The Havasu Falls hike had been on my bucket list for years before I finally got the chance to do it.
I first remember seeing a video of the bright blue water around 2016 and immediately adding Havasupai to my list. The problem was getting there. Reservations were incredibly competitive at the time, and after trying for more than three years, I finally managed to get a permit through the old cancellation and transfer system.
In October 2023, I made the trip with my best friend Tiago, carrying everything we needed for four days of camping roughly 10 miles into the canyon.
And yes, the water really does look like that in person.
A lot has changed since my trip, especially the permit process, so this guide combines my own experience with the current Havasupai rules and reservation information.
If you’re planning the Havasu Falls hike, I’ll cover the permits, trail, campground, waterfalls, what to pack, how to get there, and the 4-day itinerary I recommend.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep creating free guides like this one.
What’s in This Guide
Havasu Falls Hike Quick Facts
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Havasupai Reservation, Arizona |
| Trailhead | Hualapai Hilltop |
| Distance to Supai Village | 8 miles / 13 km one way |
| Distance to Campground | 10 miles / 16 km one way |
| Round Trip Distance | About 20 miles / 32 km, not including waterfall hikes |
| Trip Length | 4 days / 3 nights |
| 2026 Campground Permit | $455 per person |
| Permit Required? | Yes |
| Day Hiking Allowed? | No |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Trailhead Elevation | 5,200 ft / 1,585 m |
| Water on the Main Trail | No reliable water source |
| Drinking Water at Campground | Yes, from a freshwater spring |
| Cell Service | Limited and unreliable |
| Dogs Allowed? | No |
Where Is Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Reservation in northern Arizona, deep inside the Grand Canyon. It is not part of Grand Canyon National Park and cannot be accessed from the usual South Rim or North Rim entrances.
The hike begins at Hualapai Hilltop and passes through Supai Village before reaching Havasu Falls and the campground.
One important distinction: Havasu Falls and Lake Havasu are completely different places. Lake Havasu is several hours away in western Arizona.
Is Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon?
Yes. Havasu Falls is geographically inside the Grand Canyon, but it sits on sovereign Havasupai tribal land rather than inside Grand Canyon National Park.
You need a separate Havasupai reservation and permit to visit. A Grand Canyon National Park entrance pass does not give you access to Havasu Falls.
Who Are the Havasupai Tribe?
The Havasupai Tribe has lived in and around the Grand Canyon for more than 1,000 years. Their name is commonly translated as “People of the Blue-Green Water,” referring to Havasu Creek.
Today, Supai Village is home to the Havasupai community and sits deep inside Havasu Canyon with no road access.
This is important to remember when visiting. You’re not just hiking to a waterfall. You’re entering the home and sovereign land of the Havasupai people.
Respect their rules, stay on visitor trails, follow photography restrictions, and always leave the area exactly as you found it.
Havasu Falls Permits: How to Get a Havasupai Reservation
Getting a permit was one of the hardest parts of planning my Havasupai trip.
I had wanted to visit for years, but reservations used to sell out incredibly fast. After several unsuccessful attempts, I finally got lucky in 2023 and found dates through the old cancellation and transfer system.
The process is more straightforward today, but you still need a confirmed reservation before entering Havasupai. Walk-ins and day hikes are not allowed.
Havasu Falls Permit Cost
For the 2026 season, campground permits cost $455 per person for 3 nights / 4 days.
It’s not cheap, especially once you add transportation, hotels, food, and gear, but the permit covers your full stay.
Booking Your Havasupai Permit
Reservations are made through the official Havasupai Reservations website.
I recommend creating your account ahead of time, having a few possible dates in mind, and securing your permit before booking flights or other non-refundable parts of the trip.
Add Your PATLs When Booking
When you book, you can choose up to two Potential Alternative Trip Leaders (PATLs).
If the original trip leader can’t go, one of the PATLs can check in for the group instead.
I would definitely add one or two people from your group because PATLs cannot be added or changed later.
The Old Havasupai Transfer List No Longer Exists
This is important if you’re reading older Havasupai guides.
The transfer system I used in 2023 is no longer available. Reservations cannot be publicly transferred or resold.
For 2026, cancellations made at least 90 days before the trip can qualify for a 50% refund of the permit fee.
My Tips for Getting a Havasu Falls Permit
Keep it simple: create your account early, stay flexible with dates, know who is coming, add your PATLs, and book the permit before planning the rest of the trip.
Because prices and reservation rules can change, always check the official Havasupai Reservations website before booking.
Havasupai Check-In Before the Hike
Before heading to Hualapai Hilltop, you need to check in at the Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn. If possible, I recommend doing this the afternoon before your hike so you can start early the next morning.
Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn
Mile Marker 115, Route 66
Peach Springs, AZ 86434
Get directions on Google Maps
The person who booked the reservation, or one of the approved PATLs, needs to bring a valid photo ID. You’ll also need the license plate number of any vehicle you plan to leave at Hualapai Hilltop.
At check-in, you’ll receive your wristbands, permit information, and parking pass.
Check-in hours can change during the season, so confirm the current hours on the official Havasupai website shortly before your trip.
Where to Stay Near Havasupai Before the Hike
I recommend arriving in the area the day before your Havasupai reservation instead of combining several hours of driving with the 10-mile hike into the campground.
Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn
The most convenient option is Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn because this is also where Havasupai check-in takes place.
Staying here lets you check in the afternoon before your trip, sleep nearby, and head straight to Hualapai Hilltop early the next morning.
Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs
I personally stayed at Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs before my trip.
It’s a good alternative if Grand Canyon Caverns is unavailable, and you’re still close enough to check in the day before and reach the trailhead early the next morning.
Check prices and availability at Hualapai Lodge.
Staying in Seligman
If you want more hotel options, Seligman is another good choice. You’ll also have more restaurants, gas stations, and places to grab any last-minute supplies.
It adds some driving the next morning, so I would still prioritize Grand Canyon Caverns or Hualapai Lodge if possible.
How to Get to the Havasu Falls Trailhead
The Havasu Falls hike starts at Hualapai Hilltop, a remote trailhead at the end of Indian Road 18.
There is no road into Supai Village, so once you park at Hilltop, the rest of the journey is on foot unless you use the helicopter option I’ll mention later.
Driving to Hualapai Hilltop
From Route 66, Indian Road 18 continues for about 60 miles / 97 km until it ends at Hualapai Hilltop.
Approximate driving times are:
- Las Vegas: 4 to 4.5 hours
- Phoenix: 4.5 to 5 hours
- Flagstaff: 3 to 4 hours
- Grand Canyon South Rim: around 4 hours
The area is very remote, so fill up beforehand. The closest gas stations are around 70 to 90 miles from the trailhead, around Peach Springs or Seligman.
I also recommend downloading your route before leaving Route 66 because cell service becomes unreliable.
Renting a Car for Havasupai
If you’re flying into Phoenix or Las Vegas, renting a car is usually the easiest way to reach Hualapai Hilltop. The trailhead is very remote, so having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to drive to check-in, stay nearby the night before, and start the hike early.
Compare rental car prices for your trip here.
Parking at Hualapai Hilltop
Parking is available at Hualapai Hilltop, but space can be limited. Your vehicle needs to be registered during check-in so you can receive a parking permit.
If the main lot is full, overflow parking may be available along Indian Road 18 as long as you don’t block the road.
One important rule: you cannot camp or sleep in your vehicle at Hualapai Hilltop.
Havasu Falls Hike Trail Details
The main Havasu Falls hike is long rather than technically difficult. The biggest challenges are the distance, elevation change, desert conditions, and carrying several days of camping gear.
Havasu Falls Hike Elevation
Hualapai Hilltop sits at around 5,200 ft / 1,585 m, while Supai Village is around 3,205 ft / 977 m.
You lose almost 2,000 ft / 610 m on the way into Supai, which means you have to gain it back on the hike out.
Havasu Falls Hike Difficulty
I would rate the hike as strenuous.
Most of the trail isn’t technically difficult, but hiking for hours with a full backpack makes a big difference. The return trip is especially challenging because the steepest climb comes near the end, when your legs are already tired.
What the Trail Is Like
The trail starts with a steep series of switchbacks from Hualapai Hilltop before continuing through a wide, rocky canyon toward Supai Village.
The landscape stays dry for most of the hike, but once you pass Supai, things start to change and you eventually begin seeing the blue-green water of Havasu Creek.
My Experience on the Trail
I did the hike in October 2023 with my best friend Tiago, carrying everything we needed for four days of camping.
The beginning felt surprisingly manageable because most of it was downhill, but after several miles with a full backpack, you definitely start feeling the distance.
My favorite moment came after Supai when the dry canyon started changing and we saw Havasu Creek for the first time. After wanting to visit Havasupai for years, that was when it finally felt like we had made it.
Water Along the Trail
There is no reliable drinking water between Hualapai Hilltop and Supai, so start with enough water for the hike.
Once you reach the campground, drinking water is available from a freshwater spring.
Download the Trail Before You Go
Cell service is unreliable, so download your route before arriving.
