Hiking Havasu Falls Trail 2023: A Memorable Monsoon Adventure Overview

Introduction

Havasu Falls is a dream destination for hikers, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery. Our 2023 hike during the monsoon season offered a unique and unforgettable experience. From preparation for the trip, night stay before the hike, hiking to the campsite, camping inside the canyon, exploring the falls, and a helicopter ride back, this adventure had it all. Here's a detailed account of our journey, including tips on permits, and what to expect during your hike.

Getting There: Mules and Helicopter

We began our adventure by hiking in with the help of mules to carry our gear. This allowed us to enjoy the trail without the burden of heavy packs. Upon our return, we took a 5-minute helicopter flight, offering a spectacular aerial view of the surrounding landscape.

Trail Overview

The Havasu Falls Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike. Here are the key details:

• Distance: Approximately 10 miles to the campground.
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
• Duration: About 4-6 hours one way.
• Elevation Change: 2,400 feet descent to the campground.

The trail begins at Hualapai Hilltop and descends into the Havasu Canyon, passing through breathtaking landscapes. The initial descent is steep and rocky, gradually leveling out as you approach Supai Village. From the village, it's another 2 miles to the campground and Havasu Falls.

What to Expect: Monsoon Season and Unique Waters

Our hike took place during the summer monsoon season, transforming the typically turquoise waters into a chocolate color due to the rains. While this may not be what you expect, it adds a unique aspect to the experience.

• Weather: Be prepared for sudden rainstorms, muddy trails, and floods.
• Water Conditions: What we observed during our trip is that it takes about 1,5 hrs for waters to turn brown after it starts raining. The locals say that it takes 24 hrs for waters to clear back up after it stops raining.

Camping at Havasupai

We camped for three nights at Havasupai Campground, a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions:

• Havasu Falls: The main attraction, closest to the campsite waterfall; perfect for relaxation, swimming and photography.

• Mooney Falls: A short, steep descent leads to this stunning waterfall. However, caution and proper preparation are required. The fear of heights can make reaching the bottom challenging. Nevertheless, with proper guidance and a slow and steady pace, it can be done, rewarding you with a sense of accomplishment and surrounding you with beauty.

• Beaver Falls: A 3-mile hike from the campground, offering additional exploration opportunities.
• Confluence (point where Havasu Creek with its turquoise waters meets the murky waters of Colorado River): a full-day hike, taking most hikers 6-8 hours round trip depending on pace; it is approximately 18 miles round trip. The recommended latest start time from Beaver Falls is 10:30am to allow enough time to reach the confluence and return before dark. The trail requires crossing Havasu Creek at least 7 times, so the water shoes will be needed.

The campground is well-maintained, with composting toilets and fresh spring water available. Campsites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Interesting Facts About the Hike

• Havasupai Indian Reservation: The hike to Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The Havasupai tribe has lived in this area for over 800 years.
• Trail Details: The trail descends nearly 2,000 feet over 8 miles from the trailhead to the village of Supai. This is the only way to reach the waterfalls by foot.
• Major Waterfalls: There are five major waterfalls along the trail - Navajo Falls, Rock Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls. Havasu Falls is the most famous, with its stunning bright blue-green waters.
• Water Color: The vibrant blue-green color of the waterfalls comes from travertine minerals in the water. The water gets its rich color from the calcium carbonate and magnesium it picks up from the limestone canyon walls.
• Permits: Permits are required for all hikers and are extremely limited, selling out within hours or minutes when released each year. Only 300-350 permits are issued per day.
• Camping: Camping is required as part of the permit, with a minimum 3-night stay at the campground near the village. There are no hotels or lodges in the area.
• Supai Village: The trail crosses the village of Supai, which is the most remote community in the continental United States, accessible only by foot, horse, or helicopter.

• Temperatures: Temperatures in the canyon can reach over 100°F in summer, making spring and fall the most popular times to hike when water levels are higher. You can check the weather here.

Necessary Permits

Booking your hike in advance is essential. Permits and mule reservations can be booked through the official Havasupai website. Keep an eye on the cancellation list for quicker access to permits.

