havasu falls

I highly recommend going during the week and prior to spring break - it didn't feel crowded at all. We stayed at the lodge and it's basic but had everything we needed - even had WiFi - which the brochures say it won't - so it must be new. The bed was comfortable. We brought our own food - the food at the market was expensive and other people who were eating at the cafe said it wasn't anything to write home about. Loved the hike in. The waterfalls are amazing and it was warm enough to swim, but still cool enough for a comfortable hike. Found the locals to be nice and the village was quaint. The toilets at the trailhead and campground seemed new - they are composting toilets and were very clean and didn't smell at all. We found some trash on the trail and we helped pack some out. Leave no Trace!

My family and I backpacked to the falls and stayed at the campgrounds. Excellent trip. Well worth the 10 miles to the falls.

Amazing place to visit for the adventurers. Plan your visit with enough time and do your research. If you are used to camp, go for it. Otherwise, book a room at the hotel.

We went to Havasu Falls last week, hiking in and staying at the lodge. The falls are utterly fantastic, beyond words. The lodge is plain and it is expensive, however you are paying for the experience and it is well worth it.I would like to address 2 misconceptions though. One, I saw no signs of animal cruelty at all. The mules, horses, and dogs look healthy and well fed. These are working animals and they live outdoors so perhaps they are not so groomed as people expect animals to be. There were no open sores, no whip marks, nothing to indicate maltreatment.Two: the majority of the people are friendly and helpful. This is a different culture and just because they are not overly gregarious does not mean they are rude.

"Havasu Falls" as the region surrounding the campground down-river from the village of Supai, AZ is collectively known, is a treasure. Yes, the water really does look like that. The stark contrast between the glorious soft turquoise and bold red Arizona rock is stunning and will not disappoint. Reaching it (hopefully by foot for the best experience), is an ideal amount of challenge, and will give the visitor a sense that they have earned the idyllic setting that is their reward, without requiring anything too grueling. It will tap into a sense of adventure you may not have expected, and most people I know who have been including myself, would return any time.The journey for everyone begins at the Hualapai Hilltop (read: parking lot) staging area which itself is 70 miles north of Rte 66, and is usually buzzing with activity from visitors, tour companies, mule operations, and helicopters. Turn off your cell phone when leaving the highway because it has no use any more and probably hasn't for the last 20 minutes since your Pandora cut out. When driving Indian Service Road 18 (yep), you'll have doubts at times that you are on the right road due to the complete lack of signs, buildings, or civilization. Also, the road is fully paved, but poor in areas, strewn with potholes and ruts. Worse yet, there are free-grazing cattle and no fences. They do cross the road. I highly recommend only driving this road in the daylight. I have a lead foot and more speeding tickets in my life than I care to inventory, but I drove slower than the posted limit on this road and you should too. It will take an hour and a half or more. Also, a full tank of fuel no later than Seligman from the east, or Kingman from the west is mandatory, as there will be no fuel anywhere you're going. So no fuel, no cell, and no water at the hilltop. Check. There is a sort of outhouse building which as far as outhouses go is on the deluxe side. You'll see the same type in the campground later but again, no water except the several gallons that you should have in your trunk. It's also at this point you'll start seeing roaming dogs about who patiently wait for food. Many walk the whole trail, and they will be in Supai as well. You should also start getting used to mule poop everywhere now and on the entire trail, but this is to be expected.Much has been made about the welfare of these animals by other users. To my mind, the dogs appear to be reasonably healthy. I as well as others fed them and have them water. They probably have more to eat and drink than your own dog. The mules are hard-working as mules generally are, but look as well off as those I've seen in Grand Canyon National Park, to my eye. In the village, some animals could probably be in better shape. If you are highly sensitive to this sort of thing, you might at least be well advised to prepare for it, but if you are picturing some kind of mass quantity of starving miserable animals as some seem to describe, this is a gross exaggeration.The hike down from the Hilltop starts abruptly downward. You are eye-level with the wheels of the cars in the lot after a few steps. This decline persists for 1.5 miles then almost as suddenly levels off into a broad basin. You'll see an un-missable sign pointing you towards Supai and the wash that will serve as your trail for the next 6 miles or so. If you've never spend a lot of time in a desert wash, this alone should be interesting and a testament to the amazing power of water. Along the wash are plenty of pockets of shade to rest and it is level for all intents and purposes. You are following this wash to Havasu Creek, where the two meet at a T, along with a sign stating "You're almost there", with an arrow to the left, indicating you follow the creek downriver. You've just laid eyes on the creek which gives Havasu Falls its name, tumbles over it and the other falls, and contains that infamous turquoise water. Down the river, across a bridge, and a little further and you've arrived in Supai, the only place in America with a mule-train served Post Office, and the most remote one in the lower 48 at that. Keep going to the "downtown" area and find the camping office where you check in and get your permit to camp. If staying at the hotel, it's here in Supai. This is also where you'll fly in or out via hilo, should you choose that route. It's my recommended return-trip method. At $85 per person it's cheaper than the mule, and omits the uphill reciprocal of the trail near the Hilltop. As with all canyon hikes, ending with an uphill poses much more difficulty, and dispenses with the psychological advantage that most hikes give you in the uphill segment, which is a summit at the top. Book the chopper.From here you've done the hard part, and the campground where you should be staying in my opinion is a mere couple miles down. Before you get there you'll first see Navajo falls down to your left, and just up from the camp...the beautiful Havasu Falls. Enjoy from the trail, but wait till later to come back so you can do it without all your gear. A bit farther and you're at the camp. You don't reserve a site here, just pick one that isn't occupied and call it yours. They all have picnic tables, and bear in mind that this campground is almost a mile long. Walk down a bit farther to avoid the large tour groups and note that there are also some great sites on the other side of the creek. Note also that your freshwater source is here at the campground on the left side of the creek when going downstream. It's a spring that literally consists of a pipe sticking out of the rock face, and it flows always. It's clean, pure, safe, and wonderful.That's about it. Head back up after setting up camp and relish in Havasu Falls. Getting in the water is a given. If you're adventurous, hike down to Beaver Falls tomorrow, first passing Mooney Falls (the highest), and it's tunnel and ladder descent. Don't be afraid of this descent, just take your time, always three points of contact, you'll be fine. I mean, a fall and you're dead, but you'll be fine. Beaver if well worth the hike and is only a couple of hours from camp. It's not at all hard to find like some claim, just go downriver. Anyway, it's a great trip. The locals aren't very friendly and getting a permit is pricey and requires that you deal with them, but that's a minor issue. It's great, and well worth the effort. It is one of those trips you'll think about for a long time after.

