Havasupai Waterfalls

It is a sight to behold. The blue-green water cascading over stark red rock and an azure sky beaming over head. The heat can be relentless here, but the water is refreshing and cool in this Arizona desert oasis.

The vividly coloured waterfalls of the Havasupai Reservation provide a stunning surreal backdrop amongst the sheer red rock walls and lush greenery of the Havasu Canyon. A special place located in a remote part of the Grand Canyon it is truly an oasis in the parched Arizona landscape. The only access in is either by foot, mule or helicopter. The Village of Supai is located about eight miles into the Canyon and is the tribal centre for the Havasupai Tribe. The Havasupai people are known as “the people of the blue-green waters”. They live simply and peacefully and also abstain from alcohol and firearms.

Arizona is noted for its beautiful desert landscape a sea of red rock and beautiful canyon formations. The Grand Canyon usually comes to mind as the focal point of Arizona scenery. Havasu Canyon is a tributary to the Grand Canyon, a stunning chasm of sculpted red rock and immense beauty.

We decided to try the hike into Supai from the Hualapai Hilltop, located about 60 miles off the famous Route 66. We started early in the morning and descended into the dry and barren canyon. The strong Arizona sun heats things up quite rapidly and with little shade the heat is something to contend with. It is hard to believe that this bone dry canyon was going to turn into an oasis of water and greenery. After about six miles almost miraculously the canyon takes an abrupt turn and follows a route through lush green trees. The Havasu Creek emerging from a spring farther up the canyon has altered the landscape in this part of the canyon creating coolness and shade among this otherwise hot dry gorge. The Creek flows through the Village of Supai and beyond to the Grand Canyon where it joins the Colorado River.

The Village of Supai is basic and miles away from the hectic pace of large congested cities. The Pony Express still operates here daily bringing the mail in and out by donkey. There are no cars and few modern conveniences. There is a simple lodge, a couple of stores and a restaurant.

Two miles beyond the village, the Havasu Creek on its way to the Grand Canyon flows over a series of waterfalls. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls are the highest and most spectacular. Havasu Falls tumbles over the red rock in a twin plume of water landing into a beautiful pool. Swimming in the cool water is invigorating near the roaring waterfalls. Further afoot, Mooney Falls is a spectacular 190 ft waterfall cascading into a beautiful pool. The water is refreshing and the whole experience rejuvenates the soul and being one with it provides a strong connection with this environment.

Namaskar

Although there are limited services if you are interested in going you need to book in advance. The lodge in Supai is the only accommodation and there is a campground. Since this area is located on the Havasupai Reservation there is an entrance fee.

The closest large centre to Havasupai is Kingman, Arizona. From Kingman it is about a 2 hour drive to the Hualapai Hilltop.


Havasu Canyon






Havasu Falls