Havasu Falls Hike

Havasu Falls Hike – What to Expect

The Havasu Falls hike is a breathtaking adventure. I highly recommend taking the full hike to Havasupai to take in the full experience. You should be physically able to do the hike so make sure to get conditioned. The Havasu Falls hike is not intense, but it is long and can be hot. Getting to the Havasu Falls area is a lot easier than getting out. The first mile will have you descending over 1000 feet into Havasu Canyon. For the next 5 miles, you will be following the dry canyon. Make sure to wear a hat because it can get hot! You’ll soon start seeing cottonwoods, and you’ll hear the flow of Havasu Creek. By this time, you’ll notice that the area will begin to cool down as you approach the first sight of Supai Village. By this point, you are 8-miles in. Make sure to check-in before doing anything else.

If you are going to the Havasupai Campgrounds, you will be continuing for another 2 miles. You’ll most likely want to stop at each waterfall on the way, but I suggest to go to the Havasupai Campgrounds first to get the best camping site.

Havasu Falls Hike Distances:

Hilltop (trailhead) to Havasu Creek: 6 miles
Havasu Creek to Supai: 2 miles
Supai to Campground: 2 miles
Campground to Beaver Falls: 3.5 miles
Beaver Falls to the Colorado River: 3.5 miles
Campground to Havasu Falls: 0.5 miles
Campground to Mooney Falls: 0.5 miles

Havasu Falls Hike – Preparation and Safety

Physical Condition: Make sure to condition your body before taking the Havasu Falls hike. If you’re not used to the long distance, as well as carrying a large backpack, then you need to train your body. To get to Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls is at least 8 to 9 miles one-way. I like to take short hikes leading up to my big hiking trips.

Allergies: If you’re an allergy-prone person like me, don’t forget your medications! Supai village is mainly farmland. My body will respond to the allergens even before entering the village.

Seasons: People adventure on the Havasu Falls hike year round. The summer can get extremely hot. Make sure to wear a hat, sunscreen, and have enough water. In the late summer, extreme flash-floods are a risk (you also won’t get to see the green-blue water). If you are going to Havasu Falls in the winter, snow may be present. Make sure to stay warm!

Food: Plan on bringing lightweight food like dehydrated food bags. Having a source of electrolytes is also essential. I would even bring a cluster of bananas to replenish potassium.

Hiking and Camping Gear: This is a backpacking trip so you will need to carry everything unless you rent a mule. Bring the essentials: camping tent, sleeping bag, large backpack, headlamp, and sunscreen.

Local Shops and Restaurant in Supai: If you forgot to pack something, there are a few convenience shops in the village that sell food, ice, drinks, and more. Just know that items are very expensive due to high transportation costs. There are also a few places where you can get hot food such as the cafe. The tribe will also cook fry bread outside of the Havasupai campgrounds until 5 pm on certain days.

Self-Guided Havasu Falls Hike

Don’t be intimated by the length of the Havasu Falls hike. It’s very easy to navigate and will be even easier as the years pass. The tribe spends a lot of money maintaining the hiking trail. Once you check-in, the check-in office staff will also give you a map of the Havasupai area. You will save hundreds of dollars going on a self-guided Havasu Falls hike.

View the Full Havasu Falls Guide

Hiking to Havasu Falls

More Posts About Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls Camping – Information about camping at Havasu Falls and reservations

Havasu Falls Helicopter – Information about the Airwest helicopter service for Havasu Falls

Havasupai Packing List – A full list of camping/hiking gear and food that is required and what I brought

Havasu Falls Horses and Mules – Information about the pack animals available at Havasupai