Photo Credit:
Matt MacPherson | IG: @mattmacphersonphoto | Original Post: December 20, 2017
At a Glance:
| Location: | Southwest Corner of Grand Canyon Supai, AZ, 86435 Havasupai Indian Reservation |
| Trail or Landmark Name / Map: | Havasu Falls (hike starts at the Havasupai Trailhead) |
| Parking Coordinates: | 36.1575445,-112.7102909 (lot) |
| Photo Coordinates: | 36.2553098,-112.6982762 |
| Distance: | Full Trail: 24.5 miles round trip, Out-and-Back Photo Location: 20 miles round trip, Out-and-Back |
| Time to Complete: | Full Trail: 12-14 hours Photo Location: 10-12 hours |
| Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Elevation Gain: | 3,307 ft |
| Quick Facts: | ✔ Entrance Fee ($300+ / person, see details below) ✔ Restrooms Available (at nearby campground) ✖ Dog Friendly ✖ Bike Friendly ✖ Kid Friendly ✖ Wheelchair Accessible |
Description:
The photographer posted this photo on December 20, 2017 during the off season, when the Falls are much less crowded.
A trip to Havasu Falls takes some planning, as a reservation is required to visit, and reservations for the entire season can fill up within minutes of opening. About a mile before the trailhead, on Indian Road 18, there is a security stop and you will not be able to continue without proof of your reservation. Print your documents in case you do not have cell service here.
You will park at the Havasupai Hilltop / Trailhead and hike the 10 miles to the Havasu Falls Campground, carrying everything you will need (expect 25-35 pounds of gear) for the required minimum 3-night stay. You could probably only stay one or two nights if you want, but you’ll have to book and pay for 3. Havasu Falls is only a 5-minute walk from the campground.
At the time of this post, the campground fee is $100 per person per night from Monday to Thursday, and $125 per person per night from Friday to Sunday. Reservations become available exclusively at the Havasupai Reservations website, on February 1 each year at 8:00 AM Mountain Standard Time. Plan to be online before that time to snag a reservation. Full payment is due at the time of the booking and there are NO REFUNDS.
In lieu of completing the full hike, you also have the option of taking a helicopter between the trailhead and the Supai Village (about a 2-mile hike to Havasu Falls from Supai Village). Helicopter rides are currently $85 per person and are only offered on certain days, so check the schedule before you leave. Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early to get in line. Many people hike the trail into the Falls, and then take the helicopter ride back, as the trail back is more strenuous than the trail in.
Note that even if you ride the helicopter in and out, you are still required to make a reservation at either the campground or the Supai Lodge. Supai Lodge reservation information is also available at the Havasupai Reservations website.
Starting from the Havasupai Hilltop / Trailhead, the hike into Havasu Falls is about 10 miles and takes 5-6 hours, one-way. Use the restroom and fill up on water at the trailhead, as it will be your last opportunity for 8 miles, until you get to Supai Village. Havasu Falls is 2 miles past Supai Village. Expect a mostly sandy, rocky, gravelly terrain throughout the hike.
You will hit Havasu Falls just before you get to the Havasu Falls Campgrounds. The campgrounds feature a small spring for fresh water, composting toilets, picnic tables, and about a half mile of campsite space. Campfires are not permitted. If you desire, you can continue along the trail past the campgrounds to see Mooney Falls.
There is an extremely helpful and detailed description of the full trail on the Havasupai Trail Wikipedia page.
Helpful Links:
Reservations (required for visit)
Trail Map (visual, not to scale)
Trail Map (interactive, to scale)
Trail Description
Directions to Trailhead
Recommended Camping Gear
Guide to All Havasupai Waterfalls
Trail Reviews on AllTrails.com
Havasu Falls Reviews on Tripadvisor.com
Havasupai Indian Reservation Information
Additional Images:
