Havasupai

If you’re lookin’ for a Grand Canyon adventure that feels like steppin’ into another world, Havasupai is the place for you. Known as the "people of the blue-green waters," the Havasupai Nation welcomes visitors to their sacred canyon, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ll ever lay eyes on. From the jaw-droppin’ turquoise waters of Havasu Falls to the hidden beauty of Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, this is a desert oasis like no other.

Havasupai isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. With no roads into the canyon, visitors must hike, fly in by helicopter, or send their gear down by pack mule. The journey itself is part of the adventure, and the reward is spendin’ time in one of the most pristine and secluded corners of the Grand Canyon.

But don’t let that seclusion fool ya—it’s a popular spot! With limited reservations, snaggin’ your chance to visit can feel like winnin’ a gold rush lottery. But partner, let me tell ya, it’s worth every effort to make it happen.

Havasu Falls

Snagging a Reservation

Now, here’s the rub, partner: you can’t just mosey on down to Havasupai on a whim. Every single visitor needs a reservation, whether you’re campin’ under the stars or bookin’ a room at the lodge. Reservations for the 2025 season open on February 1st, and let me warn ya—they sell out quicker than a chuckwagon’s last biscuit.

Mooney Falls

To secure your spot, you’ll need to create an account on the tribe’s official website: www.havasupaireservations.com. When the calendar opens, be ready at the crack of dawn (well, 8 AM Arizona time) to book. You’ll have to pay in full when you make your reservation, and all visits are for three nights and four days, no exceptions.

If you miss out, don’t despair! Folks who can’t make their trip often resell their reservations through the same website. Keep an eye on the Cancellations/Transfers page—new permits pop up every day at 8 AM. With a bit of patience and persistence, you might just find yourself strollin’ into this turquoise paradise after all.

Gettin' There

The trail to Havasupai starts at Hualapai Hilltop, a remote parking area perched at the edge of the canyon. From here, it’s an 8-mile hike down to the village of Supai, followed by another 2 miles to the campground and waterfalls. This ain’t a stroll through the park—it’s a tough desert hike, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and grit.

Mules on the Havasupai Trail packing in supplies.

For those lookin’ to skip the hike, there’s a helicopter service

that runs from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai village. Flights are weather dependent, first-come, first-served, and prioritize tribal members, but it’s a quicker way to get into the canyon if you’re up for a bit of waitin’.

Peach Springs is the closest town with services like gas and supplies, but it’s still 66 miles from the trailhead. From the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, you’re lookin’ at a 4-hour drive to the hilltop. Whether you’re comin’ from Flagstaff, Kingman, or elsewhere, plan your trip carefully—there ain’t any services once you hit the hilltop.

All of my South Rim itineraries have a couple pages on Havasupai in them if it's something you're considering, but I also have a Havasupai Visitor's Guide if yer dead-set on visiting.

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Gettin' Shut-Eye

Once you make it into the canyon, you’ve got two choices for lodgin’: campin’ or stayin’ at the lodge.

Camping

The Havasupai Campground stretches over a mile along the blue-green waters of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. It’s a "camp wherever you want" setup, givin’ you the freedom to pick your perfect spot. The campground has composting toilets and access to drinkin’ water from the creek (filtered, of course), but you’ll need to bring all your own gear and supplies

Havasupai Campground

Havasupai Lodge

For a bit more comfort, the Havasupai Lodge in Supai village offers 24 rooms with two double beds each. It’s a great option if you’re not up for haulin’ campin’ gear but still wanna experience the beauty of the canyon. Rooms book up as fast as the campground, so be ready to snag one when reservations open.

Havasupai Lodge

Staying Near Havasupai

If you’re comin’ from afar, consider stayin’ in Kingman, Seligman, Peach Springs, or the quirky Grand Canyon Caverns the night before your hike. These are the closest towns with accommodations and a chance to rest up before hittin’ the trail. Keep in mind, though these are the closest spots, from Kingman it's a 2 hour drive to the Havasupai Trailhead, Seligman - 1,5 hours, and from the Grand Canyon Caverns - a little over an hour, and if you're reservation is in the hotter months you'll want to start before sunrise so you're not hiking during the hottest part of the day.

Havasupai Lodging

You can actually sleep IN Grand Canyon Caverns

Grub

Havin’ food on hand is essential in Havasupai, whether you’re campin’ or stayin’ at the lodge. If you’re campin’, you’ll need to bring all your own meals and cookin’ gear. There’s no campfire allowed, (though, when I was there people had them anyway and it didn't seem to be enfornced) so plan for easy-to-make meals like dehydrated dinners or sandwiches.

A Supai burger is wrapped in fry bread.

The village café near the lodge offers simple, hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the menu isn’t extensive, the portions are filling, and you’ll appreciate a warm meal after a long day of explorin’. When I was there I partook in the Supai Burger - a hamburger wrapped in frybread rather than a bun - and it was quite delicious and packed plenty of calories.

