Havasu Falls & Havasupai Falls Arizona 2024 Reservations

Havasu Falls is the most famous of the aqua-blue Havasupai Waterfalls that spill over deep-orange, travertine cliffs in a desert oasis of stunning beauty. The stark contrast between the arid desert landscape of the Havasu Canyon and the lush vegetation near the water is a juxtaposition of harsh desert and a sumptuous tropical paradise. The five Havasupai Falls include: Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. All are located on the Havasupai Indian reservation in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon. The waterfalls of the Grand Canyon are like no other in the world, and visiting them is the opportunity of a lifetime.

Havasupai Falls Grand Canyon

Plan Your Trip to Havasupai Falls

2024 havasupai falls reservations info & tips.

Tip: Opening Day is when campground reservations for the season go on sale. Typically, all permits get claimed within hours on the first day. If you want a chance at getting a reservation, create an account on https://www.havasupaireservations.com prior to opening day of sales and be ready to go by 8 AM on when the reservation calendar for the season opens up.

ALL visits to Havasupai and Havasu Falls require a reservation made PRIOR to arrival.

The campground is a "camp wherever you want" campground running for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls in the Grand Canyon.

  • All campground reservations are now for 3 nights/4 days with a limit of up to 12 people in total per reservation.
  • Prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes. Estimated total: $375 per person for this trip if hiking. Add $200 for round-trip helicopter transportation.
  • NO commercial permits will be given to tour companies, therefore, there are no commercially guided trips to Havasupai Falls. You MUST get a reservation privately through the tribe's website.

There is only one name on the reservation - and a reservation is only valid if the person named on the reservation is present at the Tourist Check-in Office in the Village of Supai (on the way to the campground) with photo ID - otherwise the reservation is NOT valid and will NOT be honored. People included on your reservation may reimburse you for up to the face value cost of their spot on your reservation. Native American discounts are processed upon check-in with a valid reservation and identification. All reservations are paid in full at the time the reservation is made and are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable. Reselling of reservations (in whole or in part) is strictly prohibited. Trip/travel insurance is highly recommended.

  • A printed copy of the email confirmation of your campground reservation (or at least a screenshot of it on your phone)
  • Write down (or take a photo of) the license plate number of your vehicle that is parked at the trailhead - you will need it when you check-in
  • Your government issued Photo ID
  • Your health insurance information in case something goes wrong

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T GET A PERMIT BEFORE IT ALL SELLS OUT? CAN I STILL GO? Maybe! There is a possibility of purchasing permits throughout the year via HavasupaiReservations.com . This website allows those who were able to get a permit to sell it back through the website. The prices remain the same as if you had been able to purchase it directly from the website when permits were first released. This permit cancel/transfer is only for the purpose of allowing those with who got permits who are no longer able to make the trip the opportunity to get their money back since there are no refunds through the Havasupai Tribe. It also allows the name on the permit to be reregistered to the new permit owner. Because it is an exchange, dates, number of days at the falls and number of people permitted are subject to the permit being released. Check the website often to see availability.

» To see available permits, create an account on www.havasupaireservations.com or sign in, and click the Cancellations/Transfer button. New available permits are posted 8am of each day.

How To Get To Havasupai Falls

Anyone who wishes to visit the waterfalls must choose one of three options: hiking, helicopter ride, or pack mule.

There are no roads to the Supai village. Access to the village is via trail that begins at Hualapai Hilltop. From Hualapai Hilltop, it is 8 miles to the Supai village and 2 additional miles to camping and waterfalls. * Please Note: Hiking in the middle of the day is not wise, especially during the summer months. Most hikers begin just before sunrise to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. There is no drinking water available at any point along the hike. Each person should carry a minimum of 1 gallon of water to avoid dehydration. Hiking at night is not recommended.

Helicopter travel is provided by Airwest Helicopters and is weather-dependent. The cost for a helicopter ride into the canyon is $100 per person each way. Each person is allowed 1 carry-on bag. Any additional luggage is charged by weight. Children 2 years and younger fly free. Reservations for helicopters cannot be made and are never guaranteed. You must show up at Hualapai Hilltop and sign in before 10am. Tribal members receive priority boarding. Tourists are boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It takes approximately 15 minutes to fly from Havasupai Hilltop to Supai village. To see the waterfalls, you will still need to hike 2+ miles from the village. For more information, call Airwest Helicopters (623) 516-2790.

  • Always be prepared to make the hike, in case the chopper doesn’t fly.
  • The Havasupai helicopter has an excellent safety record, according to the NTSB.
  • The helicopter will fly Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00am to 1:00pm through October.

Pack mules are available. Please consider hiking in your own gear or taking a helicopter as your primary option.

Where to Stay At Havasupai Falls

The Lodge - Reservations can be made by telephone (928) 448-2111. The cost of a room with two double beds is $145 plus 10% tax per room, per night (maximum of four people per room). There are only 24 rooms available and they tend to book very quickly.

Campground There are enough campsites to host 300 campers per night. Reservations can be made via phone (928) 448-2121. The tribe begins taking reservations on February 1st of each year and sites book up very quickly. The campsites themselves are not assigned. They are given on a fist come, first served basis when you arrive at the bottom of the canyon.

When To Visit Havasupai Falls

Havasu canyon is open to visitors year-round; however, peak tourist season is May through September. Water temperatures average 60 -70 degrees Fahrenheit during these months. Monsoon season in Arizona begins in mid-July and extends through August. Heavy rains cause flash floods during this time and evacuation of visitors due to high water is not unheard of. The shoulder seasons of September through November, March, and April tend to have comfortable air temperatures; however, the water will be chilly. The winter months of December through February are cold despite the dry climate and swimming and camping are only for the bravest and toughest visitors. Staying in the lodge during the winter is a more comfortable option for those who don't love the heat.

Amenities Available at Havasupai Falls

If you are camping, you are responsible for bringing all the necessities for sleeping and cooking for yourself. There is drinking water available in the village and at the campsites or you can bring a strong filtration system and drink from the river. Composting toilets are available in several locations in the canyon. Occasionally, TP runs low so it is wise to bring your own! There is a store in the village that provides basic necessities; however, everything is flown in via helicopter so don’t expect any cheap prices and availability may be restricted. For those not wishing to cook for themselves, a cafe near the lodge in Supai Village serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The lodge is equipped with WiFi and electricity for those of you who can't imagine a day without the Internet.

Rules and Respect

The Havasupai tribe is very generous to open their land to visitors and share their beautiful waterfalls with the world. Please keep in mind that the natural landscape is fragile. Try to decrease your impact by staying on trails and taking any trash out with you. Firearms, alcohol, recreational drugs, and drones are all illegal on the Havasupai reservation. Please refrain from laud behavior and treat the land and the people with respect. Last but not least, enjoy your trip and take lots of photos!

  • Alcohol/Drugs
  • Diving/jumping

How long should you stay?

Approximate trail distances.

  • Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot to Supai Lodge: 8 miles / 13 kilometers
  • Supai Lodge to Havasupai Falls Campground: 2 miles / 3 kilometers
  • Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot to Havasupai Falls Campground: 10 miles / 16 kilometers
  • Havasupai Falls Campground to Mooney Falls: 0.5 miles / 0.8 kilometers
  • Mooney Falls to the Colorado River: 8 miles / 13 kilometers

Check-In at Supai Village

Once you reach Supai Village after your hike down into the canyon, you will be required to present your reservation at the Tourist Check-In Office. The person whose name is on the reservation must be present and have a photo ID handy.

Be prepared to show your campground reservation—it will have been emailed to you, so print a copy and bring it with you. There is no phone reception in Supai Village or the Havasu Falls areas.

About the Havasupai Tribe

The Havasupai Tribe currently sits on 188,077 acres of land in the southwest part of the Grand Canyon. When the Grand Canyon was originally established in 1919, the Tribe was allotted 518 acres in a nearby side canyon, but have since returned back to their original homelands, which includes the beautiful blue-green waterfalls they share with us today. These lands are sacred to them and they draw their strength and spirituality from it.

The population of the Havasupai Tribe is 640 and tourism is their main industry. Packing animals for trips, accommodating guests, and providing other services for the tribal enterprise is their main source of revenue. The nearest community to the Reservation is Peach Springs, 64 miles southwest from Hualapai Hilltop. The Havasupai Reservation consists of plateaus dissected by deep canyons, most notable geographic features include The Great Thumb, Long Mesa, and Tenderfoot Mesa, which converge on the Coconino Plateau at the south end of the reservation. Havasu (Cataract) Canyon, which is where the waterfalls are located, has a varied topography of the plateaus, gentle, rolling slopes, to escarpments of Kaibab Limestone.

Closest Accommodations to Havasupai Falls

This will mostly be convenient the day before or after hiking into the canyon. If you are visiting the falls, you'll be either camping or staying at the lodge at the bottom of the canyon during your time there.

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Havasu Falls blue water

A Guide to Visiting Havasu Falls the 'Right Way'

Topping the bucket list of bucket lists, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. But getting there can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know.

The Havasupai Tribe is preparing for current permit holders to return starting Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Holders of Campground, Lodge, and Pack Mule reservations from 2022 who have not already rebooked are being rescheduled for the same date in 2023. Travelers interested in visiting during the 2023 season are encouraged to check the tribe's official site HavasupaiReservations.com each day at 8 a.m., when 2023 season reservations that have been canceled or transferred become available to book. At this time, no additional new reservations for 2023 are being offered. Email info@ havasupaireservations.com for more information and follow Havasupai Tribe Tourism (the tribe's only official Facebook page) for the latest.

The magic of Havasu Falls may be hard to define—is it the turquoise pools or its remote location?—but it's undeniable that people come from all over to witness their beauty. Getting there, though, is not as easy as booking a ticket To visit Havasu Falls "the right way" requires planning and plenty of physical preparation. Here's our guide to make your trip to the falls a memorable one.

But first, the basics

The official season runs from February - November. The earlier months mean colder waters but possibly fewer crowds. During the summer, from June to August, the trail is subject to close due to flooding and extreme heat (above 115°F / 46°C).

What you'll need

• A permit • A prior reservation to either the campground or the Lodge • Good hiking shoes and a pair of water shoes or rubber sandals • See "What to bring" below for more specific items

Obtaining a permit and making reservations for Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation—which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park—so you'll need to buy a permit from the Havasupai Tribe to access the area. That is if you're among the lucky few able to score a reservation when the season's dates go live on February 1 at 8 a.m. (MST). Tip: If you're planning on going with a group, have one member purchase all of your permits (up to four per account). This will help ensure you all get the same dates.

Visiting Havasu Falls is not a day-trip

All visits require at least a one-night reservation, depending on whether you choose to stay at the campground or Havasupai Lodge, aka "the Lodge" in Supai Village. Your price will include your stay, your permit, and any additional taxes and fees.

A man and woman stand at the edge of a cliff overlooking a waterfall. Tents and trees can be seen in the background

Where to stay

The campground

The campground is an area spanning a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and nearby Mooney Falls. There are no assigned sites; meaning, once you arrive, you're welcome to set up camp wherever you like within the designated area. To make a campground reservation, visit HavasupaiReservations.com before February and create an account. (You cannot obtain permits or make reservations for the campground via phone.) You'll thank us later when the site goes live and you're not messing with logins, especially since reservations can sell out within minutes. Having an account lets you check the cancellation/transfer page for dates that reopen later in the year. If you plan on camping, keep in mind all campground reservations are for three nights and four days—no more, no less.

Havasupai Lodge

Not a camper? You can instead make a reservation at the Lodge, located two miles from the falls, starting June 1. (Note: These are no-frills accommodations.) Unlike making a reservation for the campground, which is online-only, the Lodge only accepts reservations by phone. Call (928) 448-2111 to book a room for dates between February 1 - November 30. If you call and no one answers, try again (and again) until you reach someone, and don't be afraid to let it ring (and ring). All payments are due at the time of booking, and only one credit card is allowed per group. Payments are non-refundable and permit reservations are non-transferable.

What to bring

Congratulations! You got a reservation, permit and booked your travel to Havasu Falls. Havasu Falls is remote, so expect a hike with some shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water. There is no water available on the trail , and it's recommended each person bring at least a gallon for themselves. Trekking poles are optional, although many hikers find these helpful for the steep switchbacks. For your stay at the bottom of the canyon, bring a bathing suit, water shoes, towel and camera. Pack a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, inflatable pillow and portable backpacking stove if you are camping. Bring food even if you are staying at the Lodge.

A group of people hold onto a chain as they hike down a cliffside toward a waterfall and pool within a canyon

The hike itself

The trek to Havasu Falls is—to state it simply—difficult. Depending on your fitness level, the hike can be extremely strenuous, beginning (and ending) with switchbacks that change in elevation by 1,800 feet in the first two miles. The difficulty is compounded by heat in the summer. You'll start from the Hualapai Hilltop, marching down the Havasu Falls Trail into the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The next six miles to Supai is relatively flat. From there, it is an additional two miles to the campground. On the way to the campground, you'll pass three waterfalls: Fifty Foot, Lower Navajo and Havasu Falls. Plan to spend at least four hours hiking down to the campground, drink plenty of water, and rest in the shade when you can.

What to expect when you arrive

***Feb. 2023 UPDATE*** The check-in process has been substantially updated for guests with permitted reservations for any time in February 2023. Check-ins for all permit reservations will take place at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona, 86434. The person whose name is on the reservation (the trip leader) must be present and prepared to check-in for all group members. Check-ins can be as early as the day before your arrival date through noon on the first day of your reservation. Failure to check in during this timeframe will result in your reservation being canceled. Check-in is located on the right-hand side of the lobby through the main doors. There will be signs.

Current check-in times:

  • January 31, 2023: Noon – 5 p.m.
  • February 1-28, 2023: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The trip leader should be prepared to provide a photo ID to receive all permits, wristbands, bag tags, and an entrance form, which will need to be completed and shown to the Havasupai Reservation boundary checkpoint staff. All members of the group will be asked to show all required paperwork at the Havasupai Reservation boundary checkpoint, approximately 5 miles from Hilltop (the trailhead).

The Havasupai Lodge is located in Supai Village, so if you're staying here, drop off your bags in your room and relax—you made it! To continue on to Havasu Falls and the campground, you have another two miles of hiking to go.

