The BEST Havasu Falls Hike Guide!

After years of seeing pictures and videos of Havasu Falls, we decided to finally experience the world famous Havasu Falls Hike. The problem with this is, experiencing this one of a kind waterfall isn’t as easy as you would think. You have to first get a permit, take a long drive to Havasupai Trailhead, hike to Havasu Falls (which is 10 miles one way), and then stay the night at a campground. The process can be stressful, long, and frustrating (especially if you have never backpacked before). Luckily I have experienced Havasupai and I have written below every single process. This post is filled with maps, packing lists, tips on getting a permit, and a guide to the Havasupai Hike. So keep on reading on to get started on your next awesome adventure!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

About Havasu Falls

I am sure you have seen countless pictures of Havasu Falls all over social media. Well, this waterfall is only one of five sparkling blue waterfalls located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The five waterfalls located on Havasupai Reservation are:

• Havasu Falls
• Mooney Falls
• Beaver Falls
• Navajo Falls
• 50 foot falls

A lot of people mistake Havasupai to be a part of the Grand Canyon National Park. But Havasu Falls is not owned by the parks depart but the Havasupai People. It is a sovereign nation with its own rules and laws. Trespassing here is a violation of federal law.

The Havasupai tribe (which translates to people of blue-green water) have inhabited the grand canyon for a long time. By 1919 the tribe was sadly restricted to only 518 Acres of the Grand Canyon. Eventually, the tribe has been able to get back about 188,000 acres of their homeland which includes the Havasu Falls and the other waterfalls we all know and love today.

The Havasupai tribe lives in the small village of Supai. The village is pretty remote and requires animals and helicopters to get supplies in and out of there. When hiking to Havasu Falls, you will pass by the Supai Village.

Where is Havasupai Indian Reservation Located

The Indian Reservation is located in Arizona near the Grand Canyon. The reservation is not as close to the national park as you would think though. It is still a few hours drive from the South Rim Grand Canyon Village to the Havasupai Trailhead. Regardless of where you come from you will have to drive through Indian Road 18 for an hour and a half (as shown below). Here are the drive times and miles from major cities that you can fly into:

• Phoenix: 4 1/2 hours, 263 miles, Sky Harbor International Airport
• Las Vegas: 4 hours, 219 miles, McCarran International Airport
• Grand Canyon: 3 hours and 40 minutes, 192 miles;

Want To Do An Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: Check Out This Post

Havasu Falls Hike Map And Distances

1. Havasupai Falls Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) to Supai Village: 8 miles, Day 1
2. Havasupai Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) to Navajo Falls: 9.5 miles, Day 1
3. Havasupai Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) to Havasu Falls: 10 miles, Day 1
4. Havasupai Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) to Mooney Falls: 11 miles, Day 3
5. Havasupai Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop) to Beaver Falls: 13 miles, Day 3
6. The Havasu Falls hike elevation gain is -1963ft (+1963 on the return leg).

When you get to the trailhead, you will notice all the cars parked. The area is called Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot. From the Havasupai Trailhead to the Supai village is the most challenging part of the journey. You will have to backpack 8 miles to Supai Village. The Supai Village is where you check in.

From the Supai Village to Havasu Falls it is about 2 miles. The campgrounds are located near Havasu Falls. I recommend enjoying Havasu Falls, Fifty Foor Falls, and Lower Navajo Falls the first day. The second day it is best to enjoy Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. Below is a downloadable google map of all the essential places to note. You can turn off and on the layers to help you with the planning.

Best Time To Hike Havasupai Falls

The best time to go to Havasupai would generally be in the Spring and Fall. The summer brings in extremely high temperatures, and July and August are when it is Monsoon Season. The past few years there have been floods, and the Havasupai Tribe had to close down the trail during the summer. If the temperatures get too high, they can also close down the trail. So getting your permit during the summer can be a gamble. But since obtaining a permit is extremely difficult, August and July might be your only choice. The winter (December-February) is when the waterfalls are closed to the public.

Havasupai Falls Reservations – Camping

Well now that you are set on getting to hiking into Havasupai Falls, there is one main problem that you might have to tackle, and that is obtaining a permit. Obtaining this permit is one of the hardest things you will ever do. It is expensive, stressful, and they usually sell out within a couple of hours when they go on sale.

How Do I Reserve a Havasu Falls Hike Permit?

