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.
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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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can still swimThe waters of Havasupai aren't just a magical color — they're a magical temperature, too. The water is geothermally heated, maintaining a consistent 70º temperature year-round.
Day trips into the waterfalls are not permitted. In addition, it's important to be physically fit enough to hike the 10 miles to the campground (read more about How to Get to Havasupai.) If you're in doubt, riding a helicopter is an option that reduces the hiking mileage to only 2 miles.
The hike into Havasupai is a great one for novice and advanced backpackers alike with options to carry all your own gear or have a mule/packhorse carry the majority of the weight for you. That said, hiking to Havasu Falls is not easy, so plan ahead, prepare for heat, dust, and a long day.
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.
Plan Your Trip to Havasupai FallsAny visitor must have a reservation and entrance fees are now paid in advance. The cost is $100-$125 per person/night including all taxes and environmental fees. These fees can be paid upfront online when you make your reservation.
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 must have a permit to hike to Havasu FallsYou must reserve your permits on February 1 when the permit reservation period opens up or they will all be sold out for the entire year.
Visitors who don't want to hike to the falls have several options. Guided tours by mule include meals, permits and gear. All you need to bring is your clothing and personal items. Skilled guides are expert with wilderness first aid and are knowledgeable about the region.
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.
Hikers and campers visiting Havasupai can get drinking water from Fern Spring, located in Havasu campground (10-miles from the Hualapai Hilltop/Havasupai trailhead).
There are vaulted toilets throughout the Havasu campground so you do not need to worry about packing a lot of toilet paper or carrying out your waste unless you have to use the restroom outside of camp. This area is a water source so you should never pee or poop near the water.
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.
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.