What to do during your stay

In addition to soaking up the wonder that is Havasu Falls, you should make time to explore the area's other waterfalls. You'll see three of them on your hike from Supai Village to the campground. Two more waterfalls sit just north of the campground on Havasu Falls Trail. Once settled in at camp, most people day-hike to the other falls. Just a half-mile from the campground, the Havasu Falls Trail requires scrambling down mist-covered canyon walls while holding onto a chain to get to the pools of Mooney Falls and continue to Beaver Falls. Adventurous hikers can go all the way to the Colorado River.

Important notes

COVID-19 Protocols: Vaccination status or negative test results are not required at this time. However, the Tribe requires all visitors wear a mask while in Supai Village and in all public areas including the store and the café. Please bring your own mask. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the Reservation at your expense.

All luggage and vehicles are subject to search for prohibited items when entering the Havasupai Reservation. These items include alcohol, drugs, drones and weapons. Violators are subject to fines and even imprisonment. There's no Wi-Fi or cell phone service at the campground and only limited service in Supai Village. There is no emergency assistance in the canyon. If you are injured, it could take hours to get treatment in or transportation out of the canyon, and you'll be on the hook for the cost of any rescue efforts. Leave no trace: Havasu Falls and the Havasupai Reservation are special places, wilderness areas whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. Please adhere to the Leave No Trace principles as much as you possibly can so future visitors may continue to enjoy.

About the Author

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Teresa Bitler

Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

Havasupai Falls: Plan Your Trip

Havasu Canyon, home to the Havasupai Indians, is a paradise located in western Grand Canyon known worldwide for its series of waterfalls and beautifully sculpted rock. In this idyllic setting of lush side canyons and sun-splashed cliffs a small group of indigenous hunters and farmers arrived centuries ago and carved out a simple lifestyle; one that continues to this day.

Havasu Creek, the carver of this serpentine side canyon below the South Rim, is fed by a deep aquifer. The perennial desert stream tumbles over Upper and Lower Navajo Falls, then Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and finally Beaver Falls on its journey to the Colorado River on the floor of the Grand Canyon. The presence of calcium carbonate in the highly mineralized, spring-fed water gives Havasu Creek its distinctive blue-green color. This same robust creek sustains a rich riparian ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals.

Though many Supai tribal members continue to farm in this flood-prone drainage, tourism has emerged as the tribe's primary source of income. Fee-based camping is offered year round. In addition to backpackers, visitors arrive by helicopter and horseback, some staying in the tribe's rustic lodge. Camping in Havasu Canyon requires a permit and reservations that can be obtained directly from the tribe.

  • Entry and Camping Permits - https://www.havasupaireservations.com/
  • Havasupai Lodge Reservations: https://www.havasupailodge.com/
  • Helicopter Shuttle: First come, first served. Available daily 10:00 am to dark. Priority given to Supai tribal members

Closest Accommodations to Havasupai Falls

This will mostly be convenient the day before or after hiking into the canyon. If you are visiting the falls, you'll be either camping or staying at the lodge at the bottom of the canyon during your time there.

Havasupai Trail is a somewhat strenuous 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to the Havasupai Falls campground. The trail begins with about a dozen switchbacks, descending 1,000 feet over ¾ of a mile from the Hilltop to the canyon floor, where the trail flattens out considerably. The remaining 8 ¼ mile to the Supai Village are pleasant for walking but often sunny and hot, as the temperature on the Canyon floor can soar to 100° F or more from May through September.

If hiking is not an option for you, visitors often prefer to utilize the daily first-come, first-served helicopter shuttle to either fly in their gear to the Village and hike the first 8 miles unencumbered, or fly in and out themselves. These fly-in options range from $20 to $85 and still require a person be able to hike the final two miles from the Village to the campground. Furthermore, because reservations are not needed nor taken, and priority is given to tribal members first, then tribal business vendors, and finally visitors/tourists, one can end up waiting quite a while for a flight, especially on busy days.

  • Helicopter Service: $85 per person each way

Campground Reservation Pricing:

  • $100 per person per weekday night / $125 per person per weekend night (Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights)
  • All campground reservations will be for 3 nights / 4 days .
  • Estimated total: $300-$375 per person for this trip if hiking. Add $170 for round trip helicopter transportation. These prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.

When you reach the Supai village, cool off with some lemonade or ice cream from the Trading Post or General Store, or pick up some last-minute items from the necessary but limited grocery supplies. If camping isn't your thing, make a reservation to stay overnight in the 24-room Havasupai Lodge.

While these tourism fees are vital to the Havasupai tribal economy, the Village is not a tourist attraction.

If You Come

Start early.

The night before, your best options are to stay overnight in your car in the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, or if safety and comfort are your concerns, choose a hotel in Peach Springs (1 hour away) or Kingman (3.5 hours away). Especially in the summer months, many hikers begin their descent from the trailhead at 3 or 4:00 in the morning. Of particular importance when hiking in the pre-dawn dark, be sure to wear a headlamp and always hike with a trekking pole.

Drive Yourself

Backpackers must drive themselves to Hualapai Hilltop, where the trailhead is located. Start on I-40 near the town of Seligman, the classic Route 66 town on which the setting for Walt Disney's movie Cars is loosely based, located roughly halfway between Kingman and Williams. From I-40, take exit 121 and turn north (right) on I-40 Business Loop. Turn west (right) on AZ-66 (Route 66) and follow the signs to Peach Springs. Continue to follow AZ-66 East 36.5 miles. Turn left onto Indian Road 18 toward Hualapai Hilltop Hwy 60.4 miles.

A word of caution: If you do plan to begin your hike in the dark, early morning hours, use extreme caution and vigilance on Indian Road 18, as it is common to encounter cattle, elk, rabbits, deer and other wildlife crossing the road and endangering drivers.

Be Prepared

Along with tools and strategies such as headlamps, trekking poles and careful morning driving and hiking, you'll need to be armed with a "toolkit" of other preparations to make the hike to Havasupai a successful one.

First, be sure to get gas in Kingman, Williams or Seligman; there is no gas available in Peach Springs.

Second, be honest with yourself about your physical condition. The Havasupai Trail is a strenuous one, and the better physical shape you're in, the more you will enjoy your trip. Therefore, it's wise to start training for your adventure as early as 9 months out in order to give you plenty of time to start slow and gradually work up to your peak physical condition. Starting slowly and increasing your endurance and strength over time will protect your joints, build muscle and strengthen your cardiovascular system; it's also key to minimizing soreness and keeping at your routine so you don't abandon your training program.

Train three times a week doing your choice of cardio workouts for at a minimum of one hour per day. Walking up and down hills, gradually carrying more and more weight — 35-40 lbs for a Havasupai backpacking trip — is an ideal training exercise for hiking the Grand Canyon, but cycling, running, step-aerobics, stair-climbing and swimming are excellent options. Your endurance will build if you work out at least once a week for an hour straight; other days, your 60-minute workouts can be broken up into morning and evening sessions.

As with any exercise regimen, check with your doctor first to ensure you're well-suited to your training plan. Be aware that 5,200 ft elevation at the Hualapai Hilltop's thinner air, plus steep, dry and hot conditions — which are present year-round in the Inner Canyon — will exacerbate asthma and any heart, joint or muscle conditions, so use caution and be sure to train and hike within your ability level. Finally, shop for and get fitted for a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a pair of trekking poles now and use them for your training; they must be well broken-in by the time you execute your Grand Canyon hike.

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Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us! We pick up in the following towns: Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon.

Currently, the Park Service is not allowing us to mix groups due to COVID-19 safety procedures, so we are unable to provide this tour for less than 4 people. If you have a smaller group, please reach out to our company directly to discuss other options. By far our most popular hiking tour, this hike and sightseeing tour offers guests varying views of the Canyon, from the inside out. This tour is for guests who want to enjoy an excellent tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but also spend some time below the Rim.

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Havasu Falls 3 Day Hiking Tour By Hydros Adventures

Picture of Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is a stunning paradise on the canyon floor near Supai Village, the reservation center of the Havasupai Indian Tribe. It is tucked into a canyon about 35 miles west of the Grand Canyon National Park boundaries. "Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green water". Havasu Canyon is an amazing destination that few people get to experience. The series of "blue-green" waterfalls in Havasu Canyon is an oasis of astounding beauty and tranquility and is considered a very sacred place by the Havasupai people.

To experience this paradise requires a drive of about 185 miles from Sedona, Arizona to Hualapai Hilltop which is the adventure launching point. It is then a 10 mile descending hike through majestic red rock canyons to an awe-inspiring camp below Havasu Falls . En route, hikers will will pass through towering cliffs, by ancient pictographs, and across pristine streams to Supai Village - the only place in the Grand Canyon still inhabited by native people. From there it is just a couple of mile trek to the world-renowned Navajo, Havasu, Mooney and Beaver Falls . These spectacular turquoise waterfalls are heralded pristine travertine pools, making some of the world's best swimming holes and most spectacular hikes.

The professional guides of Hydros Adventures specialize in 3-day tours to the Havasu Canyon Falls. Join them on this journey to discover the amazing utopia within the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Picture of Havasu Creek From Mooney Falls

Havasu Falls offers a variety of year-round adventure for all types of people. Families, experienced hikers, corporate groups, and students can all find a trip that's right for them. The weather from March through November is best, but winter trips offer the most solitude. Hiking (with mules to carry your gear), and camping at beautiful Havasu Falls Campground is a most popular option. Hydros also offers transport by mule or helicopter for an additional fee. And if camping under the stars is not your cup of tea, the Havasupai Lodge is a quick two mile hike from the Falls.

The Havasu Falls Itinerary

Day One. Early wake-up call for Havasu Falls trailhead, and the start of your hike. Hike through beautiful Havasu Canyon and the Havasupai Village, on the way to our base camp below the Falls.

Day Two. Explore Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls (time permitting) or just relax at beautiful Havasu Falls right above our campsite.

Day Three. Early start for our trek back through Havasu Canyon to the Havasu Falls trailhead.

Havasu Falls Video By Hydros Adventures

For more information.

Hydros Adventures 814 North 4th Street Cottonwood, Arizona 86326 928 310-8141

Click here to view the complete Gallery of Havasu Canyon Photos By Robert Body .

If You Go On Your Own

From Sedona AZ. Take US 89A North from Sedona up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, Arizona. Exit at Airport Road and get on Interstate 17 North. Exit to Interstate 40 going West towards Williams AZ. From I-40 at Seligman, take Exit 123 and drive 33 miles West on Highway #66 to Indian Road 18. Turn right and drive 60 miles to parking lot at Hualapai Hilltop (at end of the road). Indian Road 18 can also be accessed from Kingman AZ , by driving ~50 miles east on Hwy #66 (~6 miles past Peach Springs). There are no services after Seligman.

The small village of Supai is home to about 450 Havasupai, whose main industry is tourism. Permission is needed from the Havasupai to hike into the Village. An entrance fee of $20 per person (2003). A room at the lodge is $75 (single) or $80 (double). The campground is $10 per person. You can also ride a horse (or have your heavy packs brought in by horse), or you can even take a helicopter into the village.

For more information visit the Havasupai Indian Reservation Website .

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Havasu Falls 4-Day

Trip description.

The 4-Day Havasu Falls hiking tour offers the opportunity to explore more of this magnificent destination as well enjoy some time relaxing and soaking it all in. The beautiful oasis of Havasu Falls lies 2500 feet below the rim of Grand Canyon and is the crown jewel of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The spectacular Havasupai waterfalls, sparkling blue-green pools and towering red cliffs are like nothing else in the world! Our Havasu Falls 4-Day hiking tours combine some of the most memorable canyon hiking with the culture of a Native American tribe that has occupied this area for centuries. The contrast of lush, riparian plants and trees and a vibrant turquoise stream against the backdrop of colorful canyon walls is a sight you won’t soon forget. Spend your days splashing through the water as you explore the canyon’s depths, swimming in delightful pools and discovering hidden secrets. In the evenings, relax in our wonderful creekside campsite as your guide prepares delicious, hearty meals.

***Due to recent restrictions imposed by the Havasupai Tribe, we will not be offering Havasu Falls tours until further notice. We are hopeful that we will be able to continue operating there in the future. In the meantime, we offer a wide variety of outstanding hiking vacations to a number of other incredible destinations across the Southwest. We encourage you to have a look!

Yosemite Backpacking Tours

havasupai falls tours

Travel Logistics

Guest testimonials, call or email us with any questions. 877-272-5032 or [email protected], trip details.

Type: Backpacking

Days: 4 Days

Distance: ~32 mi/51 km

Difficulty: Intermediate +

Origin: Flagstaff, AZ

Per Person: $875 + Tribal Fees ($475)

*Per person rates reflect the base price for our services (guides, meals, camping gear, camping reservations) plus Havasupai Tribal Fees (entrance fee, environmental fee, and per night camping fees). 

Trip Itinerary

Our 4-day Havasu Falls hiking tour departs Flagstaff early for the drive to Hualapai Hilltop and the jumping off point for your hike. The trail drops 800 feet in the first 1.5 miles as you descend to the floor of Hualapai Canyon. From here, the red sandstone cliffs gradually grow higher and higher around you as the winding path takes you ever-deeper into the canyons depths. Eventually the dry canyon gives way to a lush oasis as you reach the trail’s confluence with Havasu Creek. You soon pass through the village of Supai, where the Havasupai Tribe has been living for centuries within the Grand Canyon. The final 2 miles offers your first glimpses of a number of dramatic waterfalls and turquoise pools. Upon arrival at the campground your guide will set up camp while you relax by Havasu Falls. Drive Time: 3 hours Distance & Elevation: 10 miles, 2400 foot descent Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, prepare to spend the day exploring. Your guide will lead you on an exciting hike to Beaver Falls, about 3 miles downstream from the campground. The lower canyon features a true wilderness feel with spectacular scenery and plenty of great places to stop for a swim. Expect frequent stream crossings, fun scrambling up and down numerous obstacles and and a few ladders and primitive bridges. The pools at Beaver Falls are a welcome sight and well worth the effort to get there. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the banks of the turquoise waters before making our way back towards camp. Distance & Elevation: ~ 7 miles, 500 foot descent/ascent Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed early morning enjoying coffee and breakfast by the creek, we will head out day for another day of exploring. Today will focus on Havasu Falls, Fifty-Foot Falls and Little Navajo Falls, as well as exploring a quiet canyon not far from camp. This day features shorter hiking distances from camp and often involves a morning hike and an afternoon hike. Therefore you may opt to spend part of the day relaxing by the creek, napping under the shade of a cottonwood tree and just taking in the spectacular scenery of the canyon. Distance & Elevation: up to 4 to 6 miles, 300 foot descent/ascent Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for breakfast and prepare to retrace your steps back to Hualapai Hilltop. Enjoy the hike during the cool and shady early hours of the day, arriving back at the trailhead in time for a big, tasty lunch overlooking the Canyon. Plan to return to Flagstaff by 4pm. Distance & Elevation: 10 miles, 2400 foot ascent Breakfast, Lunch Drive Time: 3 hours

*Additional itineraries: For those seeking a shorter trip to the beautiful Havasupai waterfalls, we offer a 3-Day Havasu Falls hiking tour. For a longer adventure, our popular Havasu Falls Hiking/Black Canyon Kayaking Combo features our standard 3-Day Havasu Falls hiking tour followed by 2 days of kayaking and camping on the Colorado River below the Hoover Dam.

