Complete Havasupai Falls Guide With Tips Ideas and Secrets

Havasupai Falls is arguably the nicest place on earth. Rome, Rio De Janeiro, Cusco, Siem Reap are in my top 5 places and Havasupai is probably my #1.

Out of the 25+ countries I have been I can’t think of a place that was as breathtaking from start to finish. There are so many factors of this hike that make it truly one of the best experiences you will ever have.

There is a point when you walk up to the top of Mooney Falls and the Jurassic Park theme song starts playing in your head, it’s truly surreal.

The trip can be overwhelming so this article will have everything you need to help you get permits and navigate your trip to Havasupai Falls. It is a once in a lifetime trip you have to do if you get the chance.

The combination of being outdoors cut off completely from civilization; the feeling of accomplishment from going in and out with a 30-50lb pack; and not to mention the miles of unique beauty are unrivaled.

It isn’t just a couple of falls you see either… truly all 30 miles you will walk throughout your days will show you some new beauty you have never seen before. I have been lucky enough to make the trip a few times and each day has been just as amazing as the one before.

The hike itself isn’t too bad but with a heavy bag you will definitely be tested, especially on the way out.

Keep in mind that not only will you be hiking 10 miles in and out but you will also hike at least 8 miles while down there to explore Beaver falls or even another 17.5 miles round trip if you go all the way down to the Confluence.

Definitely do the hike to the Confluence if you think you can make it. Overall you will do 30-50 miles of hiking over the days so be prepared!

With that said, how do you get permits for Havasupai Falls? How do you get to Havasupai Falls? When is the best time to go? Is there food there? Do you have to pack your own bag? So many questions so let me get you there with everything you need below.

Before Your Start Planning

MAKE SURE TO GET A PERMIT BEFORE GOING TO HAVASUPAI FALLS. These permits are maybe North America’s most sought after permit and they sell out instantly. Permits go on-sale on havasupaireservations.com February 1st at 8am Arizona time and once the website is done crashing they are pretty much gone with only a few weekends left by 10am.

Tickets are now transferable online as well but you have to specify your secondary pickup name when you make your reservation. You can also try calling down weekly to see if there are any cancellations like what used to be common.

However, now with the transfer possibilities there will probably be less and less cancellations. Day hiking is also not allowed. Passes are now $100+ per person per weekday night or $125+ per weekend night with a minimum of three nights / four days reservation.

Camping Reservations also has a phone number of (928) 448-2111. Be prepared to not get any answer or the phones be disconnected. I literally have called over 100x before… seriously.

Be very sure you check the weather before going, not only on how to pack but also they will close it down due to potential flash flooding during monsoon season.

What To Pack For Havasupai Falls

It can be a little intimidating to pack for Havasupai Falls so I created an entire article to help out. Here is the complete pack list for you! 

Can you stay at Havasupai Lodge?

The lodge sells out just as quickly and I don’t recommend it as the lodge is two miles from the falls. Furthermore one of the best experiences is the camping part and getting back to nature. The lodge is $145+ per room for up to four people + $35 entrance fee + tax. Lodge Reservations: (928) 448-2111.

What Are the Options For Getting Down To Havasupai Falls?

Before you start packing, decide on how you will get down so you know if you should be packing lighter or not. If you are planning to hike your pack down yourself you will want to be as light as possible. However, if you are helicoptering or using the horses than you might not need to be as stingy.

Should you hike down to havasupai Falls or helicopter?

I’m normally not a major pusher of doing things the hard way but you should hike in and out with your pack vs. the helicopter or packhorse options.

Aside from animal cruelty issues, the feeling of accomplishment you will get from hiking your bag in and out is tough to match.

I have had friends cry and collapse after coming out due to anguish but also happiness and the feeling of success. FYI, as of a 2018 court case, the Havasupai reservation has been forced to take better care of the horses.

Can you helicopter down to Havasupai Falls?