The village store also sells snacks and basic supplies, but keep in mind, everythin’ here is flown in by helicopter, so prices are higher than a hawk in the sky.

Pro tip: load up on supplies before headin’ to the hilltop—Peach Springs or Seligman are your best bets for groceries and water iff you failed to load up prior to your trip.

Get your hand on one of my FREE Cheat Sheets to get my list of preferred eateries. But, my itineraries break it down to my top three choices for each meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in each city/town you'll be passing through on your journey whether in in the region for one night, or a full two weeks.

River Rafting

Now partner, if you’re dreamin’ of ridin’ the Colorado River while visitin’ Havasupai, I’ve got to set ya straight—there ain’t no rafting trips launchin’ from the Havasupai Reservation. But don’t hang up your boots just yet! The Havasupai’s next-door neighbors, the Hualapai Tribe, offer river rafting experiences that’ll scratch that adventure itch.

Rafting the Colorado River with Hualapai River Runners

With the Hualapai River Runners, you can embark on the only single-day whitewater rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, startin’ from Peach Springs. These trips take ya crashin’ through rapids, driftin’ through calm stretches of river, and even makin’ stops at waterfalls and hidden canyon gems along the way. For thrill-seekers, it’s a rip-roarin’ way to experience the Colorado up close and personal.

Book River Rafting NOW!

It’s the perfect addition to your adventure if you’re headin’ to or from Havasupai. Spend a few days explorin’ the blue-green waters of Havasu Canyon, then cap off your journey with a river ride that’ll leave ya grinnin’ wider than a canyon sunrise. Just don’t forget to book ahead—these trips are as popular as a free whiskey at a saloon!

Hiking

Hikin’ in Havasupai is as breathtaking as it is challenging. The main trail into the canyon is an 8-mile trek to Supai village, followed by another 2 miles to the campground. From there, you’ll find some of the most scenic trails in the Grand Canyon.

The Confluence where Havasupai Creek meets the Colorado River

Havasu Falls is the crown jewel, just a short stroll from the campground. For a bit more adventure, hike half a mile to Mooney Falls, where you’ll descend a set of ladders and chains to reach the base of this towering waterfall. If you’ve still got energy to spare, continue another 8 miles round-trip to Beaver Falls, a cascading oasis perfect for swimmin’ and explorin’.

For the truly ambitious, there’s an 8-mile hike one-way from Mooney Falls to the Colorado River. But beware, this trek is strenuous and not for the faint of heart. Always carry plenty of water, stay on the trails, and respect the land—you’re walkin’ through a sacred place.

Beaver Falls

Sight Seein'

Havasupai is more than just waterfalls—it’s a land of cultural and natural wonders. Take some time to explore Supai village, where you can learn about the Havasupai Tribe and their deep connection to this sacred canyon.

Navajo Falls

The Falls

Beyond the main falls, there are hidden gems like Fifty Foot Falls and Navajo Falls, each offerin’ their own unique beauty. The lush vegetation, vibrant blue waters, and travertine cliffs create a landscape that feels otherworldly.

And let’s not forget the journey itself. The views along the hike down into the canyon are as grand as they come, with towering cliffs and expansive desert vistas that remind ya just how small we are in this big ol’ world.

Abandoned Mine in Havasupai

Abandoned Mines

Now, I ain’t sayin’ you should, but if you happen to wander past one of them “restricted area” signs, you just might stumble upon some abandoned mines out here. Word ‘round the campfire is these are old silver mines, long left to the dust and whispers of time. The one near Havasu Falls is mighty extensive and a thrill to explore—like wanderin’ through the pages of history.

But listen up, partner: bring yourself some extra lights, and maybe a backup or two. If your headlamp sputters out in there, you’ll be sittin’ in darkness so thick you could cut it with a Bowie knife—and that ain’t the kinda thrill you’re lookin’ for!

For all the minute details of how to get to the Confluence, and where to find abandoned mines check out my Havasupai Itinerary where I dive into all the details - including where to find "Hidden Falls" - not on the map they give you in Supai.

Tours

Now here’s the thing, partner — tours are not allowed in Havasupai. The tribe has banned all outside tour operators from runnin’ trips to the canyon, so there ain’t no commercially guided tours here. Every visitor must plan their own trip, includin’ makin’ reservations, packin’ gear, and arrangin’ transportation to the trailhead.

But don’t let that discourage ya! With a bit of research and preparation, you can have an unforgettable adventure in this pristine paradise. And hey, if you need help gettin’ started, I’ve got plenty of tips to guide ya on your way in my Havasupai Itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Havasupai is more than a trip—it’s a journey into a sacred and spectacular world. From the turquoise waters to the towering cliffs, every moment here feels like a gift. Plan ahead, respect the land, and savor every second, partner—this is one adventure you’ll be tellin’ tales about for years to come!