*Final itineraries are occasionally subject to change due to permit/campsite availability, park restrictions/closures, weather conditions and/or road closures.

What's Included

  • A professional, licensed and medically trained Havasu Falls guide
  • All necessary gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles
  • All cooking/eating gear: bowls, cups, utensils (your guide will prepare all meals)
  • All meals from a light breakfast on Day 1 through lunch on the last day + trail snacks
  • Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Flagstaff, AZ to Hualapai Hilltop
  • Entrance fees and camping permits

What's Not Included:

  • Transportation to/from Flagstaff, AZ
  • Lodging the night before/after the trip
  • Clothing, raingear, and footwear
  • Personal toiletries, sunscreen
  • Water bottles/hydration bladder
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Guide gratuity (suggested 10-15% of trip cost)

*Upon booking you will receive a detailed trip information packet

How many people are in the group?

Most Havasu Falls hiking tours will accommodate 6 people plus one guide. On occasion, a group may be as large as 12 people plus 2 guides.

Are there age restrictions?

Children under the age of 12 are generally not permitted on regularly scheduled tours. This restriction is negotiable on private tours. Please contact us with any questions regarding this policy.

How do I sign up?

In order to confirm a reservation, we require an initial deposit of $250 per person, with the final balance due 90 days prior to the trip’s departure. If you book a trip within 90 days of the trip’s scheduled departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking.

Your deposit is payable over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover. Checks by mail are fine as well, as are bank transfers ($35 transfer fee). Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Arizona time. 1-877-272-5032

Where does the trip begin/end?

This trip will begin/end in Flagstaff, AZ and you will need to spend the night prior to your trip’s scheduled departure in Flagstaff. You will want to fly into either Phoenix (2 hour drive) or Flagstaff. Please visit our Travel Resources page for information on airports, shuttles/rental cars and recommended hotels.

Where do meet our guides?

We will hold a pre-trip orientation at 4:30pm the evening prior to your trip’s departure at the Four Season Outfitters shop in Flagstaff. Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation.

Departure times and logistics for the following morning will be discussed at the orientation. Most trips will depart between 4:30am and 6am. *This meeting is not mandatory, but highly recommended, as we will depart early the next morning. If you are unable to attend, please let us know in advance so that we can make alternate arrangements.

What do we do with our car and extra stuff?

We will provide all transportation to/from trailheads for the duration of the trip. We will pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and return you there at the trip’s conclusion. Guests staying at the Embassy Suites (recommended) or Hampton Inn & Suites can leave their cars at the hotel. These hotels will often store your luggage for you, as well. If not, we are happy to store extra luggage at our shop for the duration of the trip. If you are staying at a different hotel, you will need to check with them as to whether you can leave your car there.

What time will we get back on the last day?

Expect to be back in Flagstaff by 5pm at the latest on the last day of the trip. Many trips will return earlier but we cannot make any guarantees. In general, it is recommended that you do not plan to fly home on the same day your trip finishes. Since each trip has slightly different logistics, feel free to contact us with specific questions related to the expected return time for your trip.

** Despite Havasupai reopening in 2023, we are still unable to offer guided trips. This is due to a continuing moratorium on all Outfitter/Guide licenses instituted by the Havasupai Tribal Council. Four Season Guides will not be offering guided tours to Havasupai until further notice. **

In the meantime, we offer a wide variety of outstanding hiking vacations to a number of other incredible destinations across the Southwest. We encourage you to have a look!

Call 1-877-272-5032 or email us for details.

havasupai falls tours

Havasupai Native Reservation, Arizona

CenterFocus Experiences

havasupai falls tours

  • South Kaibab - Bright Angel
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Havasupai guided backpacking trips and tours begin at Hualapai Hilltop, making a 10 mile descent through Hualapai and Havasu Canyon, past the native Supai Village and to our basecamp. From here we cast off to explore the turquoise waterfalls such as Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. While backpacking Havasupai, we can hike to the Colorado River, explore the green room, or relax on the sky terrace behind a flowing waterfall. Maybe we will just take it easy in one of the refreshing travertine pools that make up some of the best swimming holes in the world. Our camp consists of a comfortable sleeping setup, with tent based accommodations. CenterFocus guides prepare hot breakfasts and dinners, and we provide quality lunches, fresh fruits, snacks and drinks. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available upon request. We provide pack mules to bring your personal items in and out of the canyon for you, so we are able to travel light with smaller daypacks during the trip. This makes exploring the area a bit more enjoyable! Options are available for helicopter or horse transport as well. Contact us for more details on these options. Discounts are available for larger groups of five or more.

Day 1: We pickup in one of our many Northern Arizona destination cities and hike 10 miles into Havasupai. Eight miles into this hike we stop in the Native Village, where we stop to swim in New Navajo Falls. After this, we continue to our camp two more miles, spending the last of the day at Havasu Falls. The 10 mile hike into the area is through classic desert scenery, and contrasted by our arrival in the riparian life filled area of Havasu Creek.

Day 2: Today we explore Mooney Falls, travelling below these falls and down the famous chain ladder section during the descent. Once below Mooney, we head through amazing jungle like terrain with river crossings to reach Beaver Falls, and we may stop to see a hidden slot canyon on the way back. Enroute to camp a natural spring pouring from the wall can be used to clean off in totally clear cool water pouring from 20 feet above your head. For those looking to take it easy, we can guide you to Mooney Falls, and you may relax during the day in the many gourmet swimming holes near our camp, or at Havasu Falls itself.

Day 3: This is an early wakeup day, to avoid the heat during the warmer months, as it will be near the end of our hike today that will pose our greatest challenge. You will gain about 1000 feet over 8 miles, finishing with a 750 foot hill climb back to the canyon rimtop. The hike out in the morning while the sun is rising is gorgeous, and the goal today is taking our time, enjoying the scenery and watching the morning come to life as we work our way to the rimtop of the Grand Canyon.

Day 4 (optional): If you booked a four day trip, our final day will still be spent working our way out of Grand Canyon as stated above. However, our third day will serve as a second free day to further explore the area. There is a rich history here, marked by old mines and remnants of the past that your guide can provide information on. We can also go see any sites that have gone unseen, and simply have time to enjoy and relax in this place, something many customers realize and wish they had more time for once having arrived in the area.

Click here to sign up for the CenterFocus Newsletter and get the inside story regarding trip discounts, helpful travel information and tips on hiking in the Grand Canyon and Sedona areas, as well as canyoneering and rock climbing.

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Grand Canyon Waterfalls: Havasu Falls, Havasupai Waterfalls

Havasu Falls Tours

Why join a guided havasu falls tour.

There are many specific benefits to joining Havasu Falls tours. For one, you don’t have to hassle with gear, meal planning, making reservations…etc., which allows you to focus 100% on enjoying your vacation. You can travel with nothing but your clothes, arrive ready to go, and let someone else deal with the complexities of planning the trip.

Secondly, some companies provide pack mule service for all the gear and food (The Wildland Trekking Company described below does provide mules), which allows you to hike comfortably with only a light daypack vs. having to backpack with 30-40 pounds of supplies.

Thirdly, if you go with a reputable company (we recommend The Wildland Trekking Company and explain why below), you can expect to be hiking with an expert guide who will provide a higher level of safety as well as educate and entertain you with fascinating stories and information about the Grand Canyon’s early inhabitants, geology, wildlife and more.

Havasu Falls Tours

Havasu Falls Tours – Why the Wildland Trekking Company?

The Wildland Trekking Company is the premier provider of guided tours at Havasupai. They are a top-rated Grand Canyon tour company, the #1 rated Grand Canyon tour company on Trip Advisor, and have been lead tens of thousands of guests into Havasupai over the last decade.

Wildland Trekking’s Havasu Falls tours have been seen in The New York Times, on msn.com, in the Washington Post, on the Discovery Channel and more!

» CHECK OUT HAVASU FALLS TOURS

More Information

Check out these pages for more information:

  • Waterfall Descriptions
  • Directions to the Trailhead
  • Hiking to Havasupai
  • Helicopter to Havasu Falls
  • Havasu Falls Campground
  • Recommended Packing List
  • Guided Tours to Havasu Falls

Grand Canyon Waterfalls Tours

BG WILD

HAVASU FALLS

Havasu Falls, or Havasupai, is paradise on earth. This is a hidden Arizona treasure that for many is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Since 2010, BGWild has successfully led numerous trips to Havasupai, navigating the reservation system and guiding guests to this magical place.

WHY BG WILD?

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HAVASUPAI FALLS TRIP GALLERY

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DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. . . READ THESE REVIEWS FROM OUR GUESTS

“I’ve been on two trips with BG Wild…I almost didn’t go on the second one because the first trip was so amazing – I didn’t want to taint the memory – and then the second trip was unbelievably more amazing than the first one!

As a single mom I was able to spend valuable one-on-one time with my oldest son. Because BG Wild brings all the food, (not my forte), my son and I gladly pitched in with dishes. We got an amazing experience and ate like royalty in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

The group atmosphere was wonderfully set in place by fun, helpful, and kind leaders!

I can’t stop gushing about this trip to family and friends…I’ve traveled all over the world and this trip is top three next to backpacking through Europe and Australia!!”

“There are times when you see pictures and read articles on the internet, but the experience just does not match your expectations…but this is definitely NOT the case with Havasupai and BG Wild!!! The views are truly unforgettable, and make the 10-mile hike in totally worthwhile! To say the tour guides are “hard-working” would be an understatement and does not begin to give them the credit they deserve. They packed seven incredible waterfalls and multiple landscapes into one short day, still having time to cook multiple meals for all the hikers. Not sure if those two guys even sat down to rest their feet. When it came to meal time, they didn’t just boil water and drop in some MRE packets, these were full meals with plenty of food for second helpings; and I don’t think my coffee cup was ever empty!!! If you are thinking about visiting Havasupai, stop thinking NOW and book with BG Wild, disappointment is NOT EVEN AN OPTION!”

“Felt like I was with life long friends even though I didn’t know anyone before the hike. The guides were that awesome.”

“I have wanted to hike Havasupai Falls for years but was unable to get a permit. Now I know why – I was meant to hike with BG Wild for a thoroughly enjoyable, smart and comfortable trip. I can’t wait to go again.”

“This trip exceeded my expectations. Daniel was an exceptional guide and made the trip so much better with his enthusiasm and local knowledge. Also, the group we had couldn’t have been better.”

“Havasu Falls, or Havasupai, is rightfully known as “Heaven on Earth” and Daniel from BG Wild is the Commander in Chief you want guiding you through this magical kingdom!”

“BG Wild’s Havasupai experience and staff exceeded my expectations. Comfortable, enjoyable and adventurous! Epic trip!”

“If anyone wants to go to Havasupai without worrying about the impossible booking situation, these guys are amazing. We ran into them while we were down there, and they let us bum some amazing food! Not often you get to eat steak and salad while backpacking. They also apparently give their guests guided hikes, yoga, and massages. Omg I was so jealous!!! Thanks again guys for letting us join your group for the night.”

“We loved this trip!! My wife and I brought our two kids (10 and 8). Everything was so well organized and the food was amazing!!! We felt like we were in our own private paradise camping down there by the river. I would highly recommend BG Wild!”

“The trip was fantastic. I was a little bitter about having to book a trip to get into Supai after three of us calling for two weeks on redial to try and get reservations through the tribe. I found BG Wild online and they are 1/2 the price of all the other companies. It turned out it was even better than doing it on our own. Joshua and Daniel were incredible guides and cooks. When I visit again I’ll skip the Supai reservation line and go through BG Wild.”

“This was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Just when I was getting tired of walking, I see Havasu Falls! Then I was re-energized and excited for the rest of the weekend! Going with guides to the other falls was great because they knew exactly where to go, how long it would take, and what to expect as far as distance, difficulty, and getting wet, etc. Food was amazing, I can’t think of a better outcome, this was SO worth doing!!”

“My friend and I were very glad we chose to go with a guided hike from BG Wild. We loved the food, the yoga, the massage, our guide Daniel, and how special the trip felt. Our guide was fun, knowledgeable, and a great cook. The hammocks around camp were awesome to rest in. Would definitely recommend a trip with BG Wild!”

“BG Wild kicks ass! I’ll recommend you guys to everyone I know.”

“If you have seen the pics of the turquoise waterfalls on social media and thought to yourself “I gotta go there sometime”… or maybe even added it to your bucket list, do yourself a favor and book your trip with BG Wild. They take care of everything from permits, to amazing food, and most importantly knowing how to get things done in Supai at the bottom of The Canyon. The guides and the people they attract to their trips will make all the difference…They will make your great Havasaupi trip phenomenal.”

“Havasupai is a magical place! I’m not sure we would have made it to all the cool spots if our guide, Daniel, wasn’t there to show us the way. He was very knowledgeable about the layout of the land, village, locals, and had some good hiking tips. The staff was friendly and laid a back but constantly working to ensure we had anything we needed for a good time. The food was delicious and plentiful. Our days were packed full with hiking excursions, climbing, swimming and getting to know the other people in our group. If we ever return we will definitely book with BG Wild again! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime!”

“BG Wild provided the “Taj Mahal” of backpacking for us! Can’t recommend them enough! Great guides, great food, wonderful experience! Thank you so much Mikey, Daniel, and Cole! Can’t wait for our next adventure with you guys!”

