We originally scored permits to visit Havasu Falls in the fall of 2020 but COVID put a damper on our plans. Access to this remote wonder was shut down by the Havasupai Tribe in March 2020 and it remained off limits for nearly three years! In February 2023, access to the reservation was granted again but the next hurdle to tackle was overbooking. Slots had been double booked and the tribe asked for volunteers who were flexible with their dates to reschedule until 2024. We volunteered and got new reservations for September 2024. Alas, two weeks before we were scheduled to visit, a flash flood swept through the canyon and demolished the village and campsite. We waited on pins and needles to see if the tribe would honor our permit for a future visit as technically we were supposed to file a claim with insurance since all permits were non refundable and not changeable. Thankfully, the tribe graciously allowed us to reschedule for the third time and we chose dates in May. Third time had to be the charm, right? Everything went off without a hitch and we are happy to report that the 5 year delay was worth the wait. Our visit to Havasu Falls was better than we dreamed it would be and we loved exploring this slice of heaven on earth. Visitors have to be physically fit and strong enough to hike in and out of the canyon while carrying their own camping gear. We did zero training but didn’t find it to be too physically exerting. Since both of us have FOMO, we visited everything that Havasupai had to offer – Fifty Foot Falls, Navajo Falls, Hidden Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. In addition to the waterfalls, we also hiked out to the Confluence (where Havasu Creek meets up with the Colorado River), and on our down day, we lazed in a hammock and soaked in the therapeutic turquoise waters. Our 4 day, 3 night trek ended way too soon and we were back to civilization in no time where we loaded up on some good food and checked out downtown Phoenix’s street art scene. A huge thank you to the amazing Havasu Tribe for sharing your piece of paradise with us…we will never forget our magical days there!
![]()
After a 5 year delay, Havasu Falls here we come!
![]()
Access to Havasu Falls is by permit which must be picked up here at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
![]()
Route 66 artwork at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
![]()
Robby behind bars at Truxton Jail; Rt 66
![]()
Robby next to a sign for Historic Route 66
![]()
After checking in, we were given a map of the Supai Campground. Getting to Havasu Falls requires a 10 mile hike with all your camping gear!
![]()
As others recommended, it is best to start your hike at zero dark thirty. It was 5 am by the time we reached the trailhead and started our hike
![]()
Signs at the beginning of the trail to Havasu
![]()
Robby is all geared up and ready to go!
![]()
The first part of the trail has the most change in elevation as we head down into the canyon
![]()
Reaching the switchback section of the hike to Havasu
![]()
It was a great idea to start so early in the morning as the trail wasn't crowded
![]()
Hiking through stunning scenery to get to Havasu Falls
![]()
You can see why flash floods are such a problem here as rainfall from miles away can cause a deluge of water to sweep through the canyon
![]()
Near the 8 mile mark, we reached our first fresh water source at Havasu Creek. This is why all hikers are urged to carry enough water with them on the hike in and out
![]()
Horses and pack mules can be hired by hikers who don't want to carry their gear in
![]()
Our first glimpse of Supai Village. Only 2 more miles to go until we reach the campground!
![]()
Photos of Supai Village are strictly prohibited beyond this point
![]()
Fifty Foot Falls was the first waterfall we passed by on our hike to the campground. What a sight to behold!
![]()
Our pulse quickened when we first laid eyes on the gorgeous Havasu Falls. The turquoise water flowing through red canyon walls surrounded by greenery...this is what heaven on earth looks like!
![]()
After setting up our tent, we quickly made our way back to the gorgeous Havasu Falls
![]()
We quickly made our way to the campground where we found a perfect shady spot by the creek to set up our tent. The early bird gets the worm!
![]()
Travertine pools formed by calcium carbonate from the mineral-rich water can be seen at the base of Havasu Falls
![]()
Robby at a lookout point above Havasu Falls
![]()
Taking a selfie at Havasu Falls
![]()
Another view of Navajo Falls from a cave behind the waterfall
![]()
Becky showing off Fifty Foot Falls
![]()
We were amazed that we had Fifty Foot Falls all to ourselves!
![]()
The village dogs are well fed but they still try their luck with tourists with their sad puppy dog eyes!
![]()
A late afternoon view of Havasu Falls
![]()
Another view of our peaceful campsite by the edge of Havasu Creek
![]()
To get to Mooney Falls, you have to enter a cave and climb down a series of wet, makeshift ladders with chain handholds. It was definitely an adventure!
![]()
The cave view of Mooney Falls
![]()
Becky on the perilous climb down to Mooney Falls
![]()
This series of ladders and chains is the only path leading to Mooney Falls
![]()
Becky on the last ladder section before she safely reaches the ground below
![]()
One of several creek crossings we had to traverse which is why everyone recommended water shoes
![]()
View of the canyon on our hike towards Beaver Falls
![]()
A pair of big horn sheep grazing just off the trail to Beaver Falls
![]()
We started our hike towards Beaver Falls super early to beat the heat and the inevitable crowd
![]()
We knew Beaver Falls was right around the corner once we spotted this section of Havasu Creek
![]()
Someone else carved our initials in a picnic bench!
![]()
One of several creek crossings where we tried to avoid the deepest sections!