As of 2023, there are no new reservations to be made. However, if you find a cancelation, it is fair game to grab. You can make an account for camping here. Once you make an account go to “Cancellations/Transfers List” in blue.

You will see a list of the permits you can grab. If there are too many people to a reservation, you can give those spots away.

The Havasupai Tribe has also requested not to call them to make reservations. All reservations are to be made online.

How Much Does A Havasu Falls Hike Reservation Cost?

1. $100 per person per weekday night
2. $125 per person per weekend night (Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights)
3. These prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.
4. All campground reservations will be for 3 nights / 4 days.

Other Things to Note on The Reservations

• There are no refunds
• The whole Price is due at the time of the Reservation
• You can only use one credit card.
• Only valid if the Trip Leader named on the reservation is present at the Tourist Check-in Office in the Village of Supai with an ID.
• Make Sure your dates are Flexible. If you are flying into Arizona, I recommend getting the permit first and then buying your plane tickets after. 

Havasupai Falls Lodge

The Havasupai Lodge isn’t the most excellent hotel from what I have heard, but if camping isn’t your style, then you can try your luck with a room at the lodge. You can get all the information on the lodge at the official Havasupai Website. As of 2023, you can only get a spot in the lodge if someone cancels.

You have to make a different account for the Lodge. It will not be the same account as the Campground account. It is more difficult to get a permit/spot for the lodge than it is for the campground.

Alternatives To Hiking/Backpacking In

If Havasu Falls hiking isn’t your thing, there are other alternatives on getting to Havasu Falls. You can either helicopter in and out, or pay for a mule to get you in and out.

Using the Mules

Using the pack mules is an option an getting to Havasupai. Call weeks beforehand to confirm requirements and reservations before arriving. Also please note that there have been reports on the horses being overworked and malnourished.

Havasu Falls Helicopter

Since our bodies were utterly exhausted from backpacking in the Grand Canyon and hiking nearly 30 miles in 2 days, we decided it was best that we helicopter our way out of Supai. We got to Supai Village around 12 pm and wrote down our names on a list. The list is on a first come first serve basis and gives priority to the locals. The price of the ride was $85 a person, and they accept credit cards or cash. Do note any card charges will include a service charge of $15. Lastly, it is important to note that the helicopter is ONLY available on select days. See below.

March 15 to October 15:

• Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm
• Monday: 10 am to 1 pm
• Thursday: 10 am to 1 pm
• Friday: 10 am to 1 pm

 October 16 to March 14:

• Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm
• Friday: 10 am to 1 pm

I recommend eating in Supai and relaxing while you are waiting. We ended up eating at The Havasupai Tribal Cafe shown on the map above. The wait for the helicopter is very long, and it is best just to accept it. We waited for a total of 4 hours! Which was probably how long it would have taken us to hike back. In the end, we were happy with this decision because both of us had never ridden in a helicopter before and we thought it would be a fun new experience. The ride lasted about 10 minutes.

For a fee of around $25, you can also pay the helicopter to take your bag to the parking lot, and you hike the way back to the parking lot without a backpack.

Havasupai Packing List

After booking my permit, I was lucky enough to have already all the equipment needed to camp at Havasupai. I have been using this equipment for years, and I highly recommend all of them. I have linked all the equipment we brought on the trail with us below. I also want to note that we had no need to pay for mules, and everything fit perfectly in/on our backpacks.