“Our trip to Havasupai was a trip of a lifetime. The views climbing into the canyon and meandering to the village and camping site was something everyone should do at least once. The waterfalls were even prettier than the pictures I had seen online. To see them in person was breathtaking. BG Wild did a fantastic job coordinating the trip from permits, to bag delivery, to meals. The unique culture around the campsite was surprising. Everyone in the group pitches in to do food prep, serve meals and clean up. I met people from all over the US that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting an adventure that they won’t soon forget.”

“Best hiking and camping, great people, helpful and accommodating guides. Beautiful time!”

“Put simply, this was an amazing trip! Our guides (Josh, Kayla, and Cole) were phenomenal, the food was very good, and of course the canyon and falls are beautiful. We will be back next year.”

“I am not a “camper” but totally enjoyed the experience and would even do it again! Whaaaat!?!?! Josh, Kayla and Cole were AWESOME and made us feel right at home! They are exceptional at what they do and I hope they continue to share this experience w/others for years to come!”

“After attempting the difficult process of getting a permit on my own, I decided it would be best to go through an outfitter. I’m so glad I found BG Wild. Our “fun guides” were amazing and showed us so many awesome things I might have otherwise missed had I not gone with the group. They were also extremely inclusive, which helped the entire group really enjoy their time together regardless of age. Further, thanks to BG Wild, I knew what to expect when packing and preparing for the trip in general. It was great to have delicious food made for us rather than worrying about packing food and cooking materials in an already heavy pack. I could not recommend BG Wild more highly and hope to travel with them again in the future!”

Two Roaming Souls

How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls | Ultimate Guide

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

Categories Arizona , Backpacking , Travel Guides

Havasu Falls is one of the most majestic places on earth! It’s a side canyon of the Grand Canyon that has beautiful blue/green water that creates many stunning waterfalls as it makes its way through the canyon. There are 5 named waterfalls, but endless smaller terraced waterfalls mixed in along the way. In this post, I am going to give you all the details for how to plan a trip to Havasu Falls! 

Havasu Falls is one of the stops on a havasu falls backpacking trip

Note: This is a long post because I didn’t want to leave out any details, but each section is labeled, so feel free to skip to the sections you are most interested in.

Take A Virtual Tour With Us From Our Trip To Havasu Falls:

Screenshot of Two Roaming Souls Havasupai Teaser Video from 2018

Hiking Stats To Havasu Falls:

These statistics include hiking all 5 waterfalls from Hualapai Hilltop to Beaver Falls

Distance: 24 miles

Elevation: 3,651 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Out & back

Permit: Yes

Bathroom: At Trailhead, Town of Supai & Campground

Important Updates To The 2024 Havausu Falls Permits

  • There is only one 3-night permit offered for camping (no matter the duration you plan to stay).
  • The permit cost for the campground has risen to $455 per person .
  • The rate for the Havasupai Lodge has risen to $2,277 for a 3-night stay.
  • Presale does not guarantee a reservation spot, but it does increase your chance of receiving a reservation spot on your desired dates.
  • Public reservations will be available starting from February 1st .
  • Mule reservations, (for luggage only), cost $200 per trip.

Reservations/Permits For A Trip To Havasu Falls:

You MUST have a permit to hike to Havasu Falls. No day hiking is allowed. Reservations for Havasupai falls can be hard to come by, so you need to be prepared well in advance to snag one. There is a new permit system as of January 2019.

NEW:  You must create an account on HavasuapiReservations.com before purchasing a permit. This is to help public reservations on Feb 1 go much smoother.

Permits go on sale February 1st at 8 am (ARIZONA TIME) each year. The reservations are available for the whole calendar year following from February 1st-November 30th.

What Months Aren’t You Allowed At Havasu Falls?

The reservation is closed to tourists for the months of December and January .

Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. (Sometimes they make special exceptions). You can make reservations at:

https://www.havasupaireservations.com/ or call

  • (928) 448-2180
  • (928) 448-2237
  • (928) 448-2141
  • (928) 448-2121

Facebook Groups For Planning A Trip To Havasu Falls:

Or some Facebook Groups offer advice. But most Facebook Groups you need to request to be in the group. Some reputable Facebook Groups For How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls are: Havasupai and Havasu Falls , Havasu Falls 2021 , etc.

Cost Of A Trip To Havasu Falls:

The updated cost for a Havasu Falls Permit is $455 per person. This permit is good for 3-nights, 4-days at the reservation.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Havasu Falls:

The real answer is whenever you can snag a permit. But there are definitely better times to go throughout the year. 

In our opinion, it’s best to go when it is warm (Spring-Fall) so you can enjoy swimming in the stunning aqua blue water! 

But, monsoon season is something you need to be aware of, because the trail can close down at any time if the reservation feels it is unsafe. Monsoon season is typically from June 1st-September 30th, but can happen at any time. (The Havasupai Reservation had a monsoon July 11, 2018, followed by another smaller monsoon closing the trail until September 1, 2018). 

Another thing to consider is the Havasupai Tribe will shut down the trail if the temperature gets above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, we believe the best times to aim for are Late April/March or late September/Early October. 

Although they only allow 150 people during Monsoon Season and 300 during other peak times, therefore it will be more crowded in spring and fall. During those times the weather should still be relatively hot enough to swim in the water, and has less chance from a monsoon or heat shutting the trail down.

What If I missed the February 1st Reservation Opening For Havasu Falls Permits?

There are a few alternative ways to get a permit to Havasu Falls if you miss the February 1st reservation opening date, but it isn’t guaranteed. I wouldn’t bank on one of these options, but you might get lucky! 

Check Facebook Groups

One way to snag a Havasu Falls Permit after the Feb 1st reservation opening is to join a Facebook Group for Havasu Falls Backpacking. Life happens and a lot of people’s plans change. Reservations aren’t transferable, but people might have a few people drop out of their group and need additional members.

One catch is you usually have to be with the person whose name is on the reservation, so you will have to link up with them to coordinate hiking plans. We joined this group: Backpacking Havasu Falls , and people are always looking for other people to take their friends reservations.

Stay At The Lodge Instead Of The Campground

Another way, is to stay in the Lodge in Supai. People have up to 2 weeks ahead of their reservation to cancel it. There might be a waitlist you can put your name on for cancellations. But do note, the cost is $2,277 per night. Up to 4 people can stay in a lodge room which is $569 per person.

Check the Havasu Falls Cancellation & Transfers Page.

There is also the option to check the Havasu Falls Cancellation & Transfers Page for reservations that have been canceled.

havasupai falls tours

Trailhead For Havasu Falls:

The name of the trailhead is Hualapai Hilltop (or Havasupai Trailhead). To get here you turn off AZ-66 onto Indian Rd 18 and continue for 60 miles. The road dead-ends at the trailhead parking lot.

Also, you can put in Havasupai Trailhead into Google Maps and it will bring you to the parking lot.

Try to avoid driving Indian Rd 18 in the dark, because there is wildlife and free-range cattle all along this road. There is not nearly enough parking spaces in the lot, so many people have to park along the road next to the canyon rock walls. The line of cars can extend as far as a ½+ mile from the trailhead (which is extra miles you have to hike there and back).

The office for any helicopter rides, horse rides and bag drop offs (more info below) is located at the end of the parking lot near the start of the trail. If you’re carrying all your own gear yourself down to Havasupai, you don’t need to check-in at the trailhead. Instead, you will check-in at the office in the village of Supai (8 miles down the trail).

havasupai falls tours

Camping At The Havasupai Trailhead: 

Many people arrive the night before their reservation date and sleep in their car to ensure an early start time. There are restrooms located at the trailhead. 

It’s not advised to set up your tent in the parking lot, because you will be taking spots from other hikers and many cars arrive at night and might not see your tent pulling into a spot. 

There were tents set up on the ridge behind the restrooms that overlooks the canyon, but I don’t think it is allowed. 

Also, it’s a good idea to bring ear plugs & eye mask if you are sensitive to light or sound, because the parking lot tends to be active with cars and people throughout the night. The last thing you want is a bad night of sleep before your big trip to Havasu Falls!

Cell Service At Havasu Falls: 

You might be wondering what kind of cell service there is near Havasu Falls. Verizon will have minimal cell service at the parking lot. I had 3 bars and Extended LTE.  AT&T didn’t have service. Unsure about other providers.

Should I fill Up my Gas Tank Before Visiting Havasu Falls: 

It’s a good idea to fill up on gas before venturing out to the trailhead for Havasu Falls. The last gas stations before Havasupai Trailhead will be Seligman, AZ (if coming from the East) or Peach Springs, AZ (if coming from the West).

I’d suggest filling the tank in Williams, AZ (if coming from the East) or Kingman, AZ (if coming from the West) because it will be cheaper. You can always top off your gas tank at Seligman or Peach Springs if you are worried. We suggest getting the GasBuddy App to find the cheapest gas near you. 

When To Start Hiking For Havasu Falls: 

We highly suggest starting the hike before sunrise, because for most of the year the trail will be hot! 

On our way down we woke up at 3:30am and were on the trail by 4am, along with many other hikers. You should have a good flashlight or headlamp if you plan to hike in the dark.  The first half mile descends steep switchbacks, and going off trail could be dangerous. Leaving at 4am gave us enough time to get to the campground before the heat of the day. 

On the way back up, we left at 5:30am and encountered the sun toward the end of the hike which almost immediately made the hike more challenging. The final switchbacks were about 50% shade and we were thankful for any amount of shade at that point. 

Check when the sunrise is during the time of year you go and plan to leave a few hours before. However, the Tribe doesn’t like visitors hiking through the village of Supai at night. Since Supai is about 2 miles from the campground, there’s kind of a sweet spot where you start hiking at night but don’t pass through Supai until just after first light.

havasupai falls tours

How Long Does It Take to Get To Havasu Falls: 

When planning a trip to Havasu Falls, you might be wondering how long the hike actually takes. The hike to the town of Supai is 8 miles, and then an additional 2 miles to the start of the campground.

It took us around 5 hours each way (Hualapai Hilltop to Campground & Vice Versa) with stopping for pictures and a couple of snack breaks along the way. 

havasupai falls tours

Checking In At The Supai Office For Havasu Falls: 

There is an office located at the beginning of the Town of Supai (8 miles from Hilltop) where you need to check in and show your reservation number. You will have to sign a waiver and list all members in your party.

They will give each person a wristband that you are required to keep on during your stay (rangers do check) and a tent tag to attach visible to rangers walking the trail. You also will receive a packet of papers that has information and maps of the village and the campground.

a tent at the campground for havasu falls

Campground For Havasu Falls:

Tent or hammock camping in the campground is what the majority of visitors do. The campground is first-come, first-serve, so there is yet another advantage of leaving early in the morning.

The campground is 2 miles further past the town of Supai. You are only allowed to camp between the ranger station which is located right near the first restrooms and fourth restrooms by the top of Mooney Falls which stretches about ¾ of a mile.

Many people choose to camp along the river but there are many located on higher ground along the canyon walls. There are campsites located on both sides of the river but due to the flash flood in July 2018, some bridges were washed away.

There is still one “bridge” located further down the trail about a ¼ mile from where the river splits. Otherwise, you might have to get in the water up to your waist to cross to the other side of the river. (Hopefully they are planning to add more bridges for the future).

The campground gets VERY CROWDED, so just be prepared to have neighbors very close. We had people set up 5 feet from our tent, so be prepared to make some new friends! If you are sensitive to noise or light, this is another good time to have earplugs and an eye mask.

While most of the campground is close to at least one bathroom, the first half is definitely closer to the water source (info below). However, the beginning of the campground tends to be more crowded. You will just have to feel it out when you arrive and find a situation that works for you.

havasupai falls tours

Campfires At Havasupai Campground:

As nice as it would be to have a campfire on a trip to Havasu Falls at night, campfires are strictly prohibited. So don’t plan to cook any food over a campfire and plan your clothing accordingly. We suggest having a Jetboil or MSR Pocket Rocket  for easy backpacking meals. 

havasupai falls tours

For the best camp stoves check out our post: Best Camp Stoves For Backpacking

Drinking Water At Havasu Falls: 

It is recommended to have a minimum of 1 gallon of water per person for each day of hiking. There is no drinking water located at the trailhead or anywhere along the trail until you reach the town of Supai. 

There is a water faucet located at the Tourist Office, Lodge and General Store. But most people will be able to make it until the campground for water. 

The only potable water located at the campground is called Fern Spring. You will see signs for it on the left side of the trail just after the Ranger Station. Many drink the water from Fern Spring unfiltered, but even the Tribe suggested that we filter it. 

We figured it’d be a shame if one of us got sick in such an epic place. We use the  Platypus GravityWorks water-filter system , and we absolutely love it! 

You can filter the water straight from Havasu Creek, but it’s suggested to have a high-end water filter due to contaminants coming downstream. You will notice that the village of Supai has tons of horses. So when you consider all the horse waste plus the visitors “interacting” with Havasu Creek, the tantalizing blue water suddenly doesn’t seem so enticing to drink. 

The water at the campground really isn’t that far of a walk and much safer. Therefore, I would only drink the water from Havasu Creek in an emergency.

Should You Be Worried About Critters At Havasu Falls: 

There are a lot of critters who love to eat human food such as mice, squirrels, etc. We suggest having a Rodent Resistant Bag  or a Bear Canister.  And you will want to keep your food out of your tent, because these critters will make a hole if they suspect food. 

A couple we met at Havasu Falls lost all their trail mix to a pesky squirrel. They hung their food on a line, but the squirrel ate through the line, ate through their bag and found the trail mix. The funny part is that they ate the nuts and M&Ms, but left the raisins. 

Note : It’s a good idea to bring spare cash incase this happens and you want to purchase food from the frybread stands or cafe.

Also, be aware of snakes and scorpions. Thankfully, we didn’t see any, but I suggest keeping your shoes inside the tent just to be safe.

Weather For Havasu Falls: 

Havasupai goes through different seasons. But their winter tends to be mild. And like mentioned above people aren’t allowed at the reservation during the colder months (December/January). But if you want to sleep in much cooler temperatures, February/March & October/November will be a bit cooler.

Spring & Fall will have the best temperatures (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) to visit Havasu Falls. But those permits tend to get picked up first. 

The summer weather can get a little too hot (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Luckily there is a flowing creek to help keep you cool. But the hike in and out for your Havasupai Trip could be extreme. 

What If Rain Is In The Forecast For Havasu Falls:

Check the weather before going. If it is going to be raining you will want to check to make sure they are allowing people to enter the reservation. If you get a permit during Monsoon Season, check a week or so before you go that the reservation is open, because if they get a monsoon, they sometimes close down to fix paths/campground for tourists.

