The Ultimate Guide to Havasupai Falls: Everything I've Learned!

Beaver Falls, which is downstream from Havasu Falls

I love making the trek to Havasupai Falls—there’s truly no place like it! These days, it’s a bucket-list destination for travelers from across the U.S. and around the world.

With that said, a visit requires preparation and planning months in advance. For one thing, you can’t go without a permit, and they can be difficult to get.

This ultimate guide to Havasupai Falls includes everything I’ve learned over multiple trips. It’s all the information I wish I’d had before my first visit!

I’ve structured the blog to be direct and to-the-point, without a lot of flowery, verbose language.

Key Things to Know Before You Go:

Permits are required—you can’t visit without one.
The trailhead is remote, located in Arizona near the Grand Canyon.
There’s no road, just a trail from the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot to the village of Supai.
It’s 7 miles to Supai, and 11 miles to the campsites.
Mules can carry your gear, but you can’t ride them.
Helicopter rides aren’t guaranteed, and can’t be reserved.
Lodging options include camping along Havasu Creek or staying at the lodge in Supai Village.
Supai Village is about 2 miles from the waterfalls.
Day trips aren’t possible—you must stay overnight.
Expect little to no cell service for most of your trip.
Weather varies—it can snow in winter and reach over 100°F in summer.

If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, let’s dive into this ultimate guide to Havasupai Falls!

Havasupai Falls Permits

You can’t visit Havasupai Falls without a permit. These permits are in high demand, and can sell out quickly each year when they’re released in February.

In general, permits have become easier to secure, compared to the first two years post-pandemic when demand peaked.

Permit Timeline

Presale for permits: December 16 – January 3 (lottery system, no guarantees)
Public reservations: February 1 (first-come, first-served for the entire year)
Campground reservations available: February 1 – November 30
Lodge reservations available: February 1 – November 30

➡️ Official Havasupai Reservation Site

➡️ Lodge Reservations

Permit & Reservation Costs

Campground Fee: $455 per person (includes 4 days/3 nights)
Lodge Price: $2,277 per room (three nights, up to four people)
Mule Reservations: $200 each way (luggage only, no rides for people)
Helicopter: $100 per person, each way (cannot be reserved in advance)

Jared Dillingham getting a Havasupai Falls permit

Go for Canceled / Transferred Reservations

If you don’t secure a permit for your desired dates, don’t lose hope. The Havasupai Tribe releases canceled reservations throughout the year.

Whether people lose interest, don’t want to spend the cash, can’t get the time off work, or whatever the case may be … a LOT of people who get permits end up not wanting them. The Tribe allows them to post those for sale ONLY on the official transfer website.

Check the cancellation list daily
Cancellations post at 8:00 AM daily

Included in a Permit

Parking at Hualapai Hilltop
3-night stay in Havasupai Falls Campground (or)
3-night stay at the lodge in Supai
No partial refunds if you leave early, and no partial 2-night permits

Consider Trip Insurance

I buy an annual international trip insurance package each year, which is far less expensive than I thought. Havasupai Falls doesn’t fall under that plan, so it requires its own insurance policy.

I’ll explain why I use Travel Guard below. As an example, my last $1,000 trip was just over $90 to insure.

Between the permits, gear, hotel(s), rental car, and flight (depending on where you’re coming from) the cost for a trip to Havasupai Falls adds up.

There are a number of factors that could cancel your trip: flash foods, an unexpected change in Tribal policy, your own health or work issues, among them.

It’s important for an insurance policy for a Havasupai trip to:

1. Allow you to cancel for illness or weather.
2. Cover medical evacuation (since the helicopter cost is at least $10,000 to fly out with an injured leg, etc.)

I don’t want to sound alarmist, and hopefully you’ll never have to use the insurance! But Havasupai can be a rough environment with an expensive pricetag, so it’s best to purchase insurance for peace of mind.

Jared Dillingham climbing down Mooney Falls rocks

My Havasupai Packing List

Especially if you’re hiking in and carrying your own packs, it’s essential to be as efficient as possible! After a lot of trial and error on my own trips to Havasupai, this is what I will now bring every time in the future.

