Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment. However the factor that first caught my eye about Havasupai Falls was not the fixed stream of Instagram photographs. As an alternative, it was that you just’d must backpack 10 miles in, with an elevation drop of 2000 ft, to succeed in these mesmerizing waterfalls — after which, after all, hike all of it up and out.
I’ll contact on the much less physically-punishing choices as effectively, however this information to Havasupai Falls is geared towards these prepared to 100% DIY it.
Should-know fundamentals about Havasupai Falls
1. The Havasupai Nation is a sovereign nation with its personal legal guidelines and guidelines. Respect them such as you’d like others to respect your personal yard.
2. You’ll be able to solely go to you probably have a allow. We’ll get to easy methods to get a Havasupai allow in a minute. There is no such thing as a day mountain climbing allowed.
3. Havasu means “blue-green water” and pai means “folks.”
4. Please, please, please pack out the whole lot you usher in. Sure, that features your trash. Should you don’t, the tribe has to make use of mules and helicopters to pack out your trash. Do your half and maintain Havasupai Falls lovely.
5. There’s a small retailer down in Supai, however for probably the most half, you’ll want to usher in the whole lot. Be certain that to take a look at this complete packing listing to make sure you have all of the gear, garments, and meals you want.
6. In case you’re questioning, it’s Havasu Canyon, Havasu Creek, and Havasu Falls. However it’s the Havasupai Nation and there are a number of waterfalls, therefore Havasupai Falls.
Okay, let’s get began and sort out the whole lot it is advisable find out about backpacking Havasupai Falls.
When to go to Havasupai Falls
Havasupai Falls is open to guests from February by November every year.
Usually, the most effective instances are late spring/early summer season and late summer season/early fall. After all, a part of when you find yourself going to Havasupai Falls is dependent upon when you will get a allow.
Should you go to in the beginning or finish of the season, it’s not unusual to have snow on the bottom. And in case you go in the course of the center of summer season, temperatures can exceed 100 levels Fahrenheit (with trails closing if it’s 115 levels or hotter). However irrespective of while you go, make sure that to try the climate forecast very, very fastidiously.
We visited on the finish of Might and woke as much as icicles on our Jeep. We shivered and sniffled as we geared as much as go, hitting the path at a frosty 38 levels. In distinction, the following afternoon was a balmy 81 levels within the canyon.
In different phrases — pack layers!
Learn how to get a Havasupai allow
Reservations open up Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. Arizona time — first come, first serve.
As of 2019, you have to e book 3 nights, 4 days. You’ll be able to keep for a shorter time frame in case you’d like, however why waste this chance to go off the grid in such a phenomenal place? You’re additionally welcome to remain longer in case you’re fortunate sufficient to get consecutive permits.
To have the most effective likelihood of getting permits, join your account forward of time. Then have a number of folks on-line when reservations open up. I couldn’t get previous the second display of the reservation course of whereas my pal was by some means in a position to get us a five-person allow for Memorial Day Weekend.
Complete price for the allow varies. In case your reservation is for Monday by Thursday (aka weekday nights), it’s $100 per particular person per night time. If it contains Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (aka weekend nights), it’s $125 per particular person for every of these nights.
The one that finally snags the reservation have to be the one to select up your permits on the vacationer check-in workplace. If for some cause the particular person holding the reservation can’t make the journey anymore, make sure that to switch the allow on-line utilizing the official transfers system.
As of 2020, everybody in your group should have their very own account on HavasupaiReservations.com. You could even have a screenshot or printout of your account, your allow, and your picture ID always when visiting.
Couldn’t snag a allow on Feb. 1? Maintain your eye on the official Fb group. The tribe will typically submit updates on permits which can be accessible for switch.
What to pack for Havasupai Falls
I’ve acquired a complete submit on this. Take a look at this gear, meals, and garments packing listing!
The place to remain earlier than you hike in
Some folks select to sleep of their automotive the night time earlier than to allow them to hit the path vibrant and early. However I’d solely do that in the course of the scorching summer season months while you’re positive it’ll be heat. You wouldn’t wish to sleep in your automotive in case you had freezing temps in a single day like we did in late Might!
For all different instances, take into account a spot in Seligman or Peach Springs, the closest cities to the trailhead. (The closest lodging possibility might be Grand Canyon Caverns, which provides a cool cavern expertise as its identify states.)
We initially booked two rooms at Supai Motel in Seligman however had been moved to the Deluxe Inn down the road as an alternative. Nothing fancy, nevertheless it did the job. You’ll possible wish to get up round 4:30 a.m. to get to the trailhead by 7ish anyhow, so you actually simply want a secure place to relaxation your head.
No matter you select to do, ensure you’re geared up the day earlier than with the whole lot you want for the journey. Most significantly, make sure that to have snacks and at the very least 1 gallon of water per particular person on your hike in. There is no such thing as a water supply on the path.