Wifi & Cell Service In Havasu Falls: 

Surprisingly, there is cell service in the town of Supai. Both Jake and I had cell service in the town of Supai, but there is also wifi available. But, you are in the most beautiful place, so who really needs wifi?!

Lodging For Havasu Falls:

If camping isn’t your style, lodging is available as well. The Lodge is located in the town of Supai. Lodging goes on sale February 1st @ 8am (ARIZONA TIME). The rate per night is $175.00 (without taxes & fees) which accommodates up to 4 people. An additional entrance fee of $90.00 per person will be charged upon arrival. 

You can cancel your reservation 2 weeks before arrival for a full refund, cancellation within 2 weeks is non-refundable. Due to cancellations, you might be able to get a permit through the lodge later in the year. You can call to make reservations at: (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201.

Can You Buy Food In Havasupai?

There are a few different places to buy food in Havasupai, such as the general store, cafe or frybread stand. 

General Store in Supai: 

If you forgot something on your Havasupai Trip or need a snack, don’t worry because there is a general store that is similar to a gas station store. Be prepared to pay high prices as they have to fly all their supplies in. There hours are Monday-Friday: 7am to 5:30pm and Saturday & Sunday: 8am to 5pm. (Hours may vary)

havasupai falls tours

There is a cafe located before you approach the established part of Supai. They serve the “famous” fry bread along with burgers and fries. Their hours are from 8am to 5pm (hours may vary).

havasupai falls tours

Fry Bread: 

There are also 3 frybread (fried dough) stands between the village and the campground. The hours vary and don’t seem super reliable (see sign above). But some people take the trek out to grab a “famous” frybread! Our camping neighbors grabbed some frybread and indian tacos and let us have a taste! They were delicious. They are cash only, so plan ahead if you want to indulge. 

havasupai falls tours

Backpacking To Havasu Falls: 

Backpacking to Havasu Falls with your own gear there and back is by far the cheapest option, but also the hardest option. Jake and I strongly suggest this mode of transportation! You will feel very accomplished if you hike in and out with everything on your back! Try to pack as light as you can and try hiking early to avoid the sun. (Packing list below).

havasupai falls tours

Check out our post: Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for what to pack for a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip

Pack Mules At Havasu Falls:

horses lined up to take everyones packs back up the trail at havasu falls

(The Havasupai reservation is trying to encourage packing in and out your own gear if you are able). 

But, if you feel you will need assistance with your bags, then having your gear sent via pack mule is your best option. You must have your bags checked in at the registration office located at the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot by 7am for the way down. They will advise you where to pick up your backpack and where to drop it off for the way back up. 

havasupai falls tours

The maximum size and weight limit are strictly enforced. Each pack mule can carry a maximum of 4 bags or total weight of 130lbs. The maximum bag size must not be larger than the standard military size duffle bag (36 inches long and 21 inches wide). 

For a cooler, the max size is 48 quarts and must not exceed 24 inches long, 19 inches wide, & 16 inches in height. If you are with a group, you could split a pack mule with 3 other people to cut the price down. (Price is per pack mule)

  • Hualapai Hilltop to Supai (Lodge) or Campground: $132 one way or $264 roundtrip.
  • $300 extra charge for missing the 7am campsite bag drop off

Note: There has been a lot of backlash about the working conditions for these animals. If you search the internet you will quickly find documentation of malnutrition and poor working conditions even resulting in death to some animals. 

The group behind this website, HavasupaiHorses.org , has been trying to help fix the situation since 2016. Because the Havasupai Tribe is a sovereign nation, it is difficult to enforce US laws. However, it seems that pressure on the Tribe has resulted in improvements. 

We paid close attention to the mules, and the 30 or so that we saw looked healthy. But there’s obviously more to a horses wellbeing than just looking healthy. My advice is to avoid using the horses altogether if you can.

Riding a Saddle Horse To Havasu Falls:

This option is not the cheapest, but could be a fun experience. Each person is allowed one small day pack. Therefore, you’d have to pay an additional rate for a pack mule to carry your additional bag/s. The maximum weight limit is 250lbs including person and daypack. (Price is per saddle horse)

  • Hualapai Hilltop to Supai (Lodge) or Campground: $250 one way or $500 roundtrip
  • Supai Village to Campground: $175 one way or $350 roundtrip

Helicopter Rides For Havasu Falls: 

Backpacking isn’t for everyone, so we noticed a lot of people hiked in, but decided to get the helicopter out. But definitely don’t rely on using this service, because it isn’t the most reliable. No reservations are taken for helicopter transportation. 

The Airwest Helicopter Company is not associated with Havasupai Tourist Enterprise (the company you get reservations through). Helicopter rides are on a first come, first serve basis. Helicopter rides start at 9am (from Supai) but it is encouraged to arrive a few hours before to put your name on the list.

There is a check in office located at Hualapai Hilltop for rides to the village and a check in office in Supai Village for rides back to Hualapai Hilltop. The helicopter ride takes about 3 minutes one way. Havasupai Tribe members will take priority over tourists.

  • Hualapai Hilltop to Supai: $85 one way

Drugs & Alcohol Rules At Havasu Falls: 

The Havasupai Reservation doesn’t allow the consumption of drugs or alcohol anywhere on the reservation. So please don’t bring any with you. 

The 5 Waterfalls At Havasupai: 

There are 5 different named waterfalls along the hike to Havasupai Falls. Each waterfall is stunning in their own unique way!

Fifty Foot Falls: 

fifty foot falls, one of the waterfall stops on how to plan a trip to havasu falls

Fifty Foot Falls is the first waterfalls you will encounter. About ½ mile past the village, an unmarked trail will veer to the left. The trail to the right will take you straight to the campground, but if you want to take your pack off and take a little detour take the trail to the left. 

We set our packs down and changed our footwear so we could cross the water and get a good look at the waterfalls. I believe many people miss this falls because they hurry to the campground and you’d have to backtrack (3 miles roundtrip) from the campground to reach this one. 

And don’t expect to see it on your way out because if you leave early morning on your departure day (our recommendation), it will be dark when you pass it. 

Little Navajo Falls: 

fifty foot falls, one of the waterfall stops on how to plan a trip to havasu falls

Little Navajo Falls is shortly after Fifty Foot Falls. Continue down the path past Fifty Foot Falls and along the river you will see small terraced waterfalls leading to another larger drop. This waterfall has changed since the last Monsoon. We spent a few minutes enjoying the falls and taking some pictures before heading on to the campground. There is a path to the right that leads you back up to the path that takes you to the campground.

Havasu Falls: 

About ½ mile before reaching the campground, you will come across the breathtaking “Havasu Falls”. You will hear the giant falls before you can see them.

Continue on the path down toward the campground and to your right, you will see the beautiful aqua blue falls. Since this is only ½ mile from the campground, we snapped a few photos and continued on to set up camp and change into bathing suits before heading back.

havasu falls from a distance

The sun will pass fast on this falls between the tall canyon, so head there mid-morning and stay to swim til early afternoon if you want to get some sun! (May vary based on time of year)

Mooney Falls:

mooney falls on a havasu trip with the cool features of the trail in the shot

Mooney Falls is a stunning 200 foot drop into a deep aqua pool. Mooney Falls is actually very similar to Havasu Falls, but a bit taller and much harder to reach the bottom.

The campground ends right near the top of Mooney falls, so some dare-devil people set up camp right along the cliff above Mooney Falls. But you are not supposed to set up past the last bathrooms, so perhaps they got reprimanded.

If you plan to hike down be sure to use the bathrooms before heading down the treacherous ladders down to the bottom of Mooney Falls. The path down to Mooney Falls is dangerous but doable. You sign a waiver upon your arrival at the tourist office stating you will not hold the Havasupai Tribe accountable for any mishaps. But honestly, if you take your time and be extra cautious, you will make it up and down with no problems.

a view of mooney falls on a havasu falls trip from the distance

The path down consists of climbing down a steep canyon rock wall. You will first descend through 2 tunnels with stair-like carvings in the rocks until you reach the steepest section with ladders held up by bolts and chains to hold onto. Mooney Falls sprays mist on the rocks and chains, so they can be very slippery. Since there is only one route to travel up and down, it can become very crowded.

It is best to go early to avoid lines, and especially best to go before the crowds start to make their way back up, but once there are lines either direction, it might be nearly impossible to go the opposite direction of the crowds.

We encountered a couple trying to go down at about 3pm. They were perched in the rock face about halfway down the ladders with no way to communicate to the line of people coming up. I bet they waited almost 30 minutes for an opportunity to go the rest of the way down.

Screenshot of Two Roaming Souls Climbing To The Bottom Of Mooney Falls

Beaver Falls: 

beaver falls, one of the waterfall stops on how to plan a trip to havasu falls

Beaver Falls is the last of the 5 named waterfalls. Located 2 miles from the end of the campground you will finally reach one of the many cascade pools you can swim in. This one is also the hardest to get to due to its length and challenging paths. 

Beaver Falls is about 2 miles further down the river from Mooney Falls. There is a trail to the left if you are looking down the creek. The path changes to each side of the river, so you will need to cross the creek a few times. 

About .5 miles from Mooney you will encounter very plush green vegetation between the canyon walls. Follow the path until you reach a giant tree that looks like a palm tree with no trunk. There are 2 paths you can take from here: the high road or the low road. 

The high road will climb a couple ladders on the right, just after the palm tree.  We suggest if you plan to take the low road to do it on the way there so you are going with the current. You will encounter a few small waterfalls you have to either pass on the side or jump down to continue toward Beaver Falls. 

If you take the low road, beware that the water level changes throughout the year, so you can’t always walk along the creek floor, and have to swim in areas. it’s about a 1/4 mile till you reach the top of Beaver Falls. 

It may be tempting to jump the waterfalls at Beaver but it is against the Havasupai Tribe rules. (We also don’t know how deep it is or if any rocks or logs are in the way.) 

In order to get to the bottom of Beaver Falls you will need to scale a wall for about 8 feet and climb a rope down a steep rock wall to the left if looking down the falls or if looking to the right, you can connect with the high road and continue that way. 

If you choose the high road, you have to climb a few ladders and along narrow paths with large cliffs to one side. Both are doable, but again be extra cautious. 

If you want the sun to be shining while you explore Beaver Falls, you should plan to get there before noon.  

Screenshot of Two Roaming Souls Youtube video on Taking The Low Road To Beaver Falls Havasupai

Hiking To The Colorado River From Havasu Falls: 

Many people don’t make it past Beaver Falls, but if you are up for the challenge, you can hike to the Confluence where Havasu Creek and the Colorado River meet up at the Grand Canyon. The hike is an additional 4 miles from Beaver Falls (12 miles round-trip from the end of the campground). 

Jake & I decided to turn back after Beaver Falls, but some brave soles decide to hike down to the Colorado River. The trail starts to the right if you are looking down river from Beaver Falls. 

There are two ways to get down the ridge, one requiring rappelling and the other safely descending over the ridge to the right. The hike is said to be difficult and hard to follow at times, but inevitably follows the river. You will need to do many river crossings along the way to stay on the trail. 

It is advised to start this hike at sunrise and to bring a headlamp in case you underestimate the time it will take you. Bring at least 2 gallons of water or a water filter, sunscreen, & extra snacks.

Packing List For Havasu Falls: 

(Links included to our favorite products)

  • Printed Permit
  • Backpacking Pack
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Hiking Socks
  • Water bladder or water bottle
  • High Energy Food: Trail mix, energy bars, jerky etc.
  • Electrolytes
  • Sleeping Bag –> Check out our article on How To Choose The Right Sleeping Bag 
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Sunscreen  (Travel Size)
  • Pants (for night)
  • Layers (Check the weather- It can get chilly at night)
  • Chaco’s or keens –> Check out our article on our Gear Review: Chaco’s
  • Backpacking Towel
  • Ultralight Daypack
  • Bug Spray  (Travel Size)
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Toilet Paper (They supply, but they DO run out occasionally)
  • First AidKit
  • Inhaler (for people who have asthma)
  • Rodent Resistant Bag  or  Bear Canister
  • Food for lunch & dinner
  • Cash (most places in the village only accept cash or if they do accept credit they charge a percentage)
  • Hiking Poles
  • Biodegradable shampoo & conditioner
  • Cards/games
  • Rain Jacket
  • Battery Pack
  • Camp Pillow
  • Raft/Floaty (make sure to pack it back out with you)

Contact Info:

  • Camping reservations: (928) 448-2180, (928) 448-2237, (928) 448-2141, or (928) 448-2121 Or https://www.havasupaireservations.com/

Reservation lines are open from 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. on Monday through Friday

  • Lodging reservations: (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201

Takeaway | How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls In Havasupai

Havasu Falls is one of the most special places on earth. When you are there, you don’t know how something so majestic exists. While it may be an expensive and hard trip to plan, it will be worth every penny. Respect the tribe and leave the reservation better than when you arrived!

Note: Drones are Prohibited. There is NO dayhiking allowed.

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Havasu Falls Havasupai Travel Guide

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Havasu Falls Grand Canyon (Open for 2023)

The Havasupai Tribe will OPEN Havasu Falls and the Havasupai Reservation to tourists on February 1st 2023. There are no NEW reservations/permits for 2023. Only those reservation holders that were impacted by the COVID tourism suspension have a confirmed reservation. The only way to get a reservation for 2023 is to purchase off the official transfer list.

Havasu Falls is one of four major waterfalls in Havasu Canyon located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, west of Grand Canyon National Park. These waterfalls are world famous for their beautiful turquoise color and Havasupai actually means ‘people of the blue green water.’  The Havasupai Tribe is the only group of Native Americans who still live inside Grand Canyon, and their home is one of the most amazing destinations in the world. The waterfalls of Havasupai are one of the Grand Canyon's most unique and amazing destinations.

Many national park visitors do not know about Havasu Falls. The waterfalls of Havasu Canyon rival any tropical paradise in the world, and they are truly an anomaly in the desert southwest. The water from Havasu Creek that spills over these magnificent falls eventually makes its way to the Colorado River. Havasu is world-renowned for the unique color of its water, a captivating blue-green that is the result of high levels of travertine, a type of limestone.  Travertine is also responsible for the myriad pools all along the creek and at the base of the falls, which make excellent swimming holes. Read the guide below to learn more and plan your trip to Havasupai, or check out our Havasu Falls map to see all Havasupai destinations and attractions!