Camping Gear

Hiking Gear

Hygiene & Toiletries

Food & Cooking

Jetboil & Propane
Matches or Lighter
Freeze-Dried Meals
Nuts & Protein Bars
Utensils
Foldable Cups, & Bowls
Electrolyte tabs or packets

Miscellaneous

Cash (for tacos and things in Supai)
Battery Packs (2 minimum)
Quick Dry Towel
Gloves (for climbing Mooney Falls)
Rope (optional)
Rain Poncho (optional)

Mule Reservations

The mules are considered controversial by some animal rights groups. The Tribe has used them for generations to carry mail and supplies from the Hualapai Hilltop to Supai, since there’s no road.

The mules only carry luggage, not people, and the Tribe set limits on how much cargo each can haul. I’ve never seen any emaciated or dying mules along the trail, though you’ll find photos of them online from years past.

Reservations: Made when you purchase your permit
Cost: $400 round trip ($200 each way)
Safety: Some people cover their gear with IKEA or garbage bags
Drop-off time: By 10:00 AM at the Hualapai Hilltop

Helicopter to Havasupai Falls

The Havasupai Falls helicopter situation is fluid and complicated. These are the basics to keep in mind if you’re thinking about taking it on part of your trip:

Never depend on the helicopter, since the line could be lawn or it could be down for maintenance or off on a rescue mission.
First-come, first-served – no reservations accepted.
Cost: $100 per person, each way (+$50 for luggage).
Flights operate: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays (not guaranteed)
Find the sign-up sheet at the helipad at Hualapai Hilltop and in Supai
Flights start around 10:00 AM, but lines form as early as 5:00 AM
Locals and construction workers take priority, so tourists are always last to board and can wait 30 minutes or 6 hours. It’s unpredictable.
Again, always be prepared to make the hike.

Getting to The Hualapai Trailhead

It’s best to arrive the day prior to your hike to check in and rest up before you head to Havasupai Falls. I’ve never *not* arrived the day before.

Check-in at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn

The Inn is on Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona
Check in the day before your hike.

Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot

Located 1 hour north of Peach Springs, AZ
There’s no water at the trailhead – fill up on all supplies before leaving!
Checkpoint: 5 miles before the lot, it’s only staffed sometimes.
Cutoff time to begin your hike is supposed to be 2:00 PM, but it’s inconsistently enforced.
The parking lot is often full – so most people end up parking along the road, which is fine. I’d drop your gear off with someone in the lot so you don’t have to haul it the extra distance!

Cell Signal

Your last chance for signal is along the road, just before the parking lot.
Switch to airplane mode to save battery on your hike.
You’ll have a glimmer of a signal in Supai and at the top of Havasu Falls.

The hilltop has a ranger station (which may or may not be staffed) and vaulted toilets.

havasupai trailhead ranger station office

The 11-mile Hike to Havasupai Falls

While the sign says 10 miles, my pedometer has always been closer to 11 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop to the campsites along Havasu Creek.

Depending on your pace and how many breaks you take, it’ll probably be a 4 to 5-hour hike.

jared dillingham havasupai trailhead hike

Trail Challenges

There’s likely no water along the way – bring more than you think you’ll need. The springs are usually full of algae, so your first chance to fill up your filtered water container is Havasu Creek, about 7 miles in.
Switchbacks on the way out are exhausting.
Summer temps exceed 100°F by late morning.

Seasonal Hiking Tips

Summer: Start before 4:00 AM with a headlamp to avoid the heat.
Winter: Daylight is 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, so start by noon.
Spring/Fall: Check the forecast; midday hiking is usually manageable.

Trail Breakdown

First 2 Miles: Steep switchbacks descend into the canyon.
Next 5 Miles: Flat terrain through the canyon, with a few shady spots to rest in.
Final 3 Miles: Pass through Supai Village and follow Havasu Creek to the campground.

jared dillingham hiking to havasupai falls campground

Supai Village

It’s 7 miles from the hilltop parking lot.
Photography is banned for privacy.
While signs say masks are required, it’s not enforced.
A small market may be open, selling snacks and drinks.
The cafe might be open, though hours are unpredictable.

Where to Stay: Lodge vs. Campground

For me, the campground is the only way to go. While I love air conditioning and showers, the lodge in Supai is a 2-mile hike to Havasu Falls.