The 9 mile hike into the reservation to the falls is as exciting almost as the falls itself. Recommendation of an early start is a wise one, for it tends to get warm very quickly with sunrise. Rerservations are required to visit and stay overnight, so make sure and plan ahead. We feel as this is a place we can visit over and over, just for the hike in and out of the reservation.

We had been planning this trip for a long time. We had to wait until the temperature and weather conditions were just right. I had read on previous reviews on trip advisor that the people in the village were not friendly or helpful. Our experience was totally opposite. I think if you show up in their village and start demanding they take care of you, you will not be treated very kindly. We arrived at the village at 5PM, not very good planning on our part since the outside temperature was 94 degrees. I suggest you plan your hiking early in the morning or after the sun goes down. We arrived at the reservation center to check in for the campsite. I was pretty exhausted from the 8 mile walk to the village. The girls in the reservation center were so awesome. They could see that I was struggling and was not really looking forward to another 2 mile walk to the campground. One of the girls in the office (Kayleen) offered to let us sleep on her trampoline in the backyard of her home. My friend had already walked over to the Lodge to check to see if by chance there was any rooms available. Normally a reservation is required 6 months in advance. My friend explained that I was struggling and not sure I would make it another 2 miles to the campsite. Sharon at the Lodge switched some things around so we could have a room. WOW these people in the village are really friendly, and very helpful. The next day we headed out for the falls. Again not very good planning on our part. We hit Havasu Falls mid day and it was HOT. My friend wanted to see Beaver Falls so he headed out. I took my time since the heat was really getting to me. Finally made it to Mooney Falls. What a beautiful place. I headed back towards the village about 2PM. There is a nice spring that you can get fresh water right close to the campground. I soaked my hat and shirt with cold water and headed out. I had made the climb to the top right around Havasu Falls and WOW I was tired of walking. I was about a mile from the village, and a friendly local named Tim was cruising by in one of there Polaris 6 seat UTV. He was so awesome he asked me if I was headed back to the village, and when I said yes he told me to hop in he would give me a ride. Another WOW factor. Back to the Village now and they had invited another Tribe to the village for Saturday night cooking and a celebration of some sort. They were feeding everyone in the village, ever the tourists and it was amazing. They did their celebration that night with dancing and singing. It was really cool to watch. So since we had to catch the helicopter out Sunday morning early we decided to sleep on Kayleen's trampoline that night. The local people told us to be first in line to catch the helicopter since we had to make our flight out of Vegas Sunday afternoon. We had such an amazing trip, and as soon as we left we still missed the people. What a great village and all the people in it are truly amazing people. We are planning to visit again, but we will helicopter in and out and spend more time hiking around the falls.Mitch