Grand Canyon Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks.

Havasu Falls Travel Guide

While it is a strenuous hike, Havasu Falls offers year-round adventure for all types of people. Families, experienced hikers, and novices can experience the magic of Havasu with some advanced trip planning . The weather from March through November is best, but winter trips offer the most solitude. The most popular option is hiking in to Havasu (with pack mules to carry your gear) and camping at beautiful Havasu Campground. You can also acquire transport via helicopter for an additional fee and if camping under the stars is not your cup of tea, the Lodge is a quick two-mile hike from the falls.

You get to Havasu Falls by heading west on Historic Route 66 from Seligman, Arizona or east on Route 66 from Peach Springs, AZ and then taking Indian Route 18, a 60-mile dirt road that dead ends at Hualapai Hilltop (the Havasu Falls trailhead). From the trailhead, it is an 8-mile, downhill hike to Supai Village (where the tribe resides), and another 2 miles to Havasu Falls and the campground. This beautiful hike can be done with or without the assistance of pack mules and you must book a campground or pack mule permit online before you can hike in. There are also limited first come, first serve helicopter flights from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village. It is important to know that if the helicopter can't fly you must be prepared to hike out on your own since accommodations are limited and may not be available.

Camping Permits and Reservations

Making a campground or pack mule reservation.

All reservations for the campground and pack mules must now be made online at the official Havasupai Reservations website. They no longer accept phone calls for these reservations, even to check for last minute cancellations.

Reservations always sell out fast. All 2019 reservations were made available on the website on February 1, 2019 at 8:00am.

All campground reservations are made per person, per night and are for 3 night/4 days.

With the required 3 night/4 day reservation, it will cost between $300 and $375 per person to camp.

No, it is a "camp wherever you want" campground running for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Fall. This means there are no assigned camping sites and you are welcome to set up camp anywhere within the campground area that is safe and respectful of the land and your fellow campers.

Pack Mules and Mule Rides to Havasupai

  • Pack Mules are $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.

The Havasupai Tribe no longer offers mules rides in and out of Havasu Canyon; they transport gear only, not people. Your only non-hiking option is to ride the first come, first serve helicopter.

  • If you want to learn more about Grand Canyon mules rides, check out our page on guided mule rides .

Maps and Directions

The hike or flight to Havasu Falls starts at Hualapai Hilltop. To learn more about getting to Hualapai Hilltop check out our Havasu Falls Maps and Directions  page to get information on the best way to travel to Havasupai from various nearby cities.

Hualapai Hilltop

Hualapai Hilltop is the trailhead for all hikers heading to Havasu Falls and is also where helicopters fly in and out of Supai Village. This part of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is not as scenic as other areas so you might not have the same jaw-dropping impression at this dusty trailhead that you have at other Grand Canyon destinations. This is one of those trips where it is more about the destination than the journey. Along the trail, shortly before you reach Supai Village, you'll get your first glimpse of the blue green waters of Havasu Creek. 

Supai Village

Supai Village is home to the Havasupai Tribe, and you'll see homes, horses, a post office, a café, and a store. This is also the location of the permit office where hikers need to check in before heading to the campground below Havasu Falls. If you have a Lodge reservation, it is located in Supai Village.

There are no roads to Supai and everything is either carried down by pack mules or via helicopter. Provisions are both sparse and pricey, so don't plan on stocking up on gear and food for your trip here. You should definitely bring both a credit card and cash in case you need anything or just want to buy a cold drink in the middle of a hot day.

The Waterfalls

When you leave Supai Village the scenery starts to change quickly, and it's a flat 2-mile hike to the campground and Havasu Falls. As you follow the trail out of Supai Village it won't be long until you reach your first Havasu Canyon waterfalls . After the flood of 2008, Havasu Canyon went through some major changes. Two new waterfalls were formed from the flood, 50 Foot Falls and New Navajo Falls (the original Navajo Falls is no longer around). These are the first major waterfalls you'll see before you reach Havasu Falls. Below Havasu is the campground which stretches for about a mile until you reach the next major waterfall, Mooney Falls. Mooney Falls is the tallest waterfall in Havasu Canyon and the end of the developed area. From the top of Mooney Falls there is a steep climb (that involves using chains drilled into the canyon walls) to got to the base of the waterfall. From there, you can continue hiking to the least visited waterfall of Havasu Canyon, Beaver Falls. Below Beaver Falls Havasu Creek continues on its long journey to the Colorado River .

Weather and Conditions

Starting from the West Rim at Hualapai Hilltop and traveling to Supai Village and Havasu Falls in the inner Grand Canyon you'll experience quite a bit of variation in weather. The Grand Canyon also has very different conditions depending on which season you travel to Havasu Falls. Make sure you're prepared for your trip by learning more about Havasu Falls weather before you travel.

Hiking to Havasupai

Although there are limited first come first serve helicopter flights to Supai Village, nearly all visitors to Havasupai will take the trail from Hualapai Hilltop. Learn about about what the hike is like and what to expect by reading our guide on hiking to Havasu Falls .

Take a look at our overview of Havasu Falls services to get a better idea of what is available for your trip to make planning a bit easier.

Havasu Falls FAQs

Our Havasupai FAQs section below will answer the basic about Havasu Falls, Supai Village and the Havasupai Tribe.

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Havasu Falls Photo Gallery

50 Foot Falls

Havasu Falls Services

The Havsuapai Tribe has a map of Supai Village including the services that they offer. In Supai Village you will find a post office, store, café, lodge, Tourist Office and clinic. You won’t find much more than postcards for purchase at the Store. Regardless, you should bring a credit card and some cash in case you need to buy extra food or something that you forgot.

Havasupai Lodge

Havasupai Lodge is the only lodging at the bottom of Havasu Canyon. Reservations sell out fast and must be made as soon as they are available {All 2020 Lodge reservations were made available on June 1, 2019 at 8:00am}. Unlike the campground, all Lodge reservations must be made over the phone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. You cannot reserve Lodge rooms online.

Most Havasu Falls hikers choose to stay in a nearby hotel in either Peach Springs, AZ or Seligman, AZ the nights before and after their trip. To find the best hotels, check out our West Rim hotels and lodging page.

Supai Restaurants

The only restaurant at Havasu Falls is the Café in Supai Village. The Café is open from 8am-5pm and sells basic diner food like eggs and toast and burgers and fries. Try the Indian Taco, which is served on fry bread. Cash, credit and debit cards accepted. 

The Store is open 7am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, and 8am- 5pm Saturday & Sunday. They carry basic food items such as sodas, fruit, canned goods, meat, and bread. They also have travel size toiletries. Expect to pay more for items than you would at home since they account for the unusual transportation costs in their prices. Cash, credit and debit cards accepted. 

Havasu Falls Guided Tours

In 2019, the Havasupai Tribe stopped allowing guided trips onto Reservation land. In the past, many people chose to take a guided trip because of the difficult logistics of Havasu Falls trip planning.

But don’t let this stop you from visiting the beautiful turquoise waterfalls of Havasu Canyon! Grand Canyon Guru has all of the trip planning information you need, whether you want to hike, ride a helicopter, stay in a hotel, or camp next to the waterfalls. On our site, you’ll find all of the information you need to plan out all of the necessary logistics, so you are prepared for the adventure of a lifetime! If you want to learn more about guided tours in the canyon, check out our Grand Canyon Tours page.

Havasupai Tribe

The Havasupai people of world-renowned Havasu Falls have lived in the Grand Canyon for over 800 years. Arriving circa 1300 AD, the Havasupai are known for being the only permanent, continuous inhabitants of Grand Canyon. You can learn more about The Havasupai Tribe here .

Remember that you are a visitor on the Havasupai’s sacred homeland, and you must follow their rules and regulations, including:

  • No rock climbing
  • Appropriate clothing is required throughout the Reservation

Not sure where to begin planning your trip to Havasu Falls? Doing some planning before your trip will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our comprehensive FAQs below to find everything you need to know to have the adventure of a lifetime!

Where is Havasu Falls located?

Havasu Falls is located in the western part of Grand Canyon, about 60 miles north of Peach Springs, Arizona.

Is Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park?

Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Reservation and is in the Grand Canyon but is not part of Grand Canyon National Park.

How do I get to Havasu Falls?

All trips into Supai and the Havasu Falls area start at the Hualupai Hilltop trailhead on the Havasupai Reservation. You access the trailhead off of Old Route 66 by driving about 60 miles down Indian Route 18. Indian Route 18 is unpaved but is usually kept in good condition for regular passenger vehicles.

Once I’m at Hualupai Hilltop (the trailhead) how do I get into the canyon?

From the Havasu Falls trailhead you can hike or take a helicopter. There are no guaranteed helicopter rides and all visitors staying at the Lodge or campground must make a reservation beforehand.

Camping Permits & Pack Mules Reservations

How do i make a campground or pack mule reservation, how far in advance should i make my campground or pack mule reservation, what is the minimum stay for a campground reservation, how much does it cost to camp, does my campground reservation include a designated campsite, i would prefer to not carry my camping gear. how much is a pack mule.

Mules are $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.

I prefer not to hike and want to ride a mule instead. How do I make a reservation?

Helicopter filghts to havasupai, i’m not up for the adventure of hiking to havasu falls. how do i make a helicopter reservation.

The helicopter company (AirWest) does not fly every day and is first come, first serve only. Tribal members always have priority so regardless of when you get in line you might have to wait for hours, if you get a ride at all. Because of this, it is essential that you are prepared for the possibility that you might have to hike both into and out of the canyon, if needed.

Where does the helicopter drop you off?

The helicopter lands in Supai Village so you will still need to hike the last two miles to the waterfalls.

How much does the helicopter cost?

It is $85 each way and includes one bag up to 40lbs.

Havasupai Lodging

I’m not into camping.  is there a hotel at havasu falls.

Yes, there is one small Lodge in Supai Village, two miles from Havasu Falls.

How do I make a reservation for the Lodge?

Unlike the campground, all Lodge reservations must be made over the phone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. You cannot reserve Lodge rooms online.

How far in advance should I make my Lodge reservation?

Rooms sell out fast. All 2020 Lodge reservations were made available on June 1, 2019 at 8:00am.

How much does it cost to stay in the Lodge?

Rooms are $440 per room, per night and can accommodate up to 4 people per room. In addition, there is a $100 entrance/environmental fee per person, as well as a $100 deposit per room, per night.

Where will I eat when I stay at the Lodge?

The only options for food in Supai Village are the Store or the Café. The Store sells cold drinks, ice cream, fruit and canned goods. The café is open from 8am-5pm and sells basic diner food like eggs and toast and burgers and fries. People enjoy the Indian Taco, which is served on fry bread.

Where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?

Since it is recommended that you start your hike (or get in line for the helicopter) by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay in the closest hotels to the trailhead. You’ll find basic hotels in Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhead) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20min from trailhead).

Hiking to Havasu Falls

How far is the hike into havasu falls.

It is 8 miles from Hualupai Hilltop to the village of Supai (where the Lodge is located) and the campground and waterfalls are an additional 2 miles from Supai.

Is the hike difficult?

While thousands of people do the hike every year, it is a strenuous hike that is made much more difficult because of the remote desert conditions of the trail. Temperatures can soar to 115 degrees during the heat of the day so it is important to hike early, carry and drink plenty of water, and to know your limits.

I would like to do Havasu Falls as a long day hike. Can I do that?

No. Hiking anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation is by permit only and hiking permits are only issued with an existing campground or Lodge reservation. You may not hike into the canyon for a day hike.

Since the trailhead is remote, where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?

Since it is recommended that you hit the trail by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay close by so they can get an early start. You’ll find basic hotels in both Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhed) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20mins from trailhead).

The Waterfalls of Havasu Canyon

How tall is havasu falls.

About 100 feet tall

Are there other waterfalls?

Yes, there are several other turquoise waterfalls nearby including New Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

Why are the waterfalls turquoise?

The waters that feed the falls come from underground springs that include high levels of dissolved magnesium and calcium. As the water percolates through the local limestone, it becomes saturated with precipitated calcium carbonate (also found in chalk, snail shells and eggshells). Together, the magnesium, calcium, and calcium carbonate reflect sunlight in such a way that it creates the brilliant turquoise color. The white limestone rocks that line the creek amplify the color and make it appear even brighter.

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Jared Dillingham at Havasupai Falls' Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead

The Hualapai Hilltop: The Havasupai Falls Trailhead [2024 Update]

havasupai falls tours

THE HUALAPAI HILLTOP LOT & HAVASUPAI TRAILHEAD

The Hualapai Hilltop is the gateway to a trip to the Havasupai Trailhead and the waterfalls along Havasu Creek.  You’ll find the trailhead for the 10+ mile hike to the Havasupai Falls Campground, a helicopter landing pad, and the mules used to haul visitors’ luggage and gear.

You’ll find it in a remote part of the Desert Southwest, at the end of Indian Road 18, about an hour north of Peach Springs, Arizona.

If you’re heading to the Hualapai Hilltop, chances are you already have your Havasupai Falls permit (congratulations!!) and you’re looking for information on how to plan your adventure.

jared dillingham havasupai permit

Hotels Near the Hualapai Hilltop

Under the new check-in policy beginning in 2023, the leader of each group has to check in at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn along Route 66.

Grand Canyon caverns inn

It’s an eclectic operation, featuring a cafe, a motel, a cavern underground you can rent for the night, and different Route 66 antiques and memorabilia.

Grand Canyon caverns inn havasupai checkin

Check-in is currently from 6:00am to 7:00pm … BUT … the hours change throughout the year, so it’s worth calling the Caverns to double-check before your trip. During the spring, the check-in hours were reduced to 8:00am – 5:00pm.

There are a number of hotel options in Seligman, Arizona, which is 26 miles east of the Grand Canyon Caverns check-in location.  You can use this interactive map to plug in your dates and search for hotels in the area.

I’d suggest staying at the Hualapai Lodge , which is about 10 miles away from the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs, AZ.

Hualapai lodge

The rooms are spacious, so you’ll have plenty of room to lay out and repack all of your camping and hiking gear, if necessary.  It’ll also be your last hot shower for several days, so enjoy!

Hualapai lodge trading post near havasupai

The Hualapai Lodge has a big breakfast menu, which is the perfect way to start a long day ahead.  The Diamond Creek restaurant opens at 6:30, so there’s time to eat and load up and then get to the Grand Canyon Caverns check-in by 8:00am.

