Havasu Falls Travel Tips, Havasupai Reservation, Arizona

We gathered our things, with eyes still sleepy, and prepared ourselves for the upcoming ten mile hike into the Havasupai canyon. I was thankful Scott agreed with me about paying for a mule to carry our large packs. Ten miles is a long hike and it would have felt dreadfully longer with the weight of our camping gear and food.

We were headed to Havasu Falls, a gorgeous oasis in a remote part of the Grand Canyon. Havasupai means people of the blue-green waters and we soon found out how breathtakingly blue-green these waters really are.

If you are considering a trip to Havasu Falls, you will want to come prepared. Not only with gear, but also armed with knowledge and tips from those who have gone before you. We learned a few things the hard way, so this post is intended to prevent others from making the same mistakes we did.

Havasupai Reservation - Hike to Havasu Falls

Planning a Trip to Havasupai Falls

Reserve pack mules at least one week in advance.
We didn’t reserve a mule because we planned on carrying our packs. Right before we set out on our hike, we asked a tribe member if we could rent a mule even though it was last minute. He took our bags and we thought we were all set. Once we got down to the lodge (8 miles down the trail) the woman told us our bags were not guaranteed to make it to the campground (another 2 miles into the canyon) because we had not booked in advance. We spent the next 5 hours at the campground wondering what we would do with no clothes, food or camping gear because neither of us were in any condition to hike 10 miles back up the canyon. I don’t suggest this route.

Reserve a camping spot at least three to four months in advance.
For camping reservations, call 1-928-448-2141, 1-928-448-2121, 1-928-448-2174, or 1-928-448-2180

Plan to spend the night in your car (or pitch a tent) at the Hualapai Hilltop the first night so you can get an early start the next morning.

If you are hiking during the summer or fall, plan to begin your hike at first light.
This will give you plenty of time for breaks and will make sure you are shaded from the scorching sun for most of the hike.

If you plan to take the helicopter, instead of hiking the last 8 miles out of the canyon, get there by 7 am to secure your place in line.
If you don’t get there early, you could be waiting until late afternoon for a ride out.

Havasu Falls, Arizona - Navajo Falls Waterfall

How to Get to Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls, Navajo Falls and Mooney Falls are located in the south rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The trail down to these falls begins at Hualapai Hilltop parking lot (which is where you will be sleeping the night before if you want to get an early start on the hike).

Hualapai Hilltop is at the end of Indian Road 18 which is 65 miles north of Route 66. Beware of cattle and wildlife on Indian 18 – especially after dark! This is no joke. We had to stop several times for cattle in the road and had to dodge a few bunnies.

GPS coordinates: 36° 9′ 44″ N, 112° 42′ 34″ W
36.162222, -112.709444

What to Bring to Havasu Falls

Good Shoes and Socks – Make sure your foot does not move around in your shoe. The downhill will give you blisters if you don’t have the right socks and shoes!

Water Shoes – Necessary for swimming and walking in the river

First Aid Kit – If you are camping, the nearest store is 2 miles away and they sell mostly food items

Mosquito Repellent – We got bites even though we were good about putting this on

Backpacking Gear – See a complete list of backpacking items we brought to Havasu Falls

Rope – For hanging clothes and trash (so the squirrels can’t get to it)

Biodegradable Soap – For washing dishes and bathing in the river

Food – If you plan on camping, bring as much dehydrated food as possible to lighten your load. They sell dehydrated food packets at most camping stores. Other ideas for food include beef jerky, instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal, trail mix and nature bars.

Water – Bring enough water to get you through the hike down. You can buy water at the store near the lodge or if you are camping there is a natural spring to fill your water bottles for the rest of the trip.

Havasu Falls Campground

Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls

This will depend on personal preference, but our opinion of the best times to visit Havasu Falls is March through June.

We visited in early September and got hit with a few gnarly thunderstorms. We thought this would be the perfect time because the water is warmer than in the spring, but thunderstorms and constant rain can definitely ruin a trip where you plan to hike and swim all day.

Also, be aware if you visit during monsoon season (July to early September) that this area has a likelihood of flash floods.