Helicopters are offered daily starting at 10am, weather permitting, at $85+ per-person each way with one medium sized backpack 20-40 pounds. The helicopter is first-come first-serve and the wait can be extremely long, thus I wouldn’t always count on it.

The flight goes back and forth from Hualapai Hilltop dropping you off in Supai Village next to the check-in 2 miles from Havasu Falls Campground. The flight takes 10-15 minutes making helicopter takeoff times be about about every 30-45 minutes from each location.

Keep in mind if your bag is too heavy you may also be made to pay $100 to put your bag on a horse on top of the helicopter fee. The helicopters continue flying until everyone is accommodated or it gets dark… in theory.

Keep in mind it will be a long wait to get out. Lots of people wait 3-5 hours for the helicopter out. The good news is you can wait and eat lunch in Supai and that the hike will be a very rough 4+ hours anyways.

Pack Horses At Havasupai Falls

Queue the evil music… kidding…kind of. In 2018 members of the tribe were indicted on animal cruelty charges due to conditions of the animals. The good news from this is that there are new standards for the mules and horses meaning that it isn’t nearly as poor of a choice as it once was.

It is also $400 for one horse each way with a max of 4 bags meaning it’s an additional $200 each essentially! You can put yourself on the waitlist for mules on their website here havasupaireservations.com/

Getting to The Trailhead

I won’t insult your intelligence as everyone in 2019+ should have some form of GPS to get them places. Google Maps has it listed as Havasupai Trailhead. As you know in my overall travel tips & hacks article I also suggest downloading the Google Maps offline so you can use it without data or wifi.

I will give you some tips here and there though to make sure you are on the right track though. Reminder… seriously download Google offline maps just in case you lose service… and check out my other amazing travel tips & hacks already ;).

Directions to Havasupai Falls From Phoenix – With Tips

Go north… It’s about 4.5 hours and be sure to go up the 17 to the 69, which goes past Prescott. Going through Flagstaff takes 30 minutes longer. You will pass through Ash Fork & Seligman on the way.

From Seligman it is another 1.5 hours (90 mi) to the trailhead. It isn’t that far but per what I mention below, driving on Indian Road 18 you have to drive slow.  Every time I have gone I have seen someone wreck their vehicle on an elk… I am not exaggerating, every single time.

Tip: Stay at the Hualapai Lodge where they have a restaurant and bar and is the closest hotel to the trailhead.

You can also stop in Seligman for a bite to eat or drinks if you go the night before or if you are sleeping at the trailhead. Due to the animals on the road, driving during daylight is also a VERY good idea if you have the option.

Directions To Havasupai Falls From Las Vegas – With Tips

Go South, it is about 4 hours and take the 93 to Kingman. Kingman is about 2.5 hours (118 mi) from the trailhead so it could be a nice pit stop.

You will then go through Peach Springs, which is just before you turn off down Indian Trail Road. This is also a great place to stay in a hotel, of which I recommend Hualapai Lodge.

As I mention below, driving on Indian Road 18, you have to drive slow as every time I have gone I have seen someone wreck their vehicle on an elk.

Tips: Hualapai Lodge is also the closest to the trailhead if you wanted to sleep in a hotel before heading down, which isn’t a bad idea if you aren’t outdoorsy. Stop in Kingman as it is the heart of Route 66! They also have Airbnbs as lows as $22, what could go wrong!

Drive Slow On Indian Road 18… seriously.

If you haven’t seen a bull elk… it’s basically like a brontosaurus but with fur. Every single time I have gone I have seen one vehicle crushed by an elk. I will say this again, EVERY single time.

I was lucky as the bull elk I almost hit was just off the side of the road and he was looking down on my Jeep from above the trees… they’re unreal!

Last time I actually was asked by a police officer to help strangers hitch-hike the rest of the way as their vehicle was totaled and being towed back. I always speed when I drive… this is the only place on earth I don’t. I don’t get it but this road is apparently the epicenter for wildlife in North America.