Distance to the Hualapai Hilltop & Havasupai Trailhead

A trip to Havasupai Falls requires a road trip from one of the nearest airports and cities, and an overnight stay in a hotel nearby.

Here are some mileages for you, since some will come from a flight to Phoenix, others a flight to Las Vegas, and others on a road trip around the Southwest:

Las Vegas to Hualapai Hilltop

  • 3.5 hours drive
  • Stay in Peach Springs, AZ (65 miles from trailhead)

Phoenix to Hualapai Hilltop

  • 4+ hours drive

Flagstaff to Hualapai Hilltop

  • 2.5 hours drive

Sedona to Hualapai Hilltop

  • 3+ hours drive

South Rim Grand Canyon to Hualapai Hilltop

The drive to the hualapai hilltop & havasupai trailhead.

Once you check-in for your trip to Havasupai Falls, you still have an hourlong drive to the Hualapai Hilltop.

road to havasupai falls

No 4×4 Needed

From Route 66, you’ll head north on Indian Road 18.  It’s pretty much a straight shot up a nicely-paved road, so you will *not need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.  Any kind of car can make the trip to the Hualapai Hilltop lot.

Careful of the Wildlife!

You’re bound to see elk in the pine forest section of the drive.  They’re right alongside the road, so be wary of them.  

Meanwhile, cattle will be right *in the road itself.  They free-roam and graze all over the area, so you’ll definitely have to be on the lookout for them as you drive up to the Hualapai Hilltop lot.

havasupai falls tours

The Checkpoint on the way to the Havasupai Trailhead lot

There’s one checkpoint on the road, about five miles before you reach the Hualapai Hilltop.

It may, or may not be, staffed, when you drive through.

The checkpoint seems to be open from around 8:00am until 5:00pm, though the hours vary.

If you’re heading up before dawn (which many hikers do in the summer months to start and finish their hikes before the intense midday heat) you likely won’t see anyone at the checkpoint, and can drive right through.

havasupai falls checkpoint on Indian road 18

Key Advice Heading to the Hualapai Hilltop…

They will not let you begin your hike at the Havasupai Trailhead after 2:00pm.  The tribal staff will turn you around if you try passing through the checkpoint after 2:00pm.

havasupai falls road checkpoint

Parking at the Hualapai Hilltop Lot

The parking lot at the Havasupai Trailhead will likely be full when you arrive.  Don’t worry: there’s plenty of parking along the road leading up to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.  

Some people have to park more than half-a-mile down the road.  If that’s the case when you arrive, you can drop your gear off in the lot with someone, park, and then walk back to the lot.  You likely don’t need an extra half-mile trek with 35 pounds on your back, even if it’s on the flat road!

No Sleeping at the Havasupai Trailhead

I’ve had friends in the past drive all the way to the parking lot at night and sleep in their cars to get an early start.  The Havasupai Tribe banned car sleepovers in 2023, when they reopened post-pandemic.

Other rules include:

Advice for Hikers parking at the Hualapai Hilltop

Leave a fresh change of clothing and shoes in your car when you park at the Hualapai Hilltop!  You’ll be thankful for them after you leave and shower for the first time in days.

Also, leave bottles of water, plus food and snacks.  You’re likely to be totally out of water after you 10+ mile hike out from the campground to the hilltop, so you’ll be relieved to have drinks and a mini snack buffet waiting for you in the car (even if it’s warm after sitting there for several days).

Hike Havasu Canyon from the Havasupai Trailhead

Once you’re done organizing everything, you’ll be in awe of the view itself from the Hualapai Hilltop.  

havasupai falls trailhead hike

The Havasu Canyon below (at least in terms of geography and the satellite view) is part of the greater Grand Canyon.

You won’t be hiking through the Grand Canyon National Park, but if you follow the canyon in front of you far enough, you’ll cross from Havasupai tribal land into the national park.

In fact, many hikers choose to do just that!  While it’s 11 miles from the hilltop to the campground, the following day you can go another nine miles (or so) to the confluence.  That’s where Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park.

Colorado River rafters at the confluence with Havasu Creek

I’m getting ahead of myself.

Also from the Hualapai Hilltop, you’ll see the immediate path in front of you: a two mile stretch of switchbacks and a downward slope that will lead you from the rocky cliff you’re on down to the canyon floor.

switchbacks on the trail to havasupai falls

The switchbacks are nicely maintained by the Havasupai Tribe, making the steep descent (and days later, you climb back up) more manageable.  

havasupai falls hiking trail switchbacks

Cell Service at the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot

You won’t have cell signal for most of your visit to Havasupai Falls, so send all of your important things and download whatever you need (and your AllTrails Pro maps) before you leave your hotel.

Cell signal is minimal at best at the Hualapai Hilltop. Depending on your carrier, you’re likely to get a bar or two on the road right before the main lot.  For me, it wasn’t enough to make a clear phone call. It was just enough to send a text (without photos).

The next cell service you might have will be after passing through the village of Supai.  On the trail by Navajo Falls, you’ll likely pickup a few bars, before losing them by the time you get to Havasu Falls a few hundred yards away.

A lot of people enjoy “unplugging” at Havasupai Falls, but for those who’d like to send an “I’m alive” text to a loved one, it’s information to keep in mind.

The Havasupai Mules

In addition to a separate lot where the Havasupai people park their vehicles (adjacent to the visitors’ lot) you’re also likely to see pack mules and horses at the Hualapai Hilltop.

havasupai parking lot mules

They’re either here resting after a trek out from the campground with luggage, gear, and tents … or … preparing to walk back in, carrying mail and other supplies for the Havasupai Tribe.

havasupai falls tours

You can hire a mule to carry your bags, but make sure to reserve your mule when you secure your permit.  You may be able to negotiate a deal with the leader of the mule train on the spot, but it’s unlikely.

Pack mules have been part of Havasupai life for centuries.  The Tribe has relied on them to work in the fields, and carry supplies to the remote area for as long as people have been living there.

Still, the mules are controversial here, as are horses in New York City and mules at the Grand Canyon.  The mules and horses don’t carry tourists down to Havasupai, but they do carry everything else.

In 2015, after tourists (and members of the Tribe) grew alarmed by the mistreatment and neglect of the mules, they launched a campaign to improve their conditions.

The Havasupai Tribe says they’ve taken steps to improve the treatment of the pack mules and horses.

Among the new maximum size and weight limits:

  • 4 bags max per mule
  • 32 pounds per bag max
  • 36 inches long, by 19 inches wide per bag max

mule train at havasupai falls

Pack Mule Prices at Havasupai

Again, you’ll have to reserve a pack mule when you initially book your reservations to Havasupai Falls.

The price to have a mule carry your bag from the Hualapai Hilltop to the Havasupai Falls Campground is $400 (round trip).  

Plus, keep in mind: it’s a dusty trail and these are dusty animals.  So most hikers choose to put an extra layer of protection around their gear, like a duffel or big plastic bag.

havasupai falls mule train

Key Information for Hikers Hiring Mules:

  • Drop bags off by 10:00am at the Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead
  • Drop bags off by 7:00am at the Havasupai Falls Campground (on the way out)

The Helicopter Landing Pad

The Hualapai Hilltop is also the home of the helicopter’s landing pad.  The Havasupai Tribe contracts with a company to fly tourists, locals, supplies, and construction workers between the Hualapai Hilltop and the village of Supai.

helicopter to Havasu Falls

Helicopter Flights from the Hualapai Hilltop

Keep in mind: nothing is guaranteed on a visit to Havasupai Falls.  

Helicopter rides from the Hualapai Hilltop are first-come, first-serve.  There is no way to make an advanced reservation.  The helicopter also only flies certain days, and the crew gives priority to locals and supplies over tourists.

You should always be prepared to hike out with all of your gear, in case high winds or an emergency or a holiday prevents the helicopter from flying.

The pilot will keep flying until everyone who has paid is flown in (unless weather prevents it).

Here are the newly updated details:

  • $100 per person (each way)
  • Possible $50 luggage charge
  • Sundays / Mondays / Thursdays / Fridays
  • Flights out begin at 10:00am (though sometimes earlier, by 9:00am)
  • Sign up at the helipad in Supai on the Air West sign-up sheet
  • Credit cards accepted

But again, these details are all subject to change without notice.

havasupai helicopter

The Flight Back from Supai to Hualapai Hilltop

The advice is to hike up from the campground to Supai (two miles) early on your departure day.  Otherwise, you risk waiting several hours for your ride. 

You really never know how long you’ll wait, since it depends on so many factors.

The day we hiked out, people who arrived to sign in for the chopper in Supai by 7:00am flew out by 9:00am (on the first flight).   People who arrived by 8:00am waited five hours for their flight.

Anecdotally, others have said arriving at 1:00pm, they flew out by 2:00pm.

There are frequent reports of hikers showing up well before dawn to “sign up” on a list for the chopper, only to have the list no matter once the helicopter crew arrives.

So again, the bottom line is: if you’re depending on the helicopter, be patient… and always be prepared to hike out on your own.

Key Advice for Hikers:

Here’s something I wish I’d known before leaving:

You can choose to just send your backpack and gear on the helicopter for $30 (if there’s room).  This will allow you to hike with a much lighter load on your back!  That’s the option I’ll choose next time I go… *if* it’s available … because again, with the helicopter there are no guarantees.

Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead: What You’ll Find

Don’t expect much in terms of utilities or services a the Hualapai Hilltop.  There’s no public water supply, and no electricity.

There are composting bathrooms, similar to the bathrooms you’ll find later in the Havasupai Campground.

hualapai hilltop parking lot bathroom

There’s a ranger or tourism office, which may or may not be staffed.  The person working might be able to answer a few last-minute questions you have, but they don’t provide much additional guidance.

havasupai trailhead ranger station office

There are no vending machines or food options of any kind.  It’s truly just a place to park the car and make final preparations for your hike or flight to Havasupai Falls.

Hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to Supai

jared dillingham hiking to havasupai falls campground

When to Start the Hike

Your hike start time should depend on several factors, but mainly the time of year.  

The heat can be scorching in the hot summer sun, during June, July, and August.  Here are my suggestions for when to leave the Havasupai Falls Trailhead at the Hualapai Hilltop:

Summer Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead:  

  • Temperatures hit 100 by midday.
  • Many people use headlamps to begin hiking at 4:00am (or earlier) to get to the campground before it gets too hot.

Winter Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead: 

  • Daylight is limited from 7:30am to 5:00pm 
  • Start before noon so you can arrive before sunset. 

Spring/Fall Hikes from the Havasupai Trailhead:

  • Daily temperatures fluctuate, so check the forecast for Supai.
  • Generally, you’ll be okay hiking anytime during the day (with proper water and breaks) as long as you’re done by sunset.

Bring Water to the Hualapai Hilltop lot

There’s no faucet at the hilltop, so make sure you lug all your water in before leaving town.

Once you start the hike, there’s a spring several miles in, but I’m not sure if it dries up in the summer. You won’t hit Havasu Creek until eight miles into the hike.

Make sure to bring a water bottle with a filter on it so you can drink the creek water during your visit to Havasupai!

jared dillingham havasupai falls hike

FAQ’s about the Hualapai Hilltop & Havasupai Trailhead

Can you do a day hike to havasu falls.

No, day hikes aren’t possible from the hilltop trailhead.  At one point the Havasupai Tribe was offering day hikes as an option for visitors, but that’s not currently the case.  It’s also not an option to fly in and out on the helicopter in one day (though Beyonce did it to shoot a music video at Havasu Falls in 2019).

havasupai falls tours

Does a Native American Tribe still live at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?

On your hike to the Havasupai Falls Campground, you’ll pass the village of Supai.  It’s home to around 500 people who aren’t exactly at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but they’re certainly cut-off from easy access to the rest of the world.  There are no roads to Supai, so the people living there have to take a helicopter or mule to travel 10+ miles from the village to the Hualapai Hilltop.

Havasupai means “people of the blue-green water,” which is a fitting name for the tribe that’s lived in this part of the canyon for 700 years.

village of supai

Supai has a K-8 school, a new medical center, a church, a small market, and a cafe.  It’s forbidden to take photos inside the village without special permission.  The homes are in desperate need of repair. Many have sustained flood damage over the years.  The windows in many homes are broken and boarded up.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BLOGS & VIDEOS ABOUT VISITING HAVASUPAI FALLS!

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How to Get a Permit for Havasupai Falls

Hike to havasupai falls campground, the five havasupai waterfalls, guide to mooney falls (the biggest), guide to havasu falls (the most famous), guide to beaver falls, guide to the confluence (grand canyon), guide to little navajo falls, the havasupai helicopter.

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Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, havasupai indian reservation, contact information:.

Havasupai Tourist Enterprises http://theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/ [email protected] (This National Park Service webpage was updated on January 20, 2024)

Last updated: January 20, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

928-638-7888

Stay Connected

Havasupai Tribe Provides Testimony at United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; Time is Now to Protect the Grand Canyon Hearing on S. 387, To protect, for current and future generations, the watershed, ecosystem, and cultural heritage of the Grand Canyon region in the State of Arizona, to provide for a study relating to the uranium stockpile in the United States, and for other purposes. View PDF

Havasupai Tribe Vaccination Incentive Program The Havasupai Tribal Council has approved a vaccination incentive program to encourage all members to get vaccinated. Click here for more information and eligibility requirements.

Protect Havasupai From Uranium Mining

The village of Supai is located deep within the Grand Canyon in the midst of unmatched natural beauty and a series of awe inspiring blue-green waterfalls.

Campground reservations for all arrival dates from March 1, 2020 and onwards will become available on February 1, 2020 at 8:00am (Arizona time) at HavasupaiReservations.com . Creating/updating your account there before then is strongly recommended.

Lodge reservations for all of 2020 started on June 1, 2019 and are now completely sold out except for occasional cancellations.

All reservations include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.

ALL VISITS REQUIRE A CAMPGROUND OR LODGE RESERVATION MADE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

While we welcome visitors who have made a reservation prior to their visit, hiking without a valid Campground or Lodge reservation is NOT permitted anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation.

All visitors, baggage, and vehicles are subject to identification check and search for prohibited items.

Proper attire is required on tribal land. Please dress appropriately.

It is imperative for all visitors who are not familiar with our area to be alert at all times throughout their visit and to carry plenty of water as summer temperatures soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Please also be prepared for the Monsoon season (roughly July through September).

