Your guide to Havasupai Falls

Havasupai falls

Place: Havasupai falls, near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Time of the year: We hiked in April 2017, the trail is open year around
Hike Description: Moderate to difficult hike based on weather
Alert: Possibility of flash flood
Lodging: Havasupai lodge or camping
Booking: Must, through official tribal website  http://www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com
Mode of access: Hiking, riding a mule or Fly a helicopter
Training: Start at least three months prior actual hike. You must be comfortable to walk at least 10
 miles and climb 2500 feet on any given day.
Suggested trail:  In Seattle, start with Tiger mountain trail and be comfortable to hike Mt. Si.
Pictures: Below pictures are unedited and shot in iPhone 7
Cost: As below for 2017
Lodge: Entrance fee to the reservation  $40 Per person, Room rent $145 per day up to 4
people, $40 room deposit per day, additional 10% tax. Advance reservation is required.
Camping: $25 per person per night, entrance fee $ 50 per person, environment fee $10,
additional 10% tax. Advance reservation is required.
Pack mules: $121 one way, $242 round trip, advance reservation is required.
Flying: $85 one way, no prior reservations taken, Helicopter fly as per the weather
conditions and priority is given to the Indian tribal people and tourists are accommodated at last on first come first serve basis

Reaching Trailhead:

We landed at Las Vegas airport at 5.00 PM picked up a Hertz rental car at the airport, stopped at Costco for water, nuts, Snacks for the trip and head towards the long drive at 9.00 PM. We reached Peach Springs around 12.00 AM. Ensure to stop here for fuel as this is the last place where you can find a gas station.

We reached the Hualapai hilltop at midnight 1.00 AM and slept in the car, we felt safe to do so. You will also find so many fellow hikers doing the same. Next day morning we started at 6.30 AM after breakfast, peanut butter, and bread.

Hill Top, start of a long 13-mile hike to Mooney fall

Gear Checklist:

The below list holds good for stay at the lodge

A pair of dress for the next day.
Towel, flip flop /water shoes, and swimwear for waterfalls.
Three liters of water for each person hiking
Sunscreen, tooth brush, paste and other essentials
Food nuts and snacks
Two pairs of socks
Gatorade
Sunglasses
Battery charger as a backup
Cash
Bristle tape and Band-aid
Volini spray and other daily medicines
Head light
Couple of polyethene cover to carry wet clothes and waste
Hat
Headband to cover your ears
Water purifying tablet or tube



Follow the link here Hiking to the Supai village and get a detailed description of the trail details, time taken, food and water consumed.

At the village:

The natives were very friendly and happy to help, to share their religious beliefs, traditions, the experience of living at Supai.
Kids will love to speak with you. We also had experience of kids touching our bags looking inside and happy to take chocolates and foodstuffs if you are happy to share. However be careful with your belongings
Price for food at the cafe is absolutely reasonable and good.

At the falls:

Village to Mooney falls 3 miles
Village to Havasupai Falls 2 miles
Village to Navajo Falls .5 mile

We first went all the way to Mooney falls and of all three falls, we enjoyed this falls the most. You have to hike through a cave which descends around 500ft to reach the waterfalls which adds fun. We suggest visiting this falls first as hiking through the cave can get tricky around sunset

You needs to climb ladders and the path is tight there are chain which you can hold on to

Hike through the cave

Mooney falls

On our way back we stopped at Havasupai falls, we spend around two hours her the water was cold though not striking cold.

Havasupai  falls

My Fitbit recorded highest steps till date otherwise my highest was 28000 steps 

We started back to the village around 6.40 PM

The time at the falls will be treasured and cherished for the rest of the life. The beauty of the falls makes the hike well worth the effort. Also, at the end of the day, this hike is unique from geological perspective dating back to two billion-year-old sediments and limestone.

Do notice the layered formation of the rocks

 Follow the link here Hiking back to the hilltop get a details description about the trail details, food and water we consumed during the hike back.



Follow the link tips and suggestions with regards to food, packing details, reservation tips, training that we can add to your trip from our experience.

Want to hike with your child and looking for tips, I have found a great guide for you visit this link.

Have a great time at the falls.