If you’re heading to Havasu Falls in the springtime, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The turquoise blue water, the rust-red canyon walls, and the sound of cascading falls make for a surreal escape deep in the Arizona wilderness. But to make the most of it, your gear matters—a lot. This isn’t the kind of trip where you can run to the store if you forget something. You’ll be hiking around 10 miles into the canyon with everything you need on your back, so packing smart is key.
We traveled at the end February and beginning of March and we loved these shoulder season travel dates: the weather is mild, the crowds are fewer, and the water—though always chilly—is manageable if you're brave (or just really, really want that waterfall photo). Scroll on for a breakdown of the gear and essentials we packed in with us.
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Staying Hydrated (and Fed)
Water is life—literally—especially in the canyon. We brought hydration bladders for the hike and collapsible water containers for setting up base camp. You can also exchange the bladders for a normal water bottle (one with a built in filter is even better). Just in case, we also packed purification tablets. They weigh nothing and offer peace of mind.
As for food, everything had to be lightweight, easy to cook, and ideally morale-boosting. Think instant ramen, dehydrated backpacking meals, and plenty of snacks—nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, energy gels and more. The smaller the portions the better. It is harder to prepare larger or more complex meals or snacks. Pack foods that will give you energy throughout the day, and don't forget to pack some electrolytes as well.
Pro tip: If you’re flying in, REI in Las Vegas is a solid stop to pick up last-minute meals, fuel, or gear before driving to the trailhead.
The Gear That Made It Worth It
Backpacking into Havasu requires a solid setup, but you don't need to go ultralight if you pack intentionally. A good camping backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad were non-negotiable. Nights in March get surprisingly chilly, so we were was grateful for light-medium weight down jackets and warm sleeping/thermal layers.
We also packed in a tent, a small stove and a rat sack to keep critters from getting into our food—highly recommend renting one at Basecamp Outfitters if you don’t already have one. We also wanted to make sure that we had all the necessary cutlery, cups, and dishes we needed for meals.
Headlamps are another must—preferably with a red light setting to preserve night vision and not disrupt other campers. And while the canyon is disconnected from the modern world (no cell service!), having a solar charger and power bank was helpful for keeping headlamps and cameras alive for the whole trip.
Dressing for the Canyon
Packing clothes for Havasu in March is all about layers. Mornings and evenings can dip into the 30s, while midday can hit the 70s—perfect hiking weather. We brought a couple pairs of shorts and T-shirts for hiking (quick dry is recommended but optional), but always had a light sweater and rain jacket close by. For sleeping, we changed into dry thermals, sweatpants, and thick socks to stay warm.
Bring hiking shoes with solid grip—especially useful if you’re exploring Mooney or Beaver Falls—and water shoes for crossing the creek and swimming near the falls. Don’t forget a swimsuit, even if you think it’s too cold. You’ll probably end up getting in anyway. If you don't want to worry about a swimsuit, quick drying shorts also work perfectly fine.
The Little Things That Matter
There’s something special about the small comforts that make camp life smoother. A lightweight microfiber towel, travel-sized toiletries, sunscreen, and bug spray were all in my pack. Our team also all packed a lightweight, water resistant day pack for shorter hikes from the campground (a must-have), plus a book and a deck of cards for some cherished screen-free downtime.
We'd also recommend a first aid kit, some gear repair patches, extra batteries, and carabiners for hanging gear around camp. It might sound like a lot, but once you’re nestled under the stars, you’ll be glad you brought it.
Final Thoughts
Going to Havasu Falls is more than just a hiking trip—it's a time to create memories you'll carry for the rest of your life! March brings just the right balance of solitude and stunning beauty, without the scorching heat of summer or the deep cold of winter.
The key is to pack smart: cover your essentials, bring a few comforts, and don’t overdo it. Every item you carry should earn its place. And most importantly, respect the land—leave no trace, be mindful of your footprint, and soak in every second of that canyon magic.