The Tourism Office is not affiliated with Airwest Helicopters. If you are utilizing Airwest Helicopters to fly in/out, we will not be responsible for loss of personal property such as bags, packs, and hiking gear.

The staff at the Tourism Office would like everyone to enjoy their visit and make it a memorable event. We request all visitors to follow all signs on trail and to follow all guidelines listed within camping permits.

Thank you, and we hope you enjoy your stay with us!

- Havasupai Tourism Office

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 Welcome to the Official Havasupai Tribe website!

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Supai, Arizona, USA The Havasupai Tribe People of the Blue Green Water  

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  • Trip Styles
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5 Havasupai Waterfalls

havasupai falls tours

  • Guide To Visiting Havasu Falls

Learn About the 5 Waterfalls that Make Havasupai World Famous

Half-way into the Grand Canyon, just west of Grand Canyon National Park, is the town of Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Surrounded by the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon, this tiny enclave is only accessible by foot, horseback or helicopter. It is one of the most inaccessible towns in the Continental United States. But, surprisingly, it is not this phenomenally unique town that makes Havasupai famous – it’s the waterfalls.

Approximately 3 miles above Supai, a spring rises from the ground, welling up water from ancient aquifers. The water, which has been stored in limestone caverns for millennia, is rich with minerals giving it a stunning turquoise color. The minerals also deposit from the water and create amazing travertine rock formations anywhere the water flows.

From the spring, the water descends as an idyllic creek below leafed out deciduous trees and surrounded by the harsh desert and cliffs of the Grand Canyon. The creek rushes by the town of Supai, and not far below town goes over its first precipitous drop, the water crashing down and then relaxing into deep, tranquil pools with wispy mist swirling above them. The creek has a total of 5 of these falls, affectionately known to everyone who has visited them as “Havasu Falls” or the “Havasupai Waterfalls.”

All-inclusive Tours to Havasu Falls

havasupai falls tours

HAVASU FALLS

Havasu Falls is the most famous of the Havasupai waterfalls. However, it is not the first you reach when hiking into the Canyon. It is actually the third waterfall during the hiking journey to Havasupai, and it is the one closest to the campground. It offers fantastic swimming, a relaxing sandy area near the water, wonderful shade, and world-class photography opportunities.

havasupai falls tours

MOONEY FALLS

Mooney Falls is the highest and perhaps the most spectacular of the Havasupai waterfalls. Havasu Creek’s turqouise waters plunge nearly 200 feet off Mooney Falls, the sound of which reverberates off the limestone walls surrounding the waterfall, creating a roar that echoes up and down the canyon. Reaching the bottom of Mooney Falls requires a semi-technical downclimb using bolts, ladders and chains.

Explore Havasupai with Experts

havasupai falls tours

Wildland Trekking has been leading trips to Havasupai for over a decade. Our trips are all-inclusive with professional guides, camping gear, wonderful meals and more. If Havasu Falls is on your list and you'd like to make the very most of the experience, a guided tour is a fantastic option.

Havasupai Waterfall Packages

havasupai falls tours

BEAVER FALLS

Beaver Falls is the farthest downstream waterfall at Havasupai. It is approximately 3.5 miles downstream from the campground and requires off-trail hiking, scrambling, wading, and bushwacking to reach. It’s recommended to only undertake this hike if you’re up for 5-7 hours of hiking and are well prepared for it.

havasupai falls tours

LIL’ NAVAJO FALLS

Lil’ Navajo Falls is the first waterfall hikers reach after they leave the village of Supai and descend toward the campground. It is a beautiful waterfall that is worth the 5 minute walk from the main trail to see. Reaching the bottom is more difficult, but worth the effort as visitors often have it to themselves.

havasupai falls tours

 FIFTY FOOT FALLS

Fifty Foot Falls is the first major swimming spot between the Village of Supai and the campground. It’s easy to get to and offers a wonderful, refreshing dip on hot days. It makes for an excellent picnic spot and offers great photography opportunities with red rock cliffs towering behind the falls.

MORE HAVASUPAI INFO

Tips for visiting havasupai.

  • VISITING HAVASUPAI : Get info on what’s required, when to visit, whether to go on your own or on a guided tour and more.
  • 5 HAVASUPAI WATERFALLS : See photos and descriptions of all 5 of the Havasupai Waterfalls.
  • HAVASUPAI RESERVATIONS : Information about how to obtain Havasupai camping permits, required fees, lodge reservations and more.
  • HIKING TO HAVASUPAI : Driving instructions, hiking instructions, information about the helicopter, packing lists and more.

MORE GRAND CANYON HIKING ADVENTURES

havasupai falls tours

Guided Grand Canyon treks include permits, local transportation, meals, gear, risk management systems and professional guides, allowing guests to make the most of their visit to the Canyon, focus 100% on enjoying their experience, and do it all with an increased level of safety and comfort.

– GUIDED BACKPACKING ADVENTURES : these are for people interested in an authentic adventure deep in the Canyon’s wilderness.

– HORSE-ASSISTED TRIP : on this trip to the bottom of the Canyon, guests hike with light day packs and camp near the Colorado River.

– PHANTOM RANCH TOURS : this tour (limited dates) goes to the bottom of the Canyon where we sleep 1 or 2 nights in the Phantom Ranch Lodge 5 minutes from the Colorado River. Showers, A/C, heat…etc.

– ALL-INCLUSIVE HIKING PACKAGES : inn-based and camping-based hiking packages provide all-around hiking experiences of the Grand Canyon.

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IMAGES

  1. The Ultimate Guide To The Havasupai Falls Hike

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  2. Hiking The Havasupai Trail To Havasu Falls (Supai, Arizona)

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  3. The Ultimate Guide to the Havasupai Falls Hike

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  4. The Havasupai Falls Hike: the Most Beautiful Hike in Arizona • Veggie

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  5. Havasupai Falls Backpacking Guide

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  6. 5-Day Havasu Falls Hiking Tour

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VIDEO

  1. On the way to havasupai falls! #shorts #havasupai #travel

  2. Havasupai Falls March 2017

  3. Havasupai Falls

  4. HAVASU FALLS #havasupai #havasufalls #backpackingadventures #camping

  5. Havasupai Falls permit☑️

  6. The Best Bits: Havasupai Falls

COMMENTS

  1. Havasu Falls & Havasupai Falls Arizona 2024 Reservations

    The five Havasupai Falls include: Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. All are located on the Havasupai Indian reservation in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon. ... Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include ...

  2. Havasu Falls Hiking Treks & Tours

    Explore The Havasu Falls tour into the oasis of Havasu Canyon. Wildland Trekking is the #1 tour company on Trip Advisor! Book a trip with us today! 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) Top Rated On ; ... Our guided tours to Havasu Falls ("Havasupai") are all-inclusive, expert-led hiking vacation packages that allow guests to focus 100% on ...

  3. A Guide to Visiting Havasu Falls the 'Right Way'

    Havasu Falls sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation—which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park—so you'll need to buy a permit from the Havasupai Tribe to access the area. That is if you're among the lucky few able to score a reservation when the season's dates go live on February 1 at 8 a.m. (MST).

  4. Tours

    An all-inclusive hiking tour into the Grand Canyon is an exceptionally great way to experience this natural wonder. The Wildland Trekking Company provides a variety of trips including backpacking trips, Phantom Ranch trips, stock and porter supported trips, inn-based tours, and day hikes. They offer guided trips into many of the waterfalls ...

  5. Havasupai Falls

    Havasupai Trail is a somewhat strenuous 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop to the Havasupai Falls campground. The trail begins with about a dozen switchbacks, descending 1,000 feet over ¾ of a mile from the Hilltop to the canyon floor, where the trail flattens out considerably. ... This tour is for guests who want to enjoy an excellent ...

  6. Havasupai Premier Grand Canyon Waterfall Tour

    HAVASUPAI TRIBAL FEES. Havasupai Tour rates (per person) are broken down into two fees: The Wildland guided tour rate: this rate covers everything we provide, which includes local transportation, guides, meals, transport of supplies and personal items (not on backpacking trip), camping gear, camping reservations, safety equipment, and more.; Havasupai Tribal Fees: the Havasupai Tribal fees are ...

  7. Havasu Falls Guided Hiking Trips

    Havasu Falls Mule Rides $150 each way per person Havasu Falls Helicopter $90 each way per person Discounts for groups of 4 or more. Gratuity (8-15% suggested) and 7% AZ sales tax not included. Group Size There is no minimum group size. Havasu Falls has no limit. Booking an Havasu Falls Overnight backpacks can be booked from 2 days to 2 years in ...

  8. Havasupai Falls

    Choose from a variety of Havasupai Hiking Tours. Our standard 3 or 4 day Havasu Falls Tours offer fantastic hiking and camping in this world famous canyon oasis. Our Best of Grand Canyon tour features the 3-day Havasu Falls Tour plus a full day at Grand Canyon's South Rim where we explore below the rim on one of the park's stunning trails.

  9. Havasu Falls Explorer Backpacking Tour

    Description. Our Havasu Falls Explorer backpacking trip into the famous Havasupai waterfalls and the canyon village of Supai is an adventurous, extended option for enjoying the Grand Canyon's most spectacular waterfalls. We set off from Flagstaff, Arizona and head to the trailhead where we begin our hike into Havasupai.

  10. Havasu Falls

    Type: Backpacking/Hiking. Days: 4 Days. Distance: ~33 mi/53 km. Difficulty: Intermediate +. Origin: Flagstaff, AZ. Per Person: $1125 + Tribal Fees ($420) Single Supplement: $115. *Per person rates reflect the base price for our services (guides, meals, camping gear, camping reservations) plus Havasupai Tribal Fees (entrance fee, environmental ...

  11. A Guide to Havasupai Tours

    The Havasupai Falls tours from Discovery Treks will bring you closer to closer to our nation's history and to the Havasu Canyon. In this latest post, we'll explain more about our Havasupai tours and explore what you can expect on your journey with us. Our tour itinerary. Let's look at the 3-day itinerary for our Havasupai Tour:

  12. Havasu Falls Hiking Tour

    Havasu Falls 3 Day Hiking Tour By Hydros Adventures. Havasu Falls is a stunning paradise on the canyon floor near Supai Village, the reservation center of the Havasupai Indian Tribe. It is tucked into a canyon about 35 miles west of the Grand Canyon National Park boundaries. "Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green water".

  13. Havasu Falls 4-Day

    The 4-Day Havasu Falls hiking tour offers the opportunity to explore more of this magnificent destination as well enjoy some time relaxing and soaking it all in. The beautiful oasis of Havasu Falls lies 2500 feet below the rim of Grand Canyon and is the crown jewel of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

  14. Guided Hiking Tours Havasupai, Arizona

    Havasupai. Havasupai guided backpacking trips and tours begin at Hualapai Hilltop, making a 10 mile descent through Hualapai and Havasu Canyon, past the native Supai Village and to our basecamp. From here we cast off to explore the turquoise waterfalls such as Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. While backpacking Havasupai, we can hike ...

  15. Havasu Falls Tours

    The Wildland Trekking Company is the premier provider of guided tours at Havasupai. They are a top-rated Grand Canyon tour company, the #1 rated Grand Canyon tour company on Trip Advisor, and have been lead tens of thousands of guests into Havasupai over the last decade. Wildland Trekking's Havasu Falls tours have been seen in The New York ...

  16. Havasu Falls & Havasupai Tours with BG Wild! Register Now For 2018

    Havasu Falls Tours With BG Wild! Save 20-40% Off The Competition! 2018 Trips Are Filling Up Quick. Book Now For Secured Havasupai Reservations (602) 707-7119 [email protected] Facebook; Instagram; ... "I have wanted to hike Havasupai Falls for years but was unable to get a permit. Now I know why - I was meant to hike with BG Wild for a ...

  17. How To Plan A Trip To Havasu Falls

    There is only one 3-night permit offered for camping (no matter the duration you plan to stay). The permit cost for the campground has risen to $455 per person. The rate for the Havasupai Lodge has risen to $2,277 for a 3-night stay. The reservation offers a presale from January 5th to 18th (cost is $15 per person).

  18. Havasu Falls

    If you want to learn more about guided tours in the canyon, check out our Grand Canyon Tours page. Havasupai Tribe. The Havasupai people of world-renowned Havasu Falls have lived in the Grand Canyon for over 800 years. Arriving circa 1300 AD, the Havasupai are known for being the only permanent, continuous inhabitants of Grand Canyon.

  19. The Hualapai Hilltop: The Havasupai Falls Trailhead [2024 Update]

    The Hualapai Hilltop is the gateway to a trip to the Havasupai Trailhead and the waterfalls along Havasu Creek. You'll find the trailhead for the 10+ mile hike to the Havasupai Falls Campground, a helicopter landing pad, and the mules used to haul visitors' luggage and gear. You'll find it in a remote part of the Desert Southwest, at the ...

  20. Havasupai Indian Reservation

    Turn off onto U.S. 66 in Seligman, Arizona. Watch for Indian Highway 18, then turn right. You will then travel 63 miles north to Hualapai Hilltop. Reservations are required before entering the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Guests can hike down 8 miles to the lodge and tourist office, then 2 more miles to the campground.

  21. Havasu Falls Visitor Information, Havasupai Waterfalls Info

    Deep in the Grand Canyon, west of Grand Canyon National Park, is one of the most stunningly beautiful and wonderfully surprising features of the American Southwest - the Havasupai Waterfalls (also known as simply Havasu Falls). 10 miles into the Canyon - and only accessible by hiking, horseback or helicopter - the waterfalls plunge between 40 and 200 feet off sheer drops into idyllic ...

  22. Official Havasupai Tribe Website

    Official Havasupai Tribe Website, Village of Supai, Grand Canyon, Arizona Havasu Falls, Havasuapai Campground and Supai Lodge, mule and pack animal transportation. Important Check-In Information for 2024 Reservation Holders The Havasupai Tribe looks forward to welcoming our visitors back to Supai. Please read carefully and ensure that all ...

  23. Havasupai Waterfalls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls

    All-inclusive Tours to Havasu Falls. HAVASU FALLS. Havasu Falls is the most famous of the Havasupai waterfalls. However, it is not the first you reach when hiking into the Canyon. It is actually the third waterfall during the hiking journey to Havasupai, and it is the one closest to the campground. It offers fantastic swimming, a relaxing sandy ...