One time there was 50 cattle on the road, deer everywhere, elk and I have seen 55 rabbits… I hit one… I was so sad, let’s not talk about it. Driving at night is obviously worse but either way stay within the speed limit, which coming from me says a lot.

What do you do the night before your hike? Hotel, Tent, Sleep In Car or drive in the morning?

Short story… sleep in a hotel… ideally at Hualapai Lodge, which is the closest hotel to the trailhead. I will go into detail tomorrow but a good night sleep is important since you may have 3 rough nights of sleeping over the next few nights (if you aren’t super outdoors).

I stayed at Hualapai Lodge and it was a great little hotel. If you are a light sleeper then use your phone sound machine as there is a train nearby. Aside from that, it has a restaurant and bar, travel guides and is a perfect hotel for the night.

With the new rules you now have a 3 night/4 day pass to camp down there. Keep in mind if you plan to hike down early then you will be sleeping in your car or pitching your tent at the top of the trailhead making it a 4th night of uncomfortable sleeping.

I would rate myself a 9/10 outdoorsy person and my notes are for the people below that level. With that said, this is a once in a lifetime trip and you won’t even remember the little amounts of sleep you had after this is all said and done… so feel free to take the extra discomfort via sleeping in car if needed.

I have tented a the top, slept in a my car and slept in a hotel. #1 was hotel at Hualapai Lodge, #2 was tent 10 mins up from the trailhead, #3 was car sleeping. If you are young though… sleep in your car, you’ll be fine, i’m just old and gotten boujee. If you aren’t a huge camper then sleeping 4 nights on a sleeping mat in a tent isn’t ideal.

Not to mention if you tent at the trailhead you will be setting up your tent in the dark more than likely. There also isn’t really anywhere to camp around the trailhead due to the amount of cars so you will end up having to find a spot off the side of the road 2-5 miles up from the trailhead.

What Time Of Day To Travel to The Trailhead?

As mentioned, with the new 3 nights down there minimum this opens up your options a bit. Before, with only 2 nights, you really needed to drive to the trailhead the night before so you could hike down first thing in the morning.

Now, you aren’t as rushed so you could even drive from Phoenix/Vegas or wherever really early the morning of. For instance I used to drive there leaving Phoenix around 3/4pm, stop in Seligman for food and drinks, trailhead by 10pm and trying to sleep by 11.

You would then wake up around 6/7am as it is impossible to sleep in with the excitement you will have, all of the people driving in and making noise as well as maybe a rougher than usual sleep. I think each night I have slept at the trailhead I have slept 3 hours at most… a poor 3 hours at that.

We would wake up, get adjusted, re-pack our bags and get going. Normally I would hit the trail around 7/8am and there are a TON of people going at like 4/5am so you can do that too.

As mentioned, this next go around we are talking about sleeping in our own beds in Phoenix leaving at 4am to arrive by around 8:30am. We will have everything completely packed and able to just hop-out and go. That or sleep in a hotel as mentioned.

What Time Of Year Is Best To Go To Havasupai Falls?

Spring & Fall are hands down the best time to go to Havasupai Falls. I have gone in summer months and in Feb, March & the Fall. Summer can be rough if you are hiking in and out.

Sleeping can be cold but if you pack appropriately it isn’t too awful. The colder weather makes the hikes in and out so much better as well as the 17.5 miles hike to the Confluence.

You may think the water would be colder but the water temperature stays around 70 degrees year round and it actually feels warmer in the colder months due to the effect of warmer/colder air and getting in water.

When is the best time to hike down from the trailhead to Havasupai Falls?

People are so concerned about starting the hike early to avoid the heat, which in the summer is a fair point… I think the sleep and good rest is equally as important since you will be spending 3 nights down there.

