Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Distance: Approximately 20 miles R/T
Time: Approximately 2-3 days
Accessibility: Spring - Fall
This past weekend a group of my #adventure buddies and I got to experience the beauty that is #Havasupai. Havasupai means people of the blue-green #waters. As the crowning glory of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this #breathtaking attraction is found at the bottom of the #Grand #Canyon near Supai, Arizona. However, #backpacking into the hot, jungle atmosphere isn’t your average day-hike. The 10-mile Havasupai #Trail from the Hualapai Hilltop to Havasu Falls is a long #hike and provides little protection from the #Arizona sun, especially if you #hiking in with all your gear/equipment. You will need to plan ahead so that you are beginning your hike early in the morning as to limit your hiking time in the sun.
In order to visit Havasupai you have to make a reservation, and the reservation process can be a bit painstaking. Reservations have to be made months in advance, and people start making reservations as soon as the reservation lines open in February. Our trip took 8 months in the making. We made reservations in February and was able to reserve for a group of 16 for an October date.
Campground Phone #: (928) 448-2180, (928) 448-2121, (928) 448-2141, (928) 448-2237
Once you're lucky enough to get through the reservation line. Believe me, it can be frustrating, as my friends and I had to constantly redial to get through. The line is often busy or does not get answered during popular times of year, so call at different times of the day and call often. But once you're in, you have to start planning on how you want to get down. If you don’t feel like hiking, helicopter service, long with horses, are available for a fee, and are available only on certain days. It's best to check the date and availability of the helicopter and mule service.
FEES
Environmental Care Fee: $5 per person
Entry Fee: $35 per person (plus 10% tax)
Campground Fees: $17 per person per night (plus 10% tax)
We decided to spend a night in the nearest town of Kingman for rest and comfort before our backpacking trip. Kingman has a lot of accommodations and dining options to make a pit stop before you depart on your trip to Hualapai Hilltop.
The trail into Supai begins at Hualapai Hilltop, where there is plenty of parking for regular vehicles (and very limited for RVs if it’s busy). From Hualapai Hilltop, there is a quick 2 mile descent into the canyon. You will go down switchbacks, and hiking poles will come in handy. The next 6 miles to Supai Village is relatively flat or very slow descent (which means getting out is mostly uphill). After arriving in Supai, it is another 2 miles to the campground where you continue to descend into the canyon. The campgrounds serve up to 250 people and and are first come first serve. It took us some time find a site big enough for our 14 person group. There is also drinking water available and primitive toilets.
The #campgrounds are located near the river and each spot offers a unique view. From the campground you follow the canyon to the falls.
#Havasu Falls: 0.5 miles away from the campgrounds. It drops over 100 feet into a beautiful pool. You will pass these falls when you’re hiking in from Supai Village to the campgrounds. The aqua blue water color is stunning.
#Mooney Falls: This is the largest of the Havasupai waterfalls, it’s only 0.5 miles after you pass the campgrounds but you have to descend through two tunnels, chains, and ladders.
#Beaver Falls: Beaver Falls: Beaver Falls is the furthest away and requires trekking through water, narrow trails, and over sketchy wooden bridges. It’s 3.5 miles each way (7 miles round trip) and a good place to cliff jump too.
The temperature was nice and hot with a few scattered thunderstorms and showers when we were there. The overcast made for heat and humidity so it was refreshing to swim in the chilly waters. At Beaver Falls a few of us cliff jumped into the water. It was such a memorable experience that I almost regret not being able to spend more time there.
