No denying Havasupai is incredible, gorgeous, insanely, undeniably beautiful. So how can you get there and what do you need?
In todays post we will be detailing what we packed, what we wore, what we ate, and what we wish we had on our incredible, once in a lifetime 10 mile hike down into the Grand Canyon to the Havasupai Falls.
For those unaware, Havasupai is a largely sought after waterfall system that lies in the bottom of the southern rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, just west of Grand Canyon National Park. The falls sit on the Havasuapi Indian Reservation which means you must have a permit in order to be down in the hidden oasis.
Permits are difficult to come by, but luckily that is the most difficult part of the entire ordeal. So hang in there, and never give up on getting a permit because any amount of waiting for this opportunity is well worth your time!
OPTIONS
We began our hike early, at nearly 6AM. Options for those looking to get down into the falls include by horseback, by helicopter, or by foot. We opted to hike in and out, with a pass that permitted a stay of 3 days and two nights.
Those hiking have options, one might choose to leave their bags to be carried by reservation provided mules, or you might choose to hike your things in and out yourself. I for one carried a full 50L Osprey pack on my back ten miles in and out. Two others in our group hiked their own packs in and out as well. It was invigorating and empowering and yes, I plan on doing it again.
FOOTWEAR
Footwear can be anything from trail shoes to hiking boots. Personally out of fear of clumsiness and the loose and rocky terrain – we went with hiking boots for ankle support, others in our group chose to sport trail tennis shoes, or regular tennis shoes and if comfortable and fitted, that seems to be a perfectly appropriate choice.
Down in the falls hikers and explores will want to be sporting water appropriate shoes. Much of the day hikes and getting to the waterfalls includes walking through rivers and streams most of the day, so water shoes are a must! We recommend Chacos or Keens- as that was what we were wearing during our visit.
CAMPING
The ten mile hike can become a little longer depending on where you choose to set up camp. Once you reach the bottom of the canyon you will find the small Havasu Indian Reservation, where there is a small village equipped with a store, a post office, and a small place cranking out fried concession stand food. It is considered one of the most remote Indian reservations in the country, just to give you an idea of the amenities you will find. The community is visibly lacking, and the striking realities of how those on reservations this remote have been living is a jarring realization.
We recommend you stock up on modern day amenities and snacks here. Personally at the end of each day we were so exhausted that hiking back out to the village just wasn’t an option. Hence our advice to stock up on things like Pringles and soda. If thats your style.
Camping and the camp area is like a dream! Spots are lovely and although it might not seem obvious, we want to emphasize that you can set your camp up ANYWHERE!!!!
Whether you choose to be waterfront, on the edge of falls, or tucked back under canyon walls, feel free to make your home wherever you choose, but beware of the squirrels!! They are ruthless!
We witnessed their tenacity again and again as they are capable of chewing through tents and anything else in sight to find food. They will rob you at any chance they get! SO perhaps a food container would be an adequate investment.
Rules are not well posted or well enforced and there are no fires permitted anywhere in the area so there is no need to worry where you camp! We settled for a mundane camp spot and later learned we could’ve been camping on the edge of crazy tall and gorgeous falls the entire time! Don’t hesitate to walk a little further than everyone else….we promise you won’t regret it!
GEAR
As mentioned above I had a 50L pack, equipped with each of our water shoes, at least 5 gallons of water (because I’m picky), clothes, bathing suits, food, and our tent. Down in the canyon there is a spout that provides natural spring water fresh out of the canyon run off and it is here most campers will consistently get water throughout their stay.
Women when packing will want to consider movement friendly suits. I for one packed string bikinis and found myself scaling canyon walls, doing lots of climbing, lots of legwork, all among strong water currents. It’s worth it to have something that wont be constantly falling off or uncomfortable.
WE mistakingly left our hammock at home due to the idea that there are no trees in the desert. WRONG! Bring your hammock, this place is out of a fairytale and there are bright, lush, green trees EVERYWHERE! Its honestly a hammock heaven !
We wore buffs around our necks most of the time because the sand can get a little icky. We had lots of sunscreen because, yes, the temps can reach the triple digits, but don’t worry the water stays a cool 50 degrees and is nothing less of refreshing. We carried freeze dried backpacking meals from REI and cooked them with a MSR Pocket Rocket, which is like a tiny propane stove for hikers.
Headlamps came in handy for night time bathroom breaks. And if I were you, I would for sure bring along some baby wipes and lots of hand sanitizer because all that is available down in the canyon are small privies baking in the hot sun and cheap toilet paper, if there’s any at all.
DIFFICULTY
All in all, once you’ve reached the camp areas it is basically your choice. You can get as difficult or as easy as you’d like. The hike down begins with a steep elevation change and one to two miles of switch backs but after that it’s primarily flat and easy on the knees.
Four of the five falls are located pretty close to the camp areas.
They are all within a short walking distance and only require that you be ready to get wet. We spent three days in our bathing suits and water shoes, and never felt more free.
The amount of freedom means there’s even more room to explore. One can choose to go beneath and under waterfalls, walk through strong currents of rivers, jump off cliff faces, or climb up vertical cliff faces. Its all in what you are up for! Beware that water levels are constantly fluctuating, so perhaps waterfall diving is not your best bet. But hey, to each their own.
Our last day we hiked out to find Mooney falls, which then leads to Beaver falls, which then if followed can take you out to the Colorado river! It’s 8 miles to Mooney, another couple to Beaver, but regardless the trail is stunning.
Littered with vertical free climbs, handmade ladders built into rock, a gorgeous field of grape vines taller than yourself, and immaculate viewpoints and photography options. A true dream, depending on how far you are willing to go. I was stoked to be climbing a path that one of my beloved and heavily studied but long gone anthropologists had discovered.
The trip is a must and basically if you are equipped with a stellar attitude, and the fulfillment of being amongst such beauty you will do just fine! Things we wish we brought were small, things like a hammock, perhaps some chips, maybe a she-wee for the women out there, and a deflated floatie for blowing up once down among the gorgeous water.
But regardless the adventure just doesn’t get any better. You’ll comeback changed, amazed at what exists in such a remote destination, astounded that it’s something that only few will truly see, and thankful that you aren’t living among a highly remote reservation due to your ancestry.
We cannot wait to return!
Don’t forget to check into our instagram for more tips, stories’ and gorgeous shots of Havsupai which in translation mean blue green water people.