Havasu Falls FAQs
Not sure where to begin planning your trip to Havasu Falls? Doing some planning before your trip will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our comprehensive FAQs below to find everything you need to know to have the adventure of a lifetime!
Location
Where is Havasu Falls located?
Havasu Falls is located in the western part of Grand Canyon, about 60 miles north of Peach Springs, Arizona.
Is Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon National Park?
Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Reservation and is in the Grand Canyon but is not part of Grand Canyon National Park.
How do I get to Havasu Falls?
All trips into Supai and the Havasu Falls area start at the Hualupai Hilltop trailhead on the Havasupai Reservation. You access the trailhead off of Old Route 66 by driving about 60 miles down Indian Route 18. Indian Route 18 is unpaved but is usually kept in good condition for regular passenger vehicles.
Once I’m at Hualupai Hilltop (the trailhead) how do I get into the canyon?
From the Havasu Falls trailhead you can hike or take a helicopter. There are no guaranteed helicopter rides and all visitors staying at the Lodge or campground must make a reservation beforehand.
Camping Permits & Pack Mules Reservations
How do I make a campground or pack mule reservation?
All reservations for the campground and pack mules must now be made online at the official Havasupai Reservations website. They no longer accept phone calls for these reservations, even to check for last minute cancellations.
How far in advance should I make my campground or pack mule reservation?
Reservations always sell out fast. All 2019 reservations were made available on the website on February 1, 2019 at 8:00am.
What is the minimum stay for a campground reservation?
All campground reservations are made per person, per night and are for 3 night/4 days.
How much does it cost to camp?
With the required 3 night/4 day reservation, it will cost between $300 and $375 per person to camp.
Does my campground reservation include a designated campsite?
No, it is a "camp wherever you want" campground running for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Fall. This means there are no assigned camping sites and you are welcome to set up camp anywhere within the campground area that is safe and respectful of the land and your fellow campers.
I would prefer to not carry my camping gear. How much is a pack mule?
Mules are $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.
I prefer not to hike and want to ride a mule instead. How do I make a reservation?
The Havasupai Tribe no longer offers mules rides in and out of Havasu Canyon; they transport gear only, not people. Your only non-hiking option is to ride the first come, first serve helicopter.
Helicopter Filghtsto Havasupai
I’m not up for the adventure of hiking to Havasu Falls. How do I make a helicopter reservation?
The helicopter company (AirWest) does not fly every day and is first come, first serve only. Tribal members always have priority so regardless of when you get in line you might have to wait for hours, if you get a ride at all. Because of this, it is essential that you are prepared for the possibility that you might have to hike both into and out of the canyon, if needed.
Where does the helicopter drop you off?
The helicopter lands in Supai Village so you will still need to hike the last two miles to the waterfalls.
How much does the helicopter cost?
It is $85 each way and includes one bag up to 40lbs.
Havasupai Lodging
I’m not into camping. Is there a hotel at Havasu Falls?
Yes, there is one small Lodge in Supai Village, two miles from Havasu Falls.
How do I make a reservation for the Lodge?
Unlike the campground, all Lodge reservations must be made over the phone by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. You cannot reserve Lodge rooms online.
How far in advance should I make my Lodge reservation?
Rooms sell out fast. All 2020 Lodge reservations were made available on June 1, 2019 at 8:00am.
How much does it cost to stay in the Lodge?
Rooms are $440 per room, per night and can accommodate up to 4 people per room. In addition, there is a $100 entrance/environmental fee per person, as well as a $100 deposit per room, per night.
Where will I eat when I stay at the Lodge?
The only options for food in Supai Village are the Store or the Café. The Store sells cold drinks, ice cream, fruit and canned goods. The café is open from 8am-5pm and sells basic diner food like eggs and toast and burgers and fries. People enjoy the Indian Taco, which is served on fry bread.
Where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?
Since it is recommended that you start your hike (or get in line for the helicopter) by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay in the closest hotels to the trailhead. You’ll find basic hotels in Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhead) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20min from trailhead).
Hiking to Havasu Falls
How far is the hike into Havasu Falls?
It is 8 miles from Hualupai Hilltop to the village of Supai (where the Lodge is located) and the campground and waterfalls are an additional 2 miles from Supai.
Is the hike difficult?
While thousands of people do the hike every year, it is a strenuous hike that is made much more difficult because of the remote desert conditions of the trail. Temperatures can soar to 115 degrees during the heat of the day so it is important to hike early, carry and drink plenty of water, and to know your limits.
I would like to do Havasu Falls as a long day hike. Can I do that?
No. Hiking anywhere on the Havasupai Reservation is by permit only and hiking permits are only issued with an existing campground or Lodge reservation. You may not hike into the canyon for a day hike.
Since the trailhead is remote, where should I stay the night before and after my trip to Havasu?
Since it is recommended that you hit the trail by 7:30am at the latest, most people choose to stay close by so they can get an early start. You’ll find basic hotels in both Peach Springs, AZ (1 hr from trailhed) and Seligman, AZ (1hr 20mins from trailhead).
The Waterfalls of Havasu Canyon
How tall is Havasu Falls?
About 100 feet tall
Are there other waterfalls?
Yes, there are several other turquoise waterfalls nearby including New Navajo Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.
Why are the waterfalls turquoise?
The waters that feed the falls come from underground springs that include high levels of dissolved magnesium and calcium. As the water percolates through the local limestone, it becomes saturated with precipitated calcium carbonate (also found in chalk, snail shells and eggshells). Together, the magnesium, calcium, and calcium carbonate reflect sunlight in such a way that it creates the brilliant turquoise color. The white limestone rocks that line the creek amplify the color and make it appear even brighter.