I used AllTrails offline during my trip. The main trail is fairly straightforward, but having an offline map is an easy precaution when hiking somewhere this remote.
Havasu Falls Campground Guide
The Havasupai campground stretches along Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, surrounded by trees, shade, and turquoise water.
This was easily one of the coolest places I’ve ever camped.
How Campsites Work
Campsites are first come, first served, with no assigned spots.
The campground stretches along the creek, so I recommend walking around a little before choosing where to set up rather than taking the first available site.
Where I Camped
Tiago and I got really lucky with our campsite.
We found a spot surrounded by trees right beside Havasu Creek that felt surprisingly private. Many campsites have other campers nearby, but ours had enough separation that it felt like we had our own little area by the water.
I would definitely take a few minutes to explore your options before setting up camp.
Drinking Water
There is a freshwater spring at the campground where you can refill your bottles.
I would still bring a lightweight water filter as a backup. Any water collected from Havasu Creek or another natural source should be treated before drinking.
Bathrooms and Showers
There are composting toilets throughout the campground, but no showers.
I was actually surprised by how clean the bathrooms were considering how remote we were. Still, bring toilet paper or wipes just in case.
Food Storage
There are plenty of squirrels and small rodents around camp, and they are very good at finding food.
Keep food and trash properly stored, never leave food unattended, and don’t keep loose food inside your tent or backpack.
Cooking at the Campground
Campfires are not allowed, so bring a small backpacking stove if you plan to cook.
When I visited, I saw some leftover fuel and supplies around the campground, but never rely on that. Bring everything you need and pack everything back out with you.
Campground Rules
Camp only within the designated campground, respect quiet hours, keep noise down, and leave no trash or gear behind.
I’ll cover the most important Havasupai rules together later in this guide.
The Waterfalls of Havasupai
Havasu Falls may be the famous one, but there are several waterfalls worth visiting during your trip.
Each one feels different, and I recommend spreading them across your stay instead of trying to see everything in one day.
Fifty Foot Falls
Fifty Foot Falls is located upstream from Havasu Falls, closer to Supai Village.
It gets less attention than Havasu or Mooney Falls, which made it a nice place to slow down, swim, and enjoy the turquoise water without feeling rushed.
Little Navajo Falls
Little Navajo Falls is close to Fifty Foot Falls and easy to combine with the same outing.
The area has smaller cascades, pools, and a lot more greenery than the dry canyon you hike through on Day 1.
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls was my favorite waterfall of the trip.
It sits right next to the campground, has a large turquoise swimming area, and plenty of space to sit, relax, have a picnic, or cook some food.
It was also the waterfall I found the most beautiful, and because it was so close to camp, we came back several times during our stay.
Mooney Falls
Mooney Falls is just beyond the campground and is one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Havasupai.
Reaching the bottom involves tunnels, chains, and ladders on a steep section of wet rock. I’ll cover exactly what that descent was like in my Day 2 itinerary.
Beaver Falls
Beaver Falls is farther downstream and requires a longer hike beyond Mooney Falls.
Instead of one huge drop, it has several turquoise cascades and pools surrounded by the canyon. The hike there was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.
I’ll cover the creek crossings, ladders, wildlife we saw, and our full experience in the itinerary section.
My 4-Day Havasupai Itinerary
Havasupai campground reservations give you 4 days and 3 nights, which I think is a great amount of time for the trip.
This itinerary is based on what Tiago and I did, with enough time to hike, swim, explore the waterfalls, and actually enjoy the campground.
Day 1: Hike to the Campground and Havasu Falls
Start early from Hualapai Hilltop and hike the 10 miles / 16 km to the campground.
Once we arrived, our priority was getting our backpacks off and setting up camp. After carrying everything into the canyon, I wouldn’t plan another long hike on Day 1.
Instead, spend the afternoon at Havasu Falls, which is right next to the campground.
We swam, relaxed, and explored around the falls. After wanting to see Havasu Falls for so many years, finally standing there was the perfect way to finish our first day.
Day 2: Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls
This was our biggest adventure day.
Start early and walk through the campground toward Mooney Falls. Getting to the bottom requires going through small tunnels before descending a steep section using chains and ladders.
The waterfall creates a lot of mist, so the rocks can be wet and slippery. Take your time and keep three points of contact whenever possible.
From Mooney Falls, continue downstream toward Beaver Falls. The hike is roughly 6 to 7 miles / 10 to 11 km round trip from the campground, depending on how much you explore.
This ended up being one of my favorite hikes of the trip. You follow the canyon, cross Havasu Creek several times, climb ladders, and constantly pass turquoise pools and waterfalls.