• Permits: Required for all visitors. Book through Havasupai Reservations.
• Mules: Can be reserved to carry gear. Book early, as spots fill up quickly.
• Helicopter: Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Book in advance if possible.

Key Steps to Get a Permit for Havasu Falls

Presale Reservation Period (New for 2024)

• Runs from January 5, 2024, at 8am Arizona time to January 18, 2024, at 5pm Arizona time.
• You can submit up to 3 desired travel date ranges during this period for a chance to secure a permit before the general public release.
• Submitting dates does not guarantee you a permit, it just gives you an earlier opportunity.

General Public Permit Release

• Remaining permits are released on February 1, 2024, at 8am Arizona time.
• Permits often sell out within minutes, so you need to be ready right at 8am.
• Create your account on the official Havasupai reservation website (havasupaireservations.com) well before February 1st.

Permit Details

• Permits are for a minimum 3-night stay at the Havasupai campground near the waterfalls.
• For 2024, the cost is $124 per person per night, so $372 minimum for 3 nights. Plan on paying $455 per person for the required 3-night camping permit.
• Group size is limited to 12 people maximum per reservation.
• No refunds for unused nights - you pay for all 3 nights even if staying fewer.
• The camping permits and fees must be paid in full when making the reservation, with no refunds for cancellations. Proper planning is required to secure both the permits and any desired helicopter transportation.

Permit Cancellations

• Check the cancellation list daily at 8am for any newly available permits.
• Cancellations are your only option if permits are sold out for your dates.
• Act quickly as cancellations get booked very fast.

The key is creating your account beforehand, being ready right at the permit release times, and persistently checking for cancellations if your dates are unavailable. With some diligence, you can secure these highly coveted permits.

Recommended Packing List

Backpack

• 45-60 liter backpack is ideal for the 4 day/3 night hike.
• Look for features like hip belt, ventilation, external attachment points.
• Popular options include Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10L or similar from brands like Osprey, Gregory.

Clothing

• 2 quick-dry/wicking t-shirts to alternate.
• 1 long-sleeve sun shirt for sun protection.
• 1-2 pairs of hiking pants/leggings.
• 2 pairs of hiking socks.
• Swimsuit for swimming at the falls.
• Sturdy hiking boots broken in before the hike; water shoes.
• Sun hat.
• Warm layers like long underwear/fleece for cool nights.

Camping Gear

• Tent.
• Sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures.
• Sleeping pad.
• Camp stove and fuel.
• Cookset and utensils.
• Headlamp or camping lantern.

Other Essentials

• 3+ liters of water storage capacity.
• Water filter or purification tablets.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Toiletries and toilet paper/trowel.
• First aid kit.
• Fire starter.
• Navigation (map, compass, GPS).
• Trekking poles.
• Packable rain jacket.
• Quick-dry travel towel.
• Food.

The key is packing light but being prepared for the remote location and varying temperatures. Proper hiking gear like boots and a supportive backpack are critical.

Where to Stay the Night Before

Camping at Hualapai Hilltop

Camping is not allowed at Hualapai Hilltop before starting the hike to the Havasupai Campground. The official guidelines from the Havasupai Tribe specify that camping is only permitted in designated areas within the Havasupai Campground itself, which is located along Havasu Creek near the village and the waterfalls. The Campground operates on a "camp wherever you want" basis within its boundaries but does not extend to the Hilltop parking or trailhead area.

If you're planning to arrive late at Hualapai Hilltop or need to rest before beginning your hike, you'll need to find accommodations outside of the reservation.

Hualapai Lodge

The Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ is a popular option for staying the night before starting the Havasu Falls hike. It's located right near the trailhead parking lot on the Hualapai Reservation.

The lodge offers basic but clean accommodations convenient for accessing the trailhead early the next morning.

Hotels in Kingman or Peach Springs

For those wanting a hotel stay, the towns of Kingman or Peach Springs have a number of hotel options like Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, etc.

While not as convenient as the Hualapai Lodge, these towns offer more amenities and dining options before starting the remote hike the next day.

The key is staying as close to the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead as possible the night before, so you can start the 10-mile descent into Supai Village early when temperatures are cooler.