Just breathtaking and as pretty in person as it is in pictures. Hiked to the bottom of the falls and beyond as a day hike from our campsite.

It's an amazing place. And an exhausting walk. But completely worth the effort. It's a little rustic and a little dusty. If you're a beginner probably should take the helicopter ride down.

Havasu Canyon is magical...I have been hiking there since 1964 and I have seen a lot of change with all of the falls, the campground, and of course the amount of people. But it is still an amazing place with each change bringing on a whole new perspective of the beauty. I will be returning next spring to share this amazing place with another group of friends.

This review is specific to Havasu Falls. I have a super long review of the Havasupai falls, village, hike, etc. under Havasupai Falls. Though not as tall as Mooney Falls, it is beautiful and photographs very well with people. We went during a time of year when it was too cool to swim (Nov 2nd), but it was still very much worth the trip. We went down to the rocks to get closer photos and got soaked so I would recommend wearing a rain jacket if you get closer (if you aren't there during swimsuit season).

This is an amazing place to hike and camp. My group and I wanted to hike in and out of the canyon in 3 days mid of Oct. We started our hike down from Hualapai Hilltop trail head around 5:30 Am to avoid the sun. It was one of those gorgeous breathy day we didn't need to leave that early, when we realized this we were almost there. It took us a little over 4 hours to hike the first 6 - 7 miles to get to the Supai Village, where you will pick up your permit to hike/camp. You will need a reservation and permit to hike here. You can find more detailed information and phone numbers on the Havasupai Tribe official site (http://www.havasupai-nsn.gov/tourism.html) . The village has stores, school, airport (helicopter), mules, many dogs :-) Picked up permits, got my coffee and another 2 miles to get to Havasu falls. The sound of it will call you from miles away, loud blue, green, turquoise amazing clear but powerful waterfalls. There are many camping areas and bathrooms (relatively clean). We walked crossing the camp area towards the end, where the second water falls (Mooney) is located. We found a camp site right on top, where the water starts to drop down. This will be on the right side of Mooney falls walking forward. Many people get tired and unpack right when they get to the camping area, but if you continue to walk a little farther, you will find private locations, with amazing views towards the end of the camp. Many picnic areas just to indulge the moment, and the whole package or rest. I would need many days in there to enjoy each picnic table, for they all offer different atmosphere and view. Next day, hiked 3 miles to Beaver falls downstream, if we had continued Colorado river and havasu meet 4 miles after Beaver falls. Pack light, unless you book a mule to take your stuff down/up for you. There you can buy food, water from the store which is far from camp site, or use a drinking spring water. You may want to bring filtration system, if you are water sensitive like me. Few people couldn't sleep at night, since they are used they like it quite and they complained the water falls were too loud. On the other hand, if I wasn't talking, walking or doing something, the sound of the water falls was soothing me to a point I kept on passing out and sleeping on random places and areas :-) there was a time my friends thought I disappeared but I was sleeping unwillingly on one of those picnic tables. I don't even know how it happened, but that sound was very soothing and relaxing to me. Many people talk how the locals down there are not friendly, at times they sound rude, or they don't like other people and other negative stories. Which I also believed in the beginning. I was even scared of talking to them, but after few encounters I soon realize the culture difference that is making them look as if they were rude and they didn't like us. NOT TRUE! Just because you didn't get the smile you wanted to see or the reception you are used to, or the style of talk or what not doesn't make one rude. They are different, have different culture, and they have their own way of communicating. I needed to make that point, since I was overwhelmed by the whole phone conversation I had with them before going and my analysts after that. It's not them, it's totally Me :-) This is also a good place for kids, if they can't hike, you can take a 6 min helicopter ride for $85 each to fly in or out. Saved a lot of time and sweat, but still have to hike to the falls which is around 2 miles (easy walk) from landing place. Book a head, go out and enjoy this amazing place. When you come out, you will believe that heaven is on earth. :) Must bring: Insect RepellentWaterWater ShoesSun blockHead lamp