However, the earlier you get down there the better campsite you get as well so… it is toss up. So I don’t have an answer for you… I think the 4am people are a little extreme and 7am is an solid start to meet in the middle.

Is There Food Down At Havasupai Falls?

Yes, there is a full concession in Supai village as well as to small general stores. There are also 2-3 food tents just above Havasu Falls that sell sodas, fry bread tacos, fry bread breakfasts and other snacks.

They close around 5/5:30 and are cash only. I always bring enough food to survive down there though just in case the tents are sold out or close before I get back.

Hiking Itinerary For Havasupai Falls

Before we start I will stress two things.

1. No egos: This can be a grueling hike, many people who do this aren’t tenured hikers or campers and be sure to just make everyone as happy as possible. Take stops and breaks and don’t feel bad to tell your friends you need a water break. It isn’t a race and the goal is to enjoy paradise… which leads me to #2.
2. Relax and take your time: You came here on this trip to unplug, connect to nature and you truly don’t have a care in the world out there. When will you ever be back here again, take as much time as you can not the other way around. Don’t sprint back to the campground each day to just sit around as it gets dark. Take your time and explore, lay in the water and take in as much of the area as you can!

Day 1 – The Hike Down

An exciting day! From the second you overlook the canyon you are about to descend you know it is going to be an amazing experience. 

The hike overall wouldn’t be too bad if it wasn’t for packing in a 30-50lb backpack. While difficult, it truly is worth all of sweat and pain as you go along one of the prettiest hikes in the world.

The hike is 8 miles to Supai village and then 2 more miles to the campground from there. The first 1-1.5 miles down is down a pretty steep decline, just a bit less than Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain.

With that said you are already in love with the views as you peer across the gorgeous box canyon. While it is not part of the Grand Canyon you wouldn’t know the difference as it is transcendent. Spirits on the hike down the hilltop are a lot higher than they will be on the hike out, I can tell you that much.

Once at the bottom it is a slight downgrade as you walk down the canyon along a loose gravel/sand path. It can be hot as there is not a shade so it is nice to get an early start.

For 7 miles you’ll walk through the canyon with plenty of photo-ops along the way. I would take your pictures on the way down because the mood will probably be much less upbeat on the way back.

As you walk into Supai there is a small convenience store on your left. You can stop there, or there is another convenience store and a cafeteria style restaurant in the middle of town.

Walking into Supai you will see where to check-in on your right (used to to be on the left) to get your camping info and tags.  There’s also a basketball court, worth taking a few shots in one of the prettier basketball locations I’ve ever seen.

50 Foot Falls & Navajo Falls

Once fueled up in Supai head the last 2 miles down to the campground. As you get closer the creek will appear with your first glimpse of the gorgeus water. 1.5 miles down you will come up to 50 Foot Falls & Lower Navajo Falls on your left.

50 foot falls are tucked a little up from Navajo Falls and are beautiful. There are some secret spots in the Falls as well if you can find them. With now having 3 nights I would come back to 50 Foot Falls the 2nd to last day to explore around and maybe get dinner in town.

As you come round the last stretch you will come up to breathtaking Havasu Falls and you’ve made it! Head down the trail to pick you campsite and get ready for one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.

I would half setup your campsite and head to Mooney Falls to check it out for a little. If you have time you can walk back you Havasu Falls as well. Getting your pictures of Mooney the first night also helps you save time the next morning to get your Beaver Falls & Confluence adventure on.

Day 2 – Hiking To Beaver Falls & Maybe The Confluence If You Choose

You can make this Day 2 or Day 3. I recommend Day 2 since you still have the excitement and adrenaline high of wanting to see as much as you can. Day 3 I recommend to do more of a relax day, go to Navajo & 50 Foot Falls Falls, eat in Supai and rest your legs for the journey out the next day.

Hike To Beaver Falls – 8 Miles Round Trip From Campground

Before you head to Beaver Falls, pack your daypack with lunch, snacks and be well hydrated as I recommend not making it back to camp until nightfall.