1. Sunscreen: This is a no brainer. There are areas on the trail where there is no shade. Slather some on right before the trek. >Buy Sunscreen
2. Bug Repellent: When I go backpacking anywhere I always bring a small spray just in case. I have linked a perfect one for outdoor travel. >Buy Mosquito Spray
3. Hiking Shoes: If you use tennis shoes you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times before). Plus if you want to hike to Mooney Falls, you got to have a good grip shoe. >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Refillable water bottle: At the campground, there is drinkable water, so all you need to do is bring a refillable water bottle (No Filter). I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. >Check Prices Now
5. Sunglasses: Like I said it can get pretty sunny. >Check Out These Sunglasses
6. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars. Cliff Bars are great for hiking.
7. Trekking Poles: This is an optional product, but they really help with the knees. The poles I have listed are known to be one of the best in the market. >Buy The Trekking Poles Here
8. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of the Havasu Falls. The Sony A6000 is a great camera for people that want to start getting better at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
9. Tripod: This is an optional item but it is great for getting that silky vibe on your waterfall pictures. >Check out this tripod
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Backpack (50 – 65 Liters): I feel like the backpack is the most important equipment for this trip. If you have a low-quality backpacking pack, it can really hurt your back. One of my first backpacks didn’t give me any support and I was always in pain during my backpacking trips. The Osprey (which I have linked) is known to be one of the best makers of backpacks out there. >Buy my Awesome Backpack
12. Tent: The tent can be one of the heaviest items you will be carrying. I just bought this new Nemo 2 Person tent and it is so small and light! >Buy The Nemo Backpacking Tent
13. Jet Boil: This is a portable mini stove that will boil water for you. This is great if you are bringing dry food >Buy My Jet Boil
14. Propane for Jet Boiler: You can usually buy this at the Walmart.
15. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. The pad you take with you on this trip should be lightweight. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one in the market for backpacking. It is my husbands sleeping pad and it can be used all year long. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
16. Dry Food: Dry food is the perfect food for when you are backpacking. All you have to do is add boiling water. Let me warn you that most dry food doesn’t taste amazing, but it is good enough after a long day of hiking. >Check Out Some Of My Favorite Dry Food
17. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
18. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight. >Buy A Headlamp Now
19. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. The one I have linked, I have had for five years now, and it is STILL going strong. >Buy The EXTREMELY Packable Inflatable Pillows
20. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must.>Look At Prices
21. Compression Pack: This just compresses your sleeping bag, so it is easier to pack! >Buy a Compression Pack
22. Swimsuit: To go swimming of course 🙂
23. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. >Check Out These Sandals
24. Lightweight, breathable pants or shorts
25. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts >Check Out This One Here
26. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
27. Sports Bra: For women.
28. Jacket: Only in the fall and spring >Buy My Favorite Jacket
29. Trash Bags: Everything you pack in, you must pack out. So bring a few bags with you.
30. Printed Permit: They WILL ask for your permit and ID. Bring multiple copies just in case.
31. ID: When we got to the trailhead they asked for my ID. Don’t forget it!
32. Towel: To get nice and dry.
33. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >>>Check Out This Toothbrush
34. Day Pack: You will use this on the second day when you go to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. The REI bag I have linked is one we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
35. Hammock: Hammocks are a great way to lounge around. They are perfect to nap in and Havasupai has many trees. >Buy A Packable Hammock

Hiking Havasupai Facts

1. Havasu Falls is located adjacent to the campground. You will pass the falls before you arrive at the campground.
2. The elevation gain is -1963ft (+1963 on the return leg).
3. The Havasu Falls hike is 4-8 hours (one way). We finished it in 4 hours, but it was cool and shady throughout the hike.
4. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow.
5. The trail can be extremely hot so make sure to bring plenty of water.
6. June through September is monsoon season. There is an increased chance of flash floods. If you see flooding approaching immediately go to higher ground.
7. The trail is difficult at the beginning of the hike, but the majority of the hike is relatively easy/flat. The most challenging part is the last mile heading back up to the parking lot (beginning of the trailhead)
8. You can take a helicopter in and out of the Supai Village, but it is limited. I don’t recommend depending on it.
9. Leave no trace rule applies, so you will need to take out all of your trash.
10. Do NOT show up without a permit. You will be turned away. Make sure to read up on my guide on how to obtain a permit.
11. Drinking alcohol is prohibited.
12. The water temperature is roughly 70 degrees all year long.
13. Once you reach the Village, you must check in at the Tourist Check-In Office
14. Horses have the right of way.
15. Beware of the wild mice and critter that can take your food.
16. No day hiking or night hiking so get there early in the morning!
17. No pool toys are allowed such as pool floats, pool toys, styrofoam, or water guns.
18. Taking pictures of Havasupai People or properties are not allowed.
19. No fire is allowed, but gas canisters or stoves are ok.
20. No drones are allowed.
21. No dogs are allowed.
22. There are no health facilities in Supai. In the event of an emergency, getting out of Havasupai will take some time and will be extremely expensive, so trip insurance is recommended. Be safe.

Havasu Falls Hike – 1st Day

When we arrived at the trailhead, it was a little after 3:00 pm. We were late on getting to Havasupai because we had just hiked up the Grand Canyon. At first, the locals didn’t want to let us go because by the time we would get to the campground, the sun would be down, and they didn’t want us hiking in the dark. They also wanted us to sign in at Supai Village which closed at 5 pm. After making my sad eyes and assuring them that we were not first-time hikers (I added that we just backpacked in the Grand Canyon), they let us go on our adventure.