Mountaineering right down to Havasupai Falls
Like I discussed, the 20-mile roundtrip backpacking journey was the very first thing that piqued my curiosity in Havasupai Falls. After all, the falls themselves are beautiful as effectively!
(An apart: I don’t wish to romanticize this trek although. The Havasupai folks had been pushed to this land by the insurance policies of america. We took the remainder of their land and restricted them to the canyons that may be so brutal in the summertime and winter months. Maintain this in thoughts as you expertise the great thing about the land.)
The hike begins on the Hualapai Hilltop car parking zone. Should you go in the course of the excessive season (Might-September), it’s most certainly that you just’ll must park alongside the street to the lot and stroll over to the trailhead.
There, you’ll get your first glimpse of the majestic magnificence you’re about to come across inside Havasu Canyon.
Earlier than you head down, make sure that to cease by one of many compost bogs or porta-potties as there will probably be no different amenities till you get to Supai city.
Then it’s time to hit the switchbacks that dominate the start of the path. For these of us with hip and knee points, these steep switchbacks down into the canyon are maybe the toughest a part of the trek.
When you go the switchbacks, the remainder of the path isn’t all too dangerous. Certain, there are some hills and a few declines, and a few components of the path are rockier than others. However typically, the remainder of the path is nothing that 5 (present and former) San Francisco dwellers can’t take.
At instances, you might encounter horses and mules on the path. They’ve the suitable of means, so maintain your eyes on the path and transfer to the aspect when obligatory. Additionally — completely no photographs of the horses and the Havasu persons are allowed! They’ll cease you and ask you to delete photographs in case you disregard the foundations and take photos.
How to decide on the most effective campsite
Woo! You made it! 8 miles by the canyons to the city of Supai, the middle of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.
Properly, okay, you’re not fairly there but. However each customer should cease in Supai first.
Whoever acquired the allow ought to head to the vacationer workplace to verify in and get your group’s allow wristbands and tent/hammock tags.
Everybody else? Relaxation your legs, use the bogs behind the leisure space, and possibly cease by the city retailer if you need a snack.
Should you’ve been starved of Web entry and want to attach, Supai can be your final likelihood to take action. You’ll possible have misplaced sign as you drove nearer to the trailhead, and also you actually gained’t have any sign as you hike deeper towards the campground and the waterfalls.
Then, it’s time to hike the final two miles from Supai to the beginning of the campground, which runs for greater than a mile alongside Havasu Creek. (In your means, you’ll additionally see Navajo Falls and Havasu Falls. However we’ll get again to these later.)
So, which campsite(s) to decide on? I’d recommend three main concerns: bogs, consuming water, and weather-dependent components.
1. Loos
There are three rest room stations dotting the campground. The biggest one has 4 stalls and is on the entrance by the campground ranger station. Then there are two units (of two stalls every) which can be pretty shut to one another on the different finish of the campground.
Your greatest guess is to be shut sufficient to a rest room which you can simply go with out having to make a 10-minute trek — but additionally be far sufficient away that you just don’t get any downwind smells from it.
2. Consuming water
Whilst you’ll must carry consuming water on your hike, you’re not going to have the ability to carry sufficient water on your whole journey.
Excellent news: there’s a contemporary spring with drinkable water. Fern Spring, because it’s named, is positioned roughly 1/4 mile from the campground entrance.
We beloved our spot that was simply previous the watering gap. It made it straightforward for us to get water and was nonetheless inside a fast stroll to the bogs.
That mentioned, the far aspect of the campgrounds have their advantages, too. You’ll be able to camp a lot nearer to the water in case you go farther up the path, even on little “islands” within the midst of streams. Going to sleep with the calming sound of the working creek? That sounds beautiful, too.
Should you suppose that’s extra up your alley, make sure that to pack one in all these collapsible water jugs so that you don’t must make as many water journeys to Fern Springs.
3. Climate-dependent components
Lastly, take into account the climate throughout your go to.
Should you’re visiting within the warmth of summer season, you might wish to choose a spot that has extra bushes providing shade.
Should you’re visiting when rain is forecasted, you’ll wish to search for a spot that’s on increased floor. Havasu Creek is susceptible to flash floods that may rapidly overtake the campgrounds. (It occurred as lately as Thanksgiving 2019.)
Mountaineering to varied falls
Between Supai and the campground, you’ll go by Navajo Falls and the well-known Havasu Falls. These would be the most accessible choices, with the latter being extra pleasant to hanging out and enjoyable. We spent a complete day simply chilling out and picnicking on the base of Havasu Falls.
The opposite two mesmerizing beauties, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, require a bit extra stamina and energy. However I promise they’re well worth the effort.
Experiencing Mooney Falls
The start line to get to Mooney Falls is simply past the campground. First, I’d recommend stopping by a viewpoint to see the falls from above. As with all locations throughout this journey, ensure you steer clear of the sting of the cliffs and are on strong footing.
Then make your strategy to the Mooney Falls ladder.
