While more powerful than Navajo Falls, Havasu is still mellow enough that you can swim behind the cascading waters and enjoy the approximately five-foot-deep pool at its base.
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You must have a permit to hike to Havasu FallsHavasu Falls is on tribal land that belongs to the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The Havasupai Indians require that all visitors reserve a permit in advance. Permits are in high demand because the waterfalls are so popular.
The water maintains a relatively constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Read the guide below to learn more about Havasu Falls weather, or check out our Havasu Falls map to see all Havasupai destinations and attractions!
Why was Havasu Falls closed for so long? Havasu Falls is just one part of the broader Havasupai Reservation. The unique health-care problems faced by Native American tribes contributed to the lengthy closure, the tribe noted. “We closed our Reservation in March 2020,” the tribe wrote on its website.
You cannot enter the Havasupai reservation without a permit. You used to be able to take a day hike to see Havasu Falls but day hikes are no longer allowed. To access the Havasupai waterfalls, you will need either a camping permit or a reservation at the Havasupai Lodge, the hotel on site.
While the exact cost can change from year to year, we estimate the Havasupai permit cost to be around $395 to $500 per person. Typically, a minimum stay of 3 nights and 4 days is required. Reservations are 100% non-refundable and non-transferrable.
To visit Havasupai, one first must have permits and reservations to camp over night, or to stay at the lodge. Day trips into the waterfalls are not permitted.
All are located on the Havasupai Indian reservation in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon. The waterfalls of the Grand Canyon are like no other in the world, and visiting them is the opportunity of a lifetime. NOTICE: HAVASUPAI FALLS IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN FEB 1ST FOR 2023 SEASON!
For example, Havasu Falls has a pool at the base of the waterfall that is approximately 10-15 feet deep, while the pool at the base of Mooney Falls is deeper at around 40-50 feet. During the dry season, the water levels in the creek can decrease significantly, which can result in shallower depths in some areas.
In a post, the Havasupai tribe said it made the decision to raise prices because the popular hiking and swimming spot in the Grand Canyon has gone viral and the demand for permits has greatly increased. “We have many more reservation requests than available campground spaces,” the post said.
Calcium carbonate and magnesium occur naturally in the waters that feed Havasu Falls. The waters get their blue color from the magnesium. As the pools deepen, the calcium carbonate is slowly released from the water, creating blue water that becomes more brilliant as the relative magnesium content increases.
The best weather at Havasu is found between March and November, and spring and fall are ideal if you are hiking in and out. The waterfall's cold water feels the best in the heat of the Arizona summer sun, while winter trips offer seclusion from crowds.
All visitors must book a stay at either the Havasupai Campground or the Havasupai Lodge. Both reservations include the permits needed to access Havasu Falls. For 2023, all campground reservations are for four days and three nights and are $395 per person.
Hikers and campers visiting Havasupai can get drinking water from Fern Spring, located in Havasu campground (10-miles from the Hualapai Hilltop/Havasupai trailhead).
Havasupai Falls is the most well known oasis in all of the Grand Canyon. The famous photos of turquoise and blue/green waterfalls spilling over rust red and bright orange cliffs deep in the recesses of America's deepest canyon beckons travelers from all over the world to this amazing site.
However, in 2023, visitors are required to stay a minimum of 3 nights. For the 3-night minimum stay, Havasu Falls permits in 2023 will cost $395/per person. Although these are the most expensive permits I've ever paid for, the unworldly experience of hiking to Havasu Falls is worth visiting!
How difficult is the hike? The hike to Havasu Falls is ten miles, one-way. We recommend a minimum age of 10. Younger children may be able to complete the hike, if they have hiking experience.
Havasu Falls Helicopter FlightsThe helicopters are first come, first serve, and the flight is less than 10 minutes. Guru Tip: Tribal members always have priority so regardless of when you get in line you might have to wait for hours, if you get a ride at all.
Havasu Falls Crowds: Very crowded. The permits for this hike sell out pretty much instantly. So if you are only looking for solitude… pick a different hike.
Havasupai FallsOne of the best-kept secrets of the Grand Canyon comes in the form of a gushing waterfall. Havasupai Falls has remained well-hidden thanks to the 10-mile hike it takes to reach its crystal blue waters.