The start of the Havasupai Falls Hike is the hardest part. The first 1.5 miles drops in 1000 feet in elevation. Hiking to the campground is easier than the return hike.

Eventually, the trail levels out and you are walking inside of the Havasu Canyon. There were not many people on the trail, so we pretty much had the whole canyon to ourselves. The canyon is stunning, and I can’t imagine why I have never heard much of the Havasu hike.

In my opinion, the hiking Havasu Falls Trail was not hard; it was just long which can be misconstrued as being hard. I have finished many difficult hikes, and this one isn’t even close to making the cut. But, I can still see why people would label this as a difficult hike. It did feel like it went on forever.

Eventually, we got to a sign that read “Supai.” We made it to the village officially! At this point, we started to hear the Havasu Creek flowing, and we even saw some horses eating away.

When we got to Supai, the sun was setting, and it was starting started to get dark. From Supai to the campground, we used our headlamps. The next morning, we took pictures of the waterfalls between Supai and the Campground. After Supai, you can start the see small waterfalls with gorgeous backdrops of the orange canyons. All the trees near the river look so alive and vibrant.

The Havasu Falls hike is a moderate hike even for the inexperienced. Just don’t follow our example and arrive late. It will take some time to arrive at the campground, but you also get some great views on the way.

Havasu Falls Camping

A large portion of visitors see the first available campsite and pitch a tent. I would recommend exploring a bit to find the perfect spot. The campsite extends much farther than we expected. We suggest looking for campsites near Mooney Falls. We found this perfect spot right next to the river that had a picnic table. I loved falling asleep to the soothing sound of the rushing river flow. Be aware that you are only allowed to camp from the campground entrance to the final bathroom close to Mooney Falls (Bathrooms are pit toilets).

Havasu Falls – 2nd Day

We woke up right when the sun began to rise. We were determined to see Havasu Falls as long as we could. When we arrived, we were surprised to see we were the only ones there. The lack of bodies allowed us to take as many pictures as we wanted. On our way to the falls, people were waking up and getting their backpacks ready for the horses to take them away. They had to have their bags at a particular location by a certain time otherwise they had to carry their bags. Choosing to not utilize the mules, allows freedom to stay much longer. We were not obligated to leave at any given point.

Since we had the waterfall all to ourselves, we decided to do a photo shoot. I slipped on the perfect dress for the occasion. The air was a little chilly, but I knew I would never have this opportunity again to take the picture. Being cold for a few minutes was utterly worth it.

To get the wispy, dreamy shot above, set the camera on a tripod, rock or anything that can hold your camera steady. Change the setting to “shutter priority” and adjust the shutter speed to a higher setting. We used 0.7 seconds. If you get up early to see the waterfall, you will have plenty of time to play around with your camera settings.

The above picture was taken on a ledge. This is the incredible first image you get of the falls when you first arrive. I recommend lounging here all day on your second day.

Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls –  3rd Day

A lot of people are surprised to hear that there are more waterfalls at Havasupai. One of the most impressive ones (and my favorite) is Mooney Falls. The waterfall is taller (50 ft taller) then Havasu Falls. Mooney Falls is located past Havasu Falls and the campground.

The difficult part is getting down to the waterfall. The hike down is not for the faint of heart. There are ladders and stairs so you can scramble down to get to the waterfall. The ladders and stairs can be pretty slippery due to the waterfall spray.

Once you get down to Mooney Falls, you can continue on a hike to Beaver Falls. The Hike from Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls is 2 Miles one way. Beaver Falls isn’t a tall standing waterfall, but it is a great area to hang out at all day.

Conclusion

The Havasu Falls is a one of a kind, stunning waterfall that takes your breath away. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was inside a hidden oasis. Thanks to the new reservation system, the area didn’t seem as crowded as I thought it would be. Many times we were able to enjoy the radiant blue falls without any crowds. I highly recommend seeing the majestic, once in a lifetime adventure. Make sure to read up on my other Arizona Blog Posts:

• How to obtain a Havasupai Permit
• Ultimate Guide to the Mooney Falls Hike
• Things to do at Page Arizona
• Best Hikes In Sedona Arizona

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