Heading to Beaver Falls I recommend getting an early start as the sun disappears behind the canyon walls quickly at Beaver Falls and the water isn’t warm! I suggest over and over bring trail running shoes that you don’t mind getting wet as taking your shoes off and on each time you go through the water is annoying.

FYI: the later you go the longer the potential wait at the infamous “stairway” to Mooney. The way down to Mooney Falls is cool in its own right, walking down sketchy ladders and going through caves… it isn’t for the faint of heart though.

If you are terrified of heights don’t attempt going down to Mooney Falls. Every time I have gone someone freezes and holds people up 30+ minutes since it is one person up and down. Queue my grumpy old man voice but if you can’t hike your bag in and out then you shouldn’t try to go down to Mooney Falls either.

From the campground it is 4 miles to Beaver Falls from the campground meaning it will be 8 miles roundtrip. You can hike on the trail the whole way or if you wanted to hike in the water the whole way you can actually do that too!

Even going the backway from the falls to the “lone palm” is a fun option. The lone palm is hard to miss and you can cut across the water to hike down the backside (left of stream) of Beaver Falls or come back that way, it is a fun extra adventure.

Another amazing surprise is that on your way you will be greeted by a patch of greenery unlike any other I have seen! It is absolutely incredible.

Unfortunately it is not in bloom over some of the winter months but is normally there March to October/November. It is surreal to be walking in the canyon, along this blue water and out of nowhere the greenest of green patches pops up out of nowhere.

Once you get to Beaver Falls you can relax a little and take a dip. If you are going to the Confluence then I wouldn’t stay too long as it is another 9.5 miles round trip. If you’re staying at Beaver Falls, relax and explore.

Beaver Falls Tips: You can also go underneath some of Beaver Falls, including a secret cave. If you continue past Beaver Falls there is cliff jumping of all crazy heights as well!

Hike To The Confluence – 17.5 Miles Round-Trip From The Campground

As you will be able to see from the picture below… it is worth it! 17.5 miles yes… but wow what a hike. Along the way you will be treated to more incredible views including the once in a lifetime view of the blue water meeting the brown water from the Colorado river.

The long length is rough and if you are going you should start early and not stop at Beaver Falls for more than a quick picture and a snack. From there you will hike 9.5 miles round trip from Beaver Falls and cross the water 7 more times.

As mentioned wear shoes you can get wet and keep walking. I always wear trail running shoes and they work great, never taking them off.

The hike is full of cliffs, walking along the water and most likely you will see some bighorn sheep! When you get to The Confluence that long grueling hike pays off because the canyon walls, giant fish and the joining of the two waters is a site to behold.

If it is your first time going I may not venture to The Confluence and just enjoy everything in between Beaver Falls and Mooney Falls as there is a lot to see and enjoy at a slow pace vs. a sprint to The Confluence.

If you have time then be sure to go explore closer to Mooney Falls where some trails will lead you down to the secret shower or up into a different canyon that is so serene and appears as if it is something out of Asia.

As mentioned do not rush back to the campground as there isn’t a whole lot to do there at night. Use as much time as you can exploring the area between Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls or The Confluence.

When returning to camp if you go back towards Havasu Falls and pickup some comfort food from the tents, they normally close at 5/5:30pm though. You can even go back to Havasu Falls and have a little picnic as the sun goes down.

Day 3 – Free Day – Play In The Water, 50 Foot Falls, Navajo Falls, explore and eat in Supai.

Today is a fun day to relax and explore a little more. As mentioned there are some hidden gems in and around 50 Foot Falls & Navajo thus definitely explore.

There are a ton of hidden caves and more in the area that are only secret because they are… secrets. You could spend an entire day wading in the water of 50 Foot Falls or relaxing in the pools of Navajo Falls.

It is crazy to think that these two falls aren’t even the best things to see as these by themselves are magnificent.