We even saw a few bighorn sheep along the way, which was completely unexpected.
Once we reached Beaver Falls, we stayed there for quite a while swimming and enjoying the different pools.
You can continue farther downstream toward the Colorado River Confluence, and we considered doing it. But after spending so much time at Beaver Falls, continuing would have meant getting back very late.
We decided it wasn’t worth taking that risk in such a remote area.
That was one of the biggest lessons from the trip for me. Know when to turn around and don’t take unnecessary risks just because another destination is technically within reach.
Remember that you still have to climb back up the chains and ladders at Mooney Falls on the way to camp.
Day 3: Fifty Foot Falls, Little Navajo Falls and Supai Village
After the longer Day 2 hike, we kept Day 3 much more relaxed.
Head upstream toward Fifty Foot Falls and Little Navajo Falls, where you can swim and spend a few hours exploring the pools and cascades.
We also walked into Supai Village to see a little more of the area.
Visiting the village is optional, and it’s important to remember that this is where the Havasupai community lives. Respect people’s privacy, stay within visitor areas, and follow all photography restrictions.
Afterward, head back toward camp and spend more time at Havasu Falls.
One of the advantages of having three nights here is that you don’t need to rush from waterfall to waterfall.
Day 4: Hike Back to Hualapai Hilltop
Wake up early, pack your campsite, and make sure you leave absolutely nothing behind.
One mistake I made was not eating enough before starting the hike out.
I’m 6’3″ and around 200 lb, and I only ate about 400 calories for breakfast. That was nowhere near enough for the climb ahead.
If I did the hike again, I would eat a much bigger breakfast and keep easy high-calorie snacks like energy bars, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit somewhere I could reach without taking off my backpack.
The hike back is where you regain all the elevation you lost on Day 1, with the toughest climb coming near the end as you approach Hualapai Hilltop.
Start early, bring enough water and food, and expect this to feel harder than the hike in.
After four days, five waterfalls, and miles of hiking through Havasu Canyon, reaching the trailhead again was a pretty satisfying way to finish the trip.
Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls
For most people, I think spring and fall are the best times to visit Havasu Falls. You get more comfortable hiking temperatures while still being able to enjoy the water.
I visited in October, and I would choose that time of year again. The temperatures were much better for the long hike in and out, while we could still swim during the day.
Spring
Spring offers a good balance of cooler hiking weather and warmer days around the waterfalls. Nights can still get cold, so bring an appropriate sleeping bag and warm layers.
Summer
Summer is great for swimming, but it can make the hike much harder. Temperatures in the canyon can climb above 100°F / 38°C, so starting very early becomes especially important.
Fall
Fall would be my personal choice. The cooler temperatures make backpacking much more comfortable, and the water is still around 70°F / 21°C year-round.
Later in the season, expect colder mornings and nights at the campground.
Havasu Falls Flash Floods and Monsoon Season
Flash floods are one of the biggest weather risks in Havasu Canyon and can happen quickly.
The summer monsoon season generally runs from June through September, so always check the weather before your trip and pay attention to any warnings from the Havasupai Tribe.
If heavy rain or flooding is possible, avoid narrow sections of the canyon and follow all instructions from the Tribe. No waterfall or hike is worth taking a risk during dangerous conditions.
What to Pack for the HaWhat to Pack for the Havasu Falls Hike
For Havasupai, the goal is to bring what you need without making your backpack unnecessarily heavy. Unless you use a pack mule, you’ll carry all your gear into the canyon and back out again.
Backpacking Setup
- Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack: Great multi-day backpack option for men.
- Osprey Eja 58L Backpack: Lightweight multi-day backpack option for women.
- Big Agnes Copper Spur: This is the tent I currently use and recommend.
- The North Face Stormbreak 2: More budget-friendly tent option.
- Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Sleeping Bag: Lightweight down sleeping bag.
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT: Lightweight sleeping pad.
- Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow: Compact inflatable backpacking pillow.
Hiking Gear
- The North Face VECTIV Fastpack, Men’s
- The North Face VECTIV Fastpack, Women’s
- Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles: Helpful for the descent and climb back out.
- Nitecore NU30 Headlamp: Lightweight headlamp for early starts and camp.
Water and Hydration
- Hydro Flask 40 oz
- Platypus Collapsible Water Bottle: Lightweight and easy to pack when empty.
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter: Lightweight backup water filter.
Cooking Gear
- Soto Amicus Stove with Igniter: Compact stove for simple backpacking meals.
If you’re flying to Arizona, buy your backpacking fuel after you arrive. Fuel canisters cannot be packed on a commercial flight.