Havasupai Lodge

Location: Village of Supai (2-mile hike to Havasu Falls)
Cost: $2,277 for three nights (split four ways: $190 per person per night)
Basic rooms: 2 queen beds, AC, and showers.
Food: Usually light breakfast snacks.
Cooking: Microwaves and BBQ grills outside.

Havasupai Campground

Location: Along Havasu Creek
Campsites: Choose a site with a picnic table.
Avoid: Sites near the bathrooms (odor issues).
Banned: No drones, fires, or alcohol allowed.
Water: Bring a water filtration system to use the water from Fern Spring or Havasu Creek.

Jared Dillingham getting ready to hike to Mooney Falls

Havasupai Falls campground along Havasu Creek

Havasupai Waterfalls

Havasu Creek’s stunning blue-green water comes from high lime concentrations. The main waterfalls include:

Fifty Foot Falls: Hidden, uncrowded, and requires wading through vegetation. Wear water shoes!
Little Navajo Falls: Easy access to this less-crowded swimming spot, between Supai and Havasu Falls.
Hidden Falls: Smaller but picturesque to check out.
Havasu Falls: Most famous, right at the campground entrance.
Mooney Falls: Tallest waterfall, requires a steep climb down to the bottom (photo below).
Beaver Falls: Stunning cascades further downstream, with great swimming holes.

Rescues, Injuries, & Warnings

In September of 2024, a flash flood swept a woman to her death as she was near the confluence. The flood wiped out the campground, and the governor sent the Arizona National Guard to rescue 100+ hikers and campers.

In July of 2024, a wave of norovirus swept through the campground, sickening 100 or more campers.
In July of 2023, as Arizona suffered from an intense heatwave, temperatures at Supai soared above 100 degrees.

Many of the injuries at Havasupai Falls are happening at Beaver Falls. It may be surprising, since Beaver Falls is so serene compared to the more dramatic and seemingly-dangerous Mooney Falls or Havasu Falls.

The injuries are largely the result of people climbing the rocks and cliffs around Beaver Falls. Some slipped and fell, while others purposely jumped into the pool below and landed on rocks that are hidden underwater.

Helicopter rescues at Havasupai Falls are challenging and dangerous, and the injured hiker is responsible for the bill.

Mile Markers & Distances Between Sites

Distances and Miles Between Hualapai Hilltop to:

Supai Village: 8.5 miles
Little Navajo Falls: 9.5 miles
Havasu Falls: 10.5 miles
Ranger Station at the Campground: 11 miles
Mooney Falls: 12 miles
Beaver Falls: 15 miles
Colorado River (Confluence): 21 miles (photo below)

The Best Time to Visit Havasupai Falls

Personally, I’d visit Havasupai any time of year, but late April and May are my favorite times.

Keep this general information about the weather in mind:

It’s 100+ in the summer.
It can snow in November, December, January, and February.
Snowmelt has been known to flood Havasu Creek in the spring.
Flash floods from monsoon storms can hit from July through September.

I wouldn’t let any of those factors dissuade me from visiting. They’re just important realities you should keep in mind when you try to book your Havasupai reservations.

The best month to visit the Havasupai Waterfalls is up for debate. For me, it’s too cold from mid-October through mid-April in this area!

I’d aim for April 15 through June 10. While the desert gets really hot in June, you’ll still find shade along the hike AND be able to cool off in the creek at the campsite.

By July, you run the risk of monsoon rainfall impacting your visit. Monsoon season runs through September, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind when you plan your travels to the Havasupai Waterfalls.

jared dillingham along Havasu Creek in the Havasupai Campground

Final Advice on Havasupai Falls

Leave food, water, and fresh clothes in your car for after the hike out at the end of the trip.
Expect unpredictability with the weather, and keep double-checking to make sure the check-in and Tribal policies haven’t changed.
Focus your packing on keeping healthy & safe – electrolytes, proper footwear, and healthy foods are key.
Respect the land and the Havasupai Tribe

Visiting Havasupai Falls is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning. Follow these tips, secure your permit, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Mooney Falls overlook at Havasupai Campground

The Ultimate Guide to Havasupai Falls: Everything I’ve Learned!