Grab some food in Supai while you are up in the area since a warm meal not from a bag will taste amazing right about now. Overall relax or if you wanted to and have time you can always try to find the secret spots just past Mooney Falls as well. Take your pictures, enjoy life and take in the amazing area around you.

Day 4 – Relax Day 2, Pack up & Hike To Your Car

A sad and a rough day but don’t rush to leave! When are you ever going to be back again? A good chance of never! I normally don’t leave until the afternoon, taking in another swim at the falls or overall just relaxing since you really could be at work right now!

Hiking back to the car will be rough and you might be tempted to helicopter out. As mentioned the Helicopter will be a long wait to get out as lots of people wait 3-5+ hours for it.

If you have to wait for the helicopter the good news is you can wait and eat lunch in Supai and that the hike will be a very rough 4+ hours anyways. Some people get up early just to not wait in a helicopter line but isn’t taking things slow and being in nature the whole reason you came?

With that said, take your time and head back as the only thing waiting for you is a 4+ hour drive. Fuel up in Supai, have lunch and get ready for the trek out.

Be sure to stop a lot and take care of everyone in the group as legs will be toast after hiking 30-40 miles over the last few days. Most people note it takes 20%+ longer to get out due to the inclines and overall fatigue so be mindful of your group.

Furthermore, hiking later in the day is hotter so don’t get mad at me if it’s a touch brutal in the afternoon and night. Hopefully when you make it to the top someone cries and your beers & gatorade are still cold. Enjoy the end to the trip, sit back and say goodbye to one of the most beautiful areas on earth.

Tips, Tricks & Hacks For Havasupai Falls

• No egos! This hike is tough, with a large backpack, so take your breaks and be happy. No need to be worried about asking for a break to make everyone feel better.
• Bring shoes you are okay with walking through water with when hiking to Beaver Falls & The Confluence to avoid stopping all the time to take shoes and socks off.
• It often gets dark in the canyon early so be sure to be up early and get your hiking in.
• Do not hurry back to your campsite each day. As  mentioned it gets dark early and there really isn’t much to do at night.
• Creek fridge. I saw this idea on the survival show Alone and it is genius. Essentially you keep your things cool in the creek via building up a mini dam next to the shore to keep everything cooler than if it is out in the sun or in your tent.
• No drugs or alcohol. I have seen people get told to lose their alcohol or they must go home, in a very stern and scary way.
• With that said, I packed a separate cooler with beer and gatorade in the car for when we returned from the hike! It actually kept coldish.
• Don’t use brand new shoes. Make sure you are comfortable in and have walked a lot in the footwear you plan on bringing.
• I would take your pictures of the hike on the way down because the mood will probably be much less upbeat on the way back.
• Remember! You must pack out whatever you pack in, including garbage.
• The water doesn’t deviate a ton from 70 degrees year-round, in fact I found it warmer in March vs. August due to it being colder out of the water in March.
• There is no phone service at the bottom
• Watchout for the horses on the hike. They’re like taxis in Elf, they don’t stop.
• There is often food for sale at the bottom but it can run out! I recommend still packing enough food to get by for all of your days just in case.
• Native American discounts are available at check-in with valid reservation and identification.
• Flash Flooding in monsoon season can happen in July & August so be sure to check as extremely poor weather will cancel your reservation.
• The summer months can have temperatures over 100 degrees so bring lots of water, electrolytes and food.
• Winter months are very cold so be sure to pack accordingly at night.
• Reselling of reservations is strictly prohibited and can void your reservation. You also need an ID to check-in so this won’t work anyways.
• Try to avoid hiking in and out in the hottest parts of the day. With that said, don’t let it push you from spending more time down there enjoying your time.
• Remember to lock your food up somehow or put it in your tent when you leave or else squirrels will get it all!

Did you like this? If so please comment below or give any tips and ideas you want to share!