Ba ha ha!
Here we are, all smiles at the start of the hike!
Here we at the trail head, preparing to start the descent……..do you like the super cool hats 🙂

This is NOT a trail that you can just turn up at and hike.
It takes planning and well in advance.
When we arrived at the trailhead, it was clear that not everyone knew this and were disappointed when they got turned away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you need to know before you go;

  • You must plan your trip well in advance
  • Visiting Havasu Falls requires a strenuous hike
  • You must get a permit to visit Havasu Falls
  • You must stay overnight at Havasu Falls
  • Do your research and know what to expect

Planning;

Permits

There is a required $50 entrance fee (+ 10% tax), payable in advance when you book your accomodation.
Additionally, there is an Environmental fee of $10 (+ 10% tax) person

Havasupai Reservation Policies – 2017

Due to increased popularity of visiting Havasu Falls and hiking to the other waterfalls in Havasu Canyon, the Havasupai tribe has instituted some changes to how they manage reservations and permits.

  • All payment is due at the time of booking
  • One credit card is allowed per group, ie. if you get through the phone lines and want to reserve spots for your 10 friends you must pay for all 10 on one card.
  • Payments to the tribe are non-refundable
  • Permit reservations are non-transferable

Accomodation

Planning for this started nearly ten months in advance!
The first decision is where you wish to sleep when you get there – day hiking is not allowed. You are unable to hike in and out on the same day, so plan to stay at least one night. You have two options; camping at the site which is approx or staying in the lodge in the Supai Village. The Supai Village is approx a 2 mile hike from Havasu Falls and is the only hotel there.
There is an overwhelming amount of people who want to make this hike and you need to make your reservations well in advance. Also, don’t expect to get a reply the first time you call. I was pretty lucky and got someone the 3rd time but I have read other posts of paople calling 10+ times before they were able to get through and make their booking!

 

 

 

The Lodge: The rooms at the lodge are very basic and simple. Don’t expect any frills! There are no telephones, televisions and you won’t be able to get wifi!
It is a room that you will be able to wash your poor dusty feet in and rest your weary head! There are two double beds, a private bath and AC. All rooms are non-smoking.

Currently (July 2017) the cost is, $145 per room up to four people.
Lodge Reservations: (928) 448-2111

 

 

There is no kitchen or food provided at the lodge. You’ll need to come prepared to provide all your own food. You can get food from the Supai Café (burger, fries, hot dogs, fry bread, tacos, sodas, etc) or from the Supai grocery store, located in the village. Hours can occasionally be unpredictable at both the cafe and the store. Due to the remote location of the village, the prices are quite expensive. Again, don’t expect any frills. The food at the cafe is decent and welcome after the days hike, but basic, as is the cafe itself.

The Campground: Primitive camping is available year round. The campground is right below Havasu Falls, with many of the campsites along Havasu Creek. Accommodations include: picnic tables, spring water and port-o-lets. Bathing in the creek is permissible with biodegradable soap, but who needs soap?!?
The campground is located within a 5-minute walk of Havasu Falls, about 2 miles downhill from the Village of Supai. The campground is about ¾ of a mile long and spots are not defined and are available on a first come, first served basis. There are many wonderful spots to choose from throughout the campground. Lastly, there are no campfires allowed in the campground.

Currently (July 2017) the cost is, $25 per person per night
Campground Reservations: (928) 448-2121

Be warned, Havasupai camping permits often sell out for the entire season within the first 2 or 3 months of the year.

Pictures of the Trail

The Trail Head & the Hike;

Trail Head:

The trail into Supai begins at Hualapai Hilltop,
191 miles/308 km from Grand Canyon Village
or 66 miles/106 km from Peach Springs, Arizona.

Peach Springs has the nearest services including gas, food, and water. No services are available at Hualapai Hilltop.

 

Knowing that an early start on the trail is recommended and that there is a pretty long drive to it, we chose to book accomodation as near as we could for the night before the hike and the night that we would return up.
We stayed at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn in Seligman. Don’t search for a town! This was basically just an Inn on the historic Route 66 and is between Seligman and Peach Springs. The accomodation is basic but comfortable enough. There is a cafe/bar on site and the staff were very friendly, accomodating and full of useful information. We were able to store our belongings there while away on the hike.

Trail Head

* Side note; if you have time, there is a pretty fun Caverns tour at the hotel. We didn’t actually do it ourselves but spoke with others who had really enjoyed it and the pictures on the website look cool!

 

~ this is an unfinished post ~ more info to follow soon 😉