The horses used for the tourism trade at Havasupai Falls are kept in the most appalling conditions, and are often being literally starved to death. Many of them have open untreated wounds and are grossly underweight. There was one recent incident where a donkey with a broken leg was still being used to carry supplies and tourists luggage to and from the falls. Please, please strongly reconsider visiting here, as the only hope for these animals is that if tourists boycott the site, the owners will be forced to reconsider their treatment of these poor animals

The falls are beautiful, the environment in the canyon is indescribable--just absolutely gorgeous. Photos and videos cannot do justice. I did learn several things I would like to pass on to future visitors.1) The hike in is not bad 3.5 hrs with 30# packs--6 of us in our group.2) The village is fine, 2 stores with everything you need. 2 café/diners...good food, service can be a little slow. Beautiful church, school, playground etc.3) The locals are polite but do not really converse, simple responses to your questions, no real conversations nor do they really volunteer any information or advice4) Horses, mules, dogs and a few cats...watch out for horses and mules esp on the trails5) Plan on spending one day exploring the falls...from the campground the furthest and most fun to play in is Beaver falls 3 miles away--they have a ranger stationed there for injuries and assistance. Several other falls along the way. Bring lunch. Wear river sandals or aqua shoes as you are constantly in and out of water and cross the river multiple times. The first set of falls offers an exhilarating climb down....chutes, ladders, chains etc. 6) Helicopter ride out is great $85 per person but saves you from hiking 8 miles to the trailhead. The line starts forming early ie 7am and people get testy....locals bump you back as they have priority and frequently cargo does the same. 7) If you need to stay the day before descending or the day coming out...DO NOT STAY at the motel(Grand Canyon Caverns Inn or something like that) the Havasu webpage links you to. It is awful...old, rickety, the little store closes at 5pm and there is no one around. Stay in Peach Springs...the mileage difference is 6 miles...at the Hualapai Lodge. It is beautiful, very nice restaurant, hot springs etc. It is on the Reservation and is a different tribe so that is likely why the Havasupai don't link to it. If you want liquor...buy a six pack in Kingman and drink it in your room, there is none available or allowed on any reservation land.8) Ibuprofen and Icy Hot. Your legs will be singing and sore, esp your calves after hiking down and exploring all the falls... The pain is worth the beautiful and fabulous experience. 9) The campground is large and can be crowded, there are 3 sets of toilets and 1 fresh water spring, no need for purifiers or filters on this trip. It is fine, don't expect a lot of privacy, you're only there 2 nites max. Remember also that being in a canyon you have limited daylight...the sun disappears quickly and the nite is long...bring cards and light.10) There are distinct sets of visitors--backpackers like us, people who hire mules to bring all kinds of crap down to the campground and frequently they ride in on horse/mule or helicopter same going out. There campsites are nicer due to the amenities they have hauled in. And people who stay in the lodge and are transported in/out. The day you enjoy the falls everyone is equal though. No way any one or animal can haul your stuff...bring a daypack for lunch, towel, water, sunscreen etc.

Havasu Falls is approx a 2 mile hike from the Supai Village. Getting here requires a tedious 7.5 mile (my iPhone said 9 miles) hike from the clifftop parking lot to the village. Hope you're in good shape!The water at the falls is a brilliant blue (depending on the time of day and lighting conditions) and hence the name Havasupai meaning "People of the blue-green water". It makes the hike worthwhile!The water is nice and chilly and refreshing especially after a long hike in the hot sun. Bring aqua shoes or hiking sandals to walk around the pools if you do go for a dip.There are some picnic tables at the falls. There are no washrooms or snack bars here! Plan accordingly.While checking in at the lodge, we overheard on the radio that a visitor at the falls had an accident and needed first aid and possibly air-lifted out. One of the first questions we heard asked was "Does he have insurance?!" I sure hope you have some to be safe. It's a LONG hike back to the parking lot!There are no day hikes to the falls/village from what we were told and from the signage. Visitors are required to stay overnight.It's a long journey to see this attraction and I think it was very memorable and worthwhile...just don't forget to bring your camera.