Learn how to get there, what time you can visit and where to stay before you go hiking.
You will need to be prepared if you plan to visit Havasu Canyon. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve shared our top Havasu Falls travel tips (for Havasupai Reservations in Arizona).
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With eyes still tired, we gathered our belongings and got ready for the upcoming hike of ten miles into the Havasupai canyon. Scott was a great partner in my decision to pay for a mule to transport our heavy packs. Ten miles is quite a distance, and would have felt even longer if we had all our food and camping gear.
We headed for Havasu Falls in remote Grand Canyon. Havasupai is a name that refers to people who live in the blue-green waters. We soon discovered how stunningly blue-green these waters are.
How to plan your Havasu Falls trip?
- Distance from Havasupai Lodge is 8 miles one-way
- Distance from Havasu Falls Campground is 10 miles one-way
- Nearest Airport to Havasu Falls and Havasupai is Las Vegas airport, which is approximately 4 hours away
At least one week before you need to reserve your pack mules
Because we were planning to carry our own packs, we didn’t reserve any mule. We asked a tribal member to rent us a mule before we started our hike. We thought everything was set when he took our bags. The woman at the lodge, 8 miles further down the trail, informed us that our bags weren’t guaranteed to make it to the campground (2 miles further down the canyon). We hadn’t booked ahead.
We spent 5 hours at the campground imagining what we might do without clothes, food, or camping gear. It was too difficult to walk 10 miles back up the canyon so we stayed there for the next 5 hours.
After visiting Havasu Falls, I noticed that pack mules were not properly cared for. I don’t recommend using a pack mule. I suggest that you carry your gear the same way as you would for a backpacking trip.
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Book a campsite spot or lodge reservation by February 1st.
Online bookings for camping are now possible! They opened online reservations for 2018 for the first time. The entire year was sold out in 6 minutes after it went live on February 1st, 2018. You cannot take day hikes to Havasu Falls so make sure you reserve your place.
You can spend the night at Hualapai Hilltop in your car or pitch a tent so that you get up early the next morning.
Plan to start your hike at the first light if you’re hiking in summer or autumn. This will allow you to take breaks as well as ensure that you stay shaded during the majority of your hike.
To ensure your spot in the line, if you are going to fly the helicopter instead of hiking the 8 remaining miles, arrive at the airport by 7 a.m.
You could wait until the afternoon to get a ride if you don’t arrive on time.
How to get to Havasu Falls?
On the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, you will find Mooney Falls, Navajo Falls, and Havasu Falls. If you’re looking for a quick start to the hike, the trail to the falls starts at Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot (which is also where you will be staying the night before).
Hualapai Hilltop can be found at the end Indian Road 18, which is 65 miles north from Route 66. Watch out for wildlife and cattle on Indian 18, especially after dark. This is not a joke. We stopped several times to check on cattle along the road, and we had to dodge some bunnies.
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What to bring to Havasu Falls
- Good Socks and Shoes – Your foot should not be in contact with your shoes. If you don’t have the correct socks and shoes, you will get blisters on the downhill. It is recommended to wear hiking shoes.
- Water shoes: These are essential for walking and swimming in the river. These shoes are great because they protect your feet, provide grip and dry quickly. These shoes are great for hiking from waterfall to waterfall in the canyon.
- First Aid Kit: The nearest grocery store is approximately 2 miles away. They sell mostly food items. J&J sells a mini first aid kit at a very affordable price.
- Mosquito Repellent: Even though we tried to use this product, we still got bites. This one was small enough that we could add it to our existing pack.
- Water: You will need enough water to make it down the hill. Water can be purchased at the lodge, or you can camp near a natural spring for water.
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- Travelan: The National Park’s Service states that any water not treated properly from a spring can cause illness. Travelan Caplets: These are high in antibodies that help maintain digestive health, protect against E.coli, and other common causes of traveler’s diarrhea. You don’t want to get sick while camping at Havasu Falls.