For these with a concern of heights, please put together your self mentally. It’s certainly a steep means down, however it’s the solely strategy to see each Mooney and Beaver Falls. (And sure, you do have to come back up the identical means.)
However know that you are able to do it and others are there that will help you. A few of the most heartwarming moments of our journey had been when strangers inspired and helped out these combating the descent and ascent at Mooney Falls.
For these and not using a concern of heights, nonetheless ensure you have strong footwear because the rocks and ladders can get fairly slippery due to mist from the waterfall. And please include persistence and empathy in the direction of fellow guests who could also be terrified.
Should you’re in a blended group, I’d recommend placing these with the least concern of heights within the entrance, center, and again to allow them to help those that want a hand.
When you’ve landed on the base of Mooney Falls, delight in its glory, loosen up within the streams, and possibly even bounce into the water from one of many rope swings.
Trekking to Beaver Falls
Essentially the most troublesome waterfall to get to is Beaver Falls, which is ~3 miles away from the bottom of Mooney Falls. Which means you must give your self sufficient time to hike the three miles there, get pleasure from Beaver Falls, after which trek again to your campsite — all earlier than it will get darkish.
We had been a bit slow-moving the morning we visited Mooney Falls and doubtless left for Beaver Falls a bit late within the day. We solely stayed at Beaver Falls for 10-Quarter-hour, nevertheless it was nonetheless well worth the trek.
The land between Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls has some critical greenery and made me really feel like I used to be in Jurassic Park!
Mountaineering again out
When it’s time so that you can pack it up and head out, make sure that to essentially pack all of it out.
One core rule of visiting Havasupai (and of all backpacking journeys) is to depart no hint. You’re answerable for all of the trash you produce, so carry additional trash baggage and haul it again out till you discover a dumpster elsewhere in Arizona.
Okay, fast storytime: At some point we woke as much as a wierd trash bag at our campsite. We didn’t suppose a lot of it, all pondering it was only a pal’s stuff (we had been utilizing trash baggage as rain covers). We left to go discover the falls and got here again to an open bag and trash that had been strewn round by animals that had gotten into it.
Yep, somebody had dumped their trash at our campsite. Smuckers jars (wtf, who backpacks with glass jars?!?), used moist wipes, and all.
It was so extremely nasty (and yours really needed to clear it up.)
Don’t be that particular person. Pack your self out.
Give your self half-hour to an hour to prepare and pack up the whole lot within the morning. After which attempt to hit the street earlier quite than later.
This helps make sure you don’t hit the steep hills of the switchback on the hottest a part of the day. It additionally helps you ensure you can get again to Seligman, Peach Springs, or one other city earlier than it’s too late. (We selected to go straight to Scottsdale and spent the night time at Hyatt Place.)
If you arrive again on the high, there are normally people promoting frybread and different snacks. At all times good to get a snack earlier than hitting the street!
Assist! I don’t wish to do all that mountain climbing and tenting
Whereas I’m an enormous proponent of backpacking Havasupai Falls with none assist, I additionally perceive that this isn’t an possibility for everybody.
There are two different choices if you don’t want to backpack:
- Do the hike your self however have horses and mules take your stuff.
- Take the helicopter.
Utilizing pack animals
There’s restricted capability every day, so in case you’ll want pack animals that will help you along with your stuff, make sure that to e book this while you get your allow.
2019 charges had been $400 round-trip for every pack mule, which might carry as much as 4 baggage that weigh not more than 32 kilos every. There are measurement limitations to the luggage as effectively.
I gained’t get into the ethics of utilizing pack animals right here, although I do know there have been issues about how these horses and mules have been handled up to now. After we went, we had been in shut proximity to many of those animals and didn’t see any seen indicators of abuse.
Taking the helicopter route
The helicopter is particularly well-liked on the best way out. Of us understand after a number of days of mountain climbing that they don’t really feel like mountain climbing out, in order that they’ll shell out $85 for a raise.
Should you select this route, make sure that to do your analysis and arrive on the helipads early. The helicopters are first-come, first-serve and don’t fly day-after-day. The value contains one bag, so you might have to pay additional or rent a pack mule you probably have extra stuff.
Simply needless to say visiting the assorted waterfalls may be bodily difficult as effectively, so in case you’re selecting the helicopter possibility as a result of well being points, you must take into account in case you can deal with the bodily calls for when you’ve arrived.
Staying at Havasupai Lodge
Lastly, I wish to handle the non-camping possibility for many who can’t be caught lifeless in a tent.
The city of Supai does have one lodge. Rooms are $440 per night time and may match 4 folks. You’ll additionally must pay a $110 entrance & environmental charge per particular person.
Not like the campground, Havasupai Lodge is open year-round. 2020 reservations opened up on June 1, 2019 — you’ll be able to attempt to snatch up any dates which can be nonetheless accessible by calling 928-448-2111 or 928-448-2201.