Safety and Electronics
- Vriexsd 150-Piece Mini First Aid Kit
- Anker PowerCore 10K: Useful since there is no electricity at the campground.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2: Satellite communicator for areas with limited cell service.
A Few More Things to Bring
Bring hiking clothes, extra socks, a warm layer, rain jacket, swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, electrolytes, quick-dry towel, wipes, bug spray, trash bags, and proper food storage.
Lightweight gloves can also be useful for gripping the chains during the Mooney Falls descent.
My biggest advice is don’t overpack. You’ll notice every extra pound when climbing back to Hualapai Hilltop on Day 4.
Drones and pool floats are not permitted in Havasupai, so leave both at home.
Food for Havasupai: What to Bring
For a 4-day Havasupai trip, focus on high-calorie foods that are lightweight, easy to pack, and simple to prepare.
Some good options include:
- Breakfast: oatmeal, granola, protein bars, instant coffee
- Lunch: tortillas, tuna packets, peanut butter, jerky
- Dinner: freeze-dried meals, noodles, or other lightweight backpacking meals
- Snacks: trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, candy
- Hydration: electrolyte packets or tablets
I would bring more snacks than you think you’ll need, especially for the hike back to Hualapai Hilltop.
I learned this the hard way on Day 4 when I didn’t eat enough before starting the climb out. Having high-calorie snacks somewhere easy to reach would have made a big difference.
Keep all food properly stored from rodents, and remember that everything you bring into Havasupai needs to come back out with you, including food packaging and trash.
Helicopter, Pack Mules & Havasupai Lodge
If you don’t want to carry all your camping gear into Havasupai, there are a few alternatives.
I didn’t use any of these during my trip. Tiago and I carried our own gear and stayed at the campground, but these are the current options worth knowing about.
Havasupai Helicopter
Helicopter flights between Hualapai Hilltop and Supai Village cost $300 per person each way.
You cannot reserve a flight in advance. Tourist seats are first come, first served, and other passengers receive priority, so do not depend on the helicopter as your only way in or out.
Havasupai Pack Mules
The current listed price is $400 round trip per mule.
One mule can carry up to four bags, with a maximum weight of 32 lb / 14.5 kg per bag.
Availability and booking procedures can change, so check the official Havasupai website before planning your trip around a pack mule.
Havasupai Lodge
If you want to visit without camping, the Havasupai Lodge in Supai Village is another option.
For 2026, a lodge reservation costs $2,277 per room for 3 nights and accommodates up to four people. Rooms include two queen beds and a private bathroom.
You’ll still need to hike to explore the waterfalls, but you won’t need to carry a full camping setup.
Because prices and availability can change, always confirm the latest information directly with Havasupai Reservations before your trip.
Important Havasupai Rules
Havasupai is sovereign tribal land, and visitors are expected to follow the Tribe’s rules throughout their stay.
Some of the most important rules to know are:
- Stay on designated visitor trails and out of residential or restricted areas
- No drones or aerial photography
- No alcohol or drugs
- No weapons
- No campfires
- No cliff jumping, diving, or climbing waterfalls
- Pack out all trash and belongings
- Do not photograph or record tribal members, community members, animals, homes, buildings, burial grounds, or sacred sites
- Commercial photography and filming are prohibited
- Do not feed or touch wildlife or domesticated animals
- Always yield to horses and riders
- Camp only within the designated campground
- Pets and service animals are not permitted
The rule against jumping from waterfalls is especially important.
At Beaver Falls, Tiago and I saw someone try to jump from one section of the falls to another and break his ankle. In a place this remote, even an injury that might seem manageable elsewhere can become a serious problem very quickly.
Respect the rules, know your limits, and don’t risk your trip for a photo or a jump.
Rules can change, so read the official Havasupai Rules and Regulations before your trip.
Is the Havasu Falls Hike Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
The Havasu Falls hike isn’t cheap or easy. You need a permit, you have to plan ahead, and if you’re backpacking, you’ll carry everything you need deep into the canyon and then climb all the way back out.
But after having Havasupai on my bucket list for years, the experience completely lived up to my expectations.
Camping beside Havasu Creek, swimming below Havasu Falls, hiking through the canyon to Beaver Falls, and spending four days surrounded by that landscape made this one of my favorite trips I’ve ever done.
Even today, after visiting many incredible places, Havasupai is easily one of the top three most beautiful places I’ve ever been.
If you enjoy hiking, camping, waterfalls, and trips that require a little effort to reach, I think Havasupai is worth experiencing at least once.
Come prepared, respect the Havasupai people and their land, and give yourself time to actually enjoy being there.
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