![]()
A sign indicating we are heading in the right direction!
![]()
Robby wading through the creek
![]()
Getting closer to Beaver Falls!
![]()
More ladders to reach pretty Beaver Falls
![]()
But first, we had to clamber up some ladders
![]()
Becky tackling the ladder climb
![]()
From Beaver Falls, we continued on towards The Confluence (where Havasu Creek and the Colorado River intersect)
![]()
We made it! Not a soul in sight at the gorgeous Beaver Falls
![]()
Becky at beautiful Beaver Falls
![]()
This is a tricky crossing and very easy to miss! A tiny rock cairn is the only indication to let us know we have to cross the river to get out of the Grand Canyon and climb back up onto tribal land
![]()
Robby crossing a creek in the Grand Canyon
![]()
Robby posing for a photo in the Grand Canyon
![]()
What a magnificent hike through the Grand Canyon!
![]()
Climbing through one last tunnel before we reach the Confluence
![]()
Becky climbs down from the tunnel
![]()
Getting closer to The Confluence...not much further now
![]()
One last river crossing just before the Confluence
![]()
An aqua pool we had to swim across to get back on the trail to the Confluence
![]()
A couple of white water rafts at the Confluence
![]()
We made it! The Confluence is just around the corner but what a view of the creek below
![]()
Looking down the Colorado River! Well worth the long hike out to the Confluence
![]()
The mighty Colorado River took our breath away
![]()
The view looking back at Havasu Creek from the Colorado River
![]()
Rafting expeditions stopped at the mouth of the Confluence to allow their passengers to explore the area
![]()
A California barrel cactus near the Confluence
![]()
No wonder hiking to the Confluence is something that should only be done under optimal conditions. Flash floods in this narrow canyon would prove deadly
![]()
The water below looks so inviting!
![]()
Becky couldn't resist a quick dip in Havasu Creek
![]()
A dozen flannelmouth suckers congregating at the confluence during spawning season (between March and June)
![]()
Becky enjoying her refreshing dip near the Confluence
![]()
Admiring the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon from Havasu Creek
![]()
Taking a selfie near the Confluence
![]()
A granite spiny lizard sunning itself in the Grand Canyon
![]()
The hike out to the Confluence was pleasant up until the sun came out. Then it was extremely hot!
![]()
Despite the heat and sunny conditions, we really enjoyed our hike through the Grand Canyon to the Confluence
![]()
Goodbye Grand Canyon, hello Havasupai!
![]()
Reaching the aqua pools beneath Beaver Falls
![]()
Late afternoon view of Beaver Falls
![]()
This stunning waterfall was just past Beaver Falls as we hiked back towards Mooney Falls
![]()
We passed by more gorgeous falls on our hike back towards the campground
![]()
The well worn trail back towards Mooney Falls and the Havasu Campground
![]()
A late afternoon photo of Mooney Falls! We were very happy to reach this point because it meant we were just minutes away from the campground
![]()
Robby getting fresh drinking water from Fern Spring at the Havasu Campground
![]()
After our long hike yesterday, today was a down day! We just set up our hammock and lazed the day away
![]()
An opportunistic dog begs for food when he notices us eating lunch
![]()
The wristband we had to wear for the 4 day period we were visiting Havasupai
![]()
Havasu Falls ended up being our favorite of the waterfalls of Havasupai
![]()
Cave view of Havasu Falls
![]()
Havasu Falls is unbelievably beautiful!
![]()
Robby preparing our Mountain House freeze dried dinner (surprisingly tasty!)
![]()
Waking up at 2 am to take a night photo of Havasu Falls. We sure will miss this beautiful paradise!
![]()
No photos on the 10 mile hike out but we made it back to the parking lot in only 4.5 hours! Two thumbs up for Havasupai
![]()
Celebrating with a double-double at In-N-Out Burger. So yummy!
![]()
Street art in downtown Phoenix
![]()
Robby next to The Reading Robot; Phoenix
![]()
"Timeless" mural on the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel
![]()
Mural honoring Malinda "Malindy" Curtis, an African American woman known for her generosity; downtown Phoenix
![]()
Hotel San Carlos is a boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix
![]()
Outdoor patio of Jacy & Dakota
![]()
Mural depicting a pregnant Mother Earth with twins
![]()
Native American artwork at Roosevelt Row Arts District in Phoenix
![]()
Mural titled "Tiger King? More like queen" by Nyla Lee
![]()
Colorful mural on Mural Alley, located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District
![]()
Massive mural on the side of a building in downtown Phoenix
![]()
"Till Death Do Us Part" by D*Face
![]()
Mural of Calvin Goode, a city council member of Phoenix, AZ
![]()
Love mural by Roy Sproule
![]()
A mural titled "Woman, Life, Freedom" by Farnaz Zabetian, a piece of art created in solidarity with the protests in Iran following the death of Masha "Jina" Amini; Phoenix
![]()
Large scale portrait of Theodore Roosevelt (by Debra Hurd) on the Ten-O-One office building in downtown Phoenix
![]()
"Open Arms" mural on Roosevelt Community Church; Phoenix
![]()
Mural of Ralph Abernathy - "I don't know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future"