Our Experience: Expect the Unexpected

Do not put high expectations and expect that what you have planned will work 100%. Upon arrival at our planned check-in and night stay destination at Cavern's Inn, we found out that our reservation was canceled due to damage to the water tank, and we hadn't been notified. The employees could not explain why we were not notified in advance.

We had to find a place to stay by last-minute booking. Consider that there is limited service around that area that limits you from online access. Anything nearby was booked already, so we had to book something in the nearby city of Seligman, which ended up being Stagecoach 66 Motel. The Seligman city has its charm, it is a place of birth of Historic Route 66. The town features a variety of unique attractions, including the legendary Snow Cap Drive-In and the Route 66 Gift Shop, both of which are deeply rooted in the town's cultural heritage. It was a nice city to explore, however, the drive was nearly 100 miles to the trailhead.

The closest hotel to stay before the hike is Hualapai Lodge, and it is 67 miles to the trailhead. When driving at night, you must be cautious as there were many deer and cows along the road.

We dropped off our bags for pick-up by mules at the starting hiking point. The employee was nice and she gave us 2 large garbage bags to put our luggage in as it would get dusty. She informed us that there was a flood the night before and asked us to be extra cautious on the way. We started our hike at 4 am when it was still dark and reached the village by 9 am.

Our bracelets were checked by a local riding a horse when we had already entered the village. The switchbacks are rocky, so you must be cautious. Make sure you have a lamp with a red light. We did not rush to hike in as we were told that our bags would be delivered closer to 1 pm. We enjoyed the surroundings while hiking, making desired stops to observe the beautiful canyon at sunrise.

The weather can be unpredictable inside the canyon. If it rains up the hill, the waters will bring all the dirt into the falls and will require at least 24 hours to clear up to its natural turquoise color. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to see the blue waters during our 3-day stay as the rain was bringing up the dirt. However, the waters had a unique chocolate color that also was an experience. We decided not to hike to Beaver Falls and Confluence as we planned before our arrival as the waters were brown and unexpected rains were increasing the risk of flooding and would make it difficult to return to the campsite safely. We explored the area nearby, went to 50-feet Falls, Mooney Falls (such an experience), swam at Havasu Falls once the waters started clearing up.

We tried the famous bread which is sold at the tent less than a mile away from the campsite. You could also purchase a cold drink that was a refreshing experience during the stay in a hot canyon. There is a spring at the campground where people can get water refills. Some people filtered the water from the spring, but we did not and did not have any issues.

On the day of departure, we had to drop off our bags before 7 am for mule pick-up, which we did. We came a little earlier and there was no one there, just a bunch of labeled bags, and we dropped ours there too. We planned to take a helicopter out from the beginning but found out that the day of departure is the day when the helicopters take the trash out of the canyon and every time it needs to refill with fuel, it can take people out of the canyon. We were #11 and #12 in line (you get the signing sheet at 9 am where you put your name and pay the fee for using the helicopter). The wait was long but worth it. We finally flew out of the village at 1 pm when it started to bring rainy clouds and the tourists waiting for the ride were taken out of the canyon quickly. The ride was short and only 5 minutes, but it was a breathtaking experience.

Safety Tips

Hiking during monsoon season requires extra precautions:

• Weather Awareness: Check weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.
• Waterproof Gear: Essential for keeping your belongings dry.
• Trail Conditions: Be cautious of slippery and muddy sections.

Stay hydrated and carry enough water, as the hike can be strenuous, especially in humid conditions.

FAQs

• How do I get permits? Permits can be reserved on the official website, with quicker options available by checking the cancellation list.
• What gear should I bring? Essentials include waterproof gear, camping equipment, and enough food and water. Some gear can be rented or purchased on-site.
• Is the trail suitable for beginners? The trail is moderately difficult and may be challenging for beginners. Proper preparation and fitness are recommended.

Conclusion

Hiking Havasu Falls during the monsoon season was an adventure filled with unexpected beauty and memorable experiences. Whether you're carrying your gear with the help of mules or flying back by helicopter, this hike offers something unique for every adventurer. Book your permits, prepare your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.