasu Lodge reservation

With only 24 rooms available, the reservation for the lodge will also be very competitive. The most important thing to remember when booking at the Havasu Lodge is that your reservation will be for the following year.

3. Try again next year

If all else fails, try again next year. A Havasu Falls adventure is worth the wait.

FAQs about Havasupai Falls Permit

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What is Included in the Permit for Havasu Falls?

Your Havasupai Falls reservation is your permit to explore the Havasupai Indian Reservation. A permit grants you access to the land and a spot on the Havasupai Campground. If you would like to stay at the Havasu Lodge, then you need to make a different reservation. 

Everything else you will need for your trip to Havasupai Indian Reservation, you will bring on your own. That includes camping equipment, hiking gear, food, clothing, etc…

How Many People Can Be on a Reservation?

A Havasupai Campground reservation can be made for up to 12 people.

However, it is important to note that the larger your group, the harder it is to reserve a Havasupai Falls permit during specific times of the year. We would definitely recommend making Havasupai Falls reservations for smaller groups. The best is to keep your group to around 2 – 6 people.

Where Do You Pick Up Your Permit for Havasu Falls?

You will pick up your permit at the Tourist Check-In Office at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona 86434.

Everyone will need proof of their account (printout or screenshot of their account information page), proof of the Havasupai reservation, and their photo ID at this time. Only the person that’s name is on the reservation (Trip Leader) should go into the office.

Everyone will be given a wristband to wear for the duration of the stay and a tag to put on their tent when they stay at the Havasupai Campground. The tag needs to be visible all the time.

How Hard is it to Get a Permit for Havasu Falls?

Let’s keep it simple, it is not easy to get a permit for Havasu Falls. Getting a Havasupai reservation is probably one of the most difficult challenges of your Havasu Falls trip. But if you follow some of the tips from above, you will significantly increase your odds of securing a permit for Havasu Falls.

What to Know about Havasupai

Where is Havasu Falls AZ?

Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, just west of Grand Canyon National Park. Its remote location 10 miles into the Grand Canyon makes it not reachable by car. The only way to get to the actual Supai Village and the waterfalls is by helicopter or by completing the trek into the canyon.

How Do You Get to Havasu Falls AZ?

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 Falls.

The 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. 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.

What are the Closest Airports?

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.

Since we visited Havasu Falls on our cross-country road trip through the USA, we were already in Arizona. The drive from Hoover Dam to the trailhead took us just about 3 hours. But if you are just flying in for this trip, you will have to rent a car and drive the last part of your way.

What is the Best Time to Go to Havasu Falls AZ?

In general, Havasupai is a great destination all your long, 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.

Let’s see what’s best 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 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 weather before your arrival because a monsoon could 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 land. No monsoon actually appeared, 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 Havasupai land in these months is also more fun because the sun is not beating on you.

Example Itinerary for Visiting Havasu Falls (4 days / 3 nights)

Remember ALL Havasupai Campground reservations are for 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. 

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 trailhead to Havasu Falls Arizona is right off the parking lot. 

The 10-mile hike to Havasupai AZ will take a few hours. Once at the Havasupai Campground, set up your campsite, and 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. 

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 rides 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

Information about the Havasupai Indian Tribe

Here is a quick list of additional information you may want to know before visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation:

• Havasupai Indian Reservation is a sovereign Native American nation. It has its own rules, custom laws, and way of life. When visiting, please respect the land, people, culture, and other visitors. 
• Havasupai Indian Reservation is a federal land trust which means trespassing violates Reservation Laws and Federal Laws
• Any violation of Havasupai Reservation Laws may result in the termination of your permit for Havasu Falls for the entire party. 
• You should be aware of the weather and temperature conditions for your Havasupai reservation and be fully prepared with food and water.
• Be aware of the summer monsoon season (usually July to September) and know what to do.
• There are NO public health facilities in the village of Supai
• You are responsible for keeping all of your belongings safe

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.

Yes, 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. This is a one-of-a-kind destination. The pictures you see of this place are already beautiful but seeing everything in person is just unbelievable and surreal.

If there is one adventure you do not want to miss, it is this one.

Did you already snag a precious permit for Havasu Falls? Or do you have more tips on how to be successful?

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

Our Other Resources for Havasupai:

• How to Hike to Havasu Falls: The Complete Guide
• Mooney Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Find Beaver Falls Arizona

You May Also Like:

• Sedona: 19 Can’t Miss Hikes in Sedona
• Zion: 11 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Zion: A Guide to Hike The Narrows in Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon: Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
• Kanarra Falls: Kanarra Falls Trail Guide: The Slot Canyon You Don’ Want to Miss
• Quotes: 90+ Best Quotes about Falls to Inspire Your Wanderlust

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