Know Before You Go: Havasupai Falls Hike
Dreaming of turquoise waterfalls just outside the Grand Canyon? The Havasupai Falls hike is a bucket-list adventure, but it requires careful planning and deep respect for both the land and its people. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The Hike: Distance, Difficulty, and Essentials
The hike is about 10 miles each way from Hualapai Hilltop to the campground, with an elevation change of roughly 2,400 feet. The first mile is steep switchbacks; the remaining trail is easier with mostly gradual descent through a stunning canyon landscape. There aren't any water refill stations so carry at around 3 liters per person and refill at the natural spring at the campground. You'll run out of water surprisingly fast on the 10 miles in because of the hot desert environment. The environment has extreme heat in summer—so start hiking before sunrise for cooler temps and shade.
The hike is rated moderate, but carrying camping gear and the return ascent can be strenuous if you’re not used to backpacking. We considered it a little more challenging than moderate because we were born and raised in the cold and wet PNW.
Culture: Respect the Havasupai Tribe
The Havasupai Reservation is home to about 640 tribal members. Tourism is their main livelihood, but these lands are sacred and central to their spiritual life. Do some research before going to better understand their community and connect with them more than other travelers.
Supai Village is a living community. Be respectful: photography is prohibited beyond certain signs, and visitors should always ask permission before photographing people or private property.
Support local businesses by purchasing supplies or food in the village. They sell essential items for your camping trip as well as ways follow posted rules and guidelines.
Environment: A Fragile Oasis
The waterfalls—Fifty Foot Falls, Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls—are famous for their blue-green water, created by high mineral content and travertine formations. The contrast between the arid canyon and lush creekside is dramatic, but the ecosystem is fragile. Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, stay on trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
The campground is first-come, first-served along Havasu Creek. Set up camp before exploring to secure a good spot. Don't venture off the recommended areas/trails because of dangerous animals. There are snakes and other wildlife that live here. If you stay in the recommended areas, you are less likely to meet one.
Cell Reception: Limited Connectivity
Cell phone service is very limited. There is some signal in Supai Village and occasionally at the falls, but do not expect reliable coverage at the campground or on the trail. If you need to stay in touch, bring a portable charger or solar battery, but plan to be mostly off-grid during your visit.
For those looking to skip the strenuous 10-mile hike into Havasupai Falls, there is a helicopter service operated by Airwest Helicopters that provides flights between the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead and Supai Village. However, this option comes with important considerations:
Helicopter Ride: What to Expect
Booking and Availability: Helicopter rides cannot be reserved in advance. You must show up at the helipad, sign in, and wait your turn. Flights operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with locals and tribal contractors given priority over tourists. Expect potentially long wait times, especially on busy days, and always be prepared to hike if the helicopter is full or not flying due to weather or other reasons.
Schedule: Flights generally run Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from about 10 AM to 1 PM (or until all passengers are accommodated), primarily from mid-March to mid-October. The schedule can change due to weather, maintenance, or emergency rescues. The helicopter is not a guaranteed or scheduled shuttle, so plan for the possibility of hiking both ways. Cell reception near the helipad is minimal but may allow brief texting.
The cost is approximately $85 to $140 per person each way, depending on the source and season. Luggage is limited to about 40 pounds per passenger, and bags typically cannot be flown without the passenger present. Additional fees may apply for luggage.
At the bottom, the helipad is adjacent to the parking lot at Hualapai Hilltop. In Supai Village, the helipad is near the Tourism Office and Café. From Supai, you still have a 2-mile hike to the campground and waterfalls. The helicopter ride lasts about 10 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of the canyon. The helicopter seats six passengers plus the pilot. You should arrive early to increase your chances of flying out, especially on your departure day.
The helicopter also serves critical roles in emergency rescues for injured hikers along the trail, sometimes causing delays or cancellations of tourist flights.
Permits: Plan Early and Be Ready
All visitors to Havasupai Falls must secure a permit in advance—no walk-ins allowed. Permits are in extremely high demand and typically sell out within hours of release, so create an account at the official reservation site ahead of time and be ready when the calendar opens, usually at 8 AM on the first day of sales.
You’ll check in at Supai Village, where you’ll receive wristbands and must display them at all times during your stay. As of recent years, there is a mandatory 3-night minimum stay, and permits cost several hundred dollars per person. The permit system helps preserve the fragile environment and supports the Havasupai Tribe, whose land you are visiting.
Final Tips
- Start your hike early for cooler temperatures and more shade.
- There are no restrooms on the trail until Supai Village; use facilities at the trailhead before starting.
- Leave extra water and snacks in your car for your return.
- Make sure your gas tank is full before heading to the remote trailhead—services are far away.
“Practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Havasupai tribe. Stay on designated trails and follow all posted regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.”
Prepare thoroughly, respect the land and its people, and your Havasupai Falls adventure will be unforgettable.