The second day in Havasupai Canyon we spent hiking further into the canyon along the creek.

Supai Campground stretches for more than a mile along Havasu Creek, starting just beyond Havasu Falls and extending almost to Mooney Falls. Most people tend to take up spaces close to the entrance so it can get crowded. Keep on walking, the campground is large and gets less crowded toward the end, where you can get excellent spots right beside the creek without people getting into your space. Being close to the creek is also more convenient for washing up. And there's nothing more relaxing than sitting outside your tent beside the creek and listen to the water. Consider taking a lightweight hammock to string up next to your tent, bliss...! The campground is nicely shaded by large trees so it stays nice and cool. The floor consists of a packed reddish sand that WILL get into your tent and cover everything. It is what is described as a 'rustic' campground, meaning that facilities aren't as luxurious (relatively speaking) or clean as other campgrounds. Toilet facilities consist of a row of porta-potties which are supposed to be cleaned every day (by helicoptering them out of the canyon, talk about elaborate!) but can become VERY funky! Lots of people don't realize that there are porta-potties on the other (Mooney) side of the campground, too, so if the ones at the entrance get iffy, consider taking the long walk to the other side. There are NO dump facilties and you are supposed to carry your own trash out of the canyon. Washing up (both of pots & pans and the like, and of yourself since there are no showers) is done in the creek but ONLY with biodegradable soap. Picnic tables are provided at each tentsite. Potable water is available from a spring (see picture). Camping fee is $17,- per person per night (w/o tax). In addition to this, you pay a $35,- per person entrance fee to the canyon. Reservations (to be made by phone) are ESSENTIAL, phone service is spotty so keep on trying.

Wisely, the residents of Supai vetoed an idea to blast a road into their village, so there are only three ways to get to Supai: on horseback, via helicopter, or by hoofing it yourself. If you choose to go on horseback/mule, it is wise, but not absolutely necessary, to make a reservation in advance. Horses can be rented on the spot too, at Hualapai Hilltop or below in the village. It might be different at busier times, though. A one way trip costs $75,-, round trip double that. From what I saw, some riding experience might be handy, lots of people were being shaken about like potato sacks! Then there is the helicopter option, which of course has the advantage of being really quick, you're at your destination in about 15 minutes. And the views into the canyon are supposed to be spectacular. Of course, for the purist, this is not the 'real' way to visit the canyon! Anyway, to each his own... Helicopter service is $85,- one way pp., including a small backpack. Be aware, that locals are given preference, esp. when helicoptering out, so you may have to wait some time. And then of course, there's the last, and best, way of getting in: by your own two feet (see other tips for a description of the hike). You may consider hiring a pack mule to lug your backpack in/out, this makes for a much more relaxing hike. Mules don't carry more than 130 pounds total with a max of 4 items so check the weight of your pack.

The first stop on our trip was Havasu Canyon/Hapasupai, a place I'd seen so may beautiful pictures of, I just had to see it for myself!

Yes, Havasu Falls and Havasupai Falls are used interchangeably by the Havasupai Indians, who live at the bottom of Havasu Canyon, adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park...Here are some more great links with information, reviews, trip reports, pictures, and hiking advice I found:

Havasu Falls Grand Canyon
Havasupai Falls
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls Grand Canyon
Havasu Falls Arizona

havasupai falls arizona

This being my first blog I am starting out with a short three day trip that Ann and I plus two neighbors(ED AND SHIRLEY) did last summer.  I think a number of people will find it interesting or at least hope so.

I love telling people about this hike since  Supai(the closest town to the waterfalls)  is so isolated on an Indian reservation in northern Az that   the only way to get there is a 8-9 mile hike-horseback or helicopter.  They still get their daily mail via horse or mule trains--Supplies for store by helicopter

Ann and I own a 29 ft. moterhome  so we hooked our Honda CRV on to the back of it and we all loaded into the moterhome and leaft early one morning last summer (about this time)  Drove about 5 hours to Williams and sit up camp in a RV park.. Our first business was to get Ann and Shirley reservations on a train to the Grand Canyon the next day as they were not doing the hike.  The RV park was able to do this for us so no problem.  They did not want to do the hike but had heard about the trainride from Williams to the Grand Canyon.  Their trip would be a completly different blog but for now I can tell you they certainly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone.

ED and I planned to leave around 6:00 Am so went to bed fairly early  .  Four people in a 29 ft Rv is confining to many people but Ann and I have been in much more confined spaces with others but not everyone rely enjoys this but Ed and Shirley were fine with it.

We got up next Am and Ann cooked us a great breakfast and we were away by 7:00  Took us three hours to get to trailhead.  When we got there a large number of vehicals and some RV in parking lot but just saw about 5-6 people.  We were on trail 15 min . later.  We each had a small day pack with water for two days and lunch for one day as we were coming out the next day--What you take in with you needs to come out with you.  The small Indian Village even muletrains its trash out

The hike to the village is basically all downhill for about 8 miles then the first two waterfalls about 2 miles beyond the village .  The good thing about this hike for those who do not like sleeping in tents and do not want to carry a big pack is that their is actually a motel the Indians have in the village--Not exacactly a Hilton but was clean with two double beds and air-conditioning so not exactlly roughing it.  Is also has small store and a restraunt where can get hambergers, fries and make sure get Indian FRY BREAD

We hiked through desert for 6 miles then all of sudden there was a small -very blue -river flowing from another canyon in your path--found out later it was the high limestone content to the rocks that made water so blue.  About 2 miles further came to outskirts of village.  I was suprised how many horses were there but of course with all the water why not.  Due to springs the river kept getting larger.

We got to motel and left our packs but took Tevas and swimming suits and hiked two miles to the first two falls, Navaho falls were the water seemed to come out of the walls of the canyon and then Havasu Falls which seems to be the most known falls.  Really needed the Tevas to get into water but once in was wonderfull as we were hot and sweaty. I have pictures I hope show up well as to me this is a beautifull place

After swimming Ed was too tired to go to third Falls , Mooney Falls which is another two mile roundtrip but I went on down to it and was not dissapointed.

That night we slept well.  If doing this again( and do plan on it) I would suggerst hiking down one day--swim--spend next day going on down to Mooney falls plus another fall about 3-4 miles further thenspen night in motel and hke out on third day.

Hike was harder coming out esp since I had gotten blisters the first day--did not even realize it until we started to leave the next morning-We still made it out in 4 hours

For those who think hike may be too hard you can have mules or horses carry your stuff in or you can actually take a helicopter if they have room.  Ann has talked of hiking down with me and taking helicopter out.  Not particularlly for me yet but can see how can appeal to some and the trip would be worth it but certainly cost more and could not bragg about doing the whole thing.

Most people should be able to do the hike-  Ed is 66 and plays a Lot Of Tennis and I am 67 and do walk 4-5 miles 4-6 days a week but am not a health nut--

I do not know how to add websites with info but if interested just do google search for havasu falls and can get all info on cost and facilities ect