Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls: Permits, Trek Guide & Travel Tips

Supai, ArizonaATTRACTIONWaterfall

Havasu Falls features stunning 100-foot turquoise waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, accessible only via a 10-mile hike with mandatory advanced permits.

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Info

ATTRACTION

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Waterfall

Info

Multiple days

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Havasu Falls is a striking waterfall located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon. Known for its vivid turquoise waters plunging 100 feet into a series of travertine swimming pools, the site sharply contrasts with the surrounding red rock canyon walls. Visitors reach the falls via a challenging 10-mile hike starting from Hualapai Hilltop, passing through the remote village of Supai. The water gets its bright color from high levels of calcium carbonate, which also forms the natural dam structures in the creek. The area includes a campground shaded by cottonwood trees, stretching between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. It provides a basecamp to explore the canyon and access other notable drops like Navajo Falls and Beaver Falls. The atmosphere is remote and completely disconnected from modern conveniences, as there is no cellular service and access is strictly regulated by the Havasupai Tribe. Mules and helicopters are the only alternative forms of transport for supplies and visitors unable to hike the full distance.

Contact Information

Phone: +1-928-448-2121

Why This Place is Special

• 100-foot turquoise waterfall plunging into terraced travertine pools
• Challenging 10-mile one-way hike through a remote desert canyon
• Location on the sovereign land of the Havasupai Indian Reservation
• Strictly regulated permit system for camping and lodging
• Remote village of Supai, which still receives mail by pack mule
• Proximity to other major drops including Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls

Ideal For

Adventure seekersNature loversPhotographersGroupsSolo travelers

Facilities & Amenities

• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Cafeteria
• First aid
• Souvenir shops
• Information center

Visitor Tips

• Secure your permits in February on the official Havasupai website, as they sell out immediately for the entire year
• Start your 10-mile hike before dawn (around 4 AM) to avoid extreme midday desert heat
• Carry at least 3 to 4 liters of water for the hike in, as there is absolutely no water available on the trail
• Bring sturdy water shoes for crossing streams and exploring the rocky pools beneath the waterfalls
• Pack out all your trash, as there are no garbage disposal or collection services in the canyon
• Cache all your food securely in rodent-proof containers at the campground
• Download maps and communicate travel plans beforehand, as there is no cellular service past the trailhead

Rules & Restrictions

• No day hiking allowed; all visitors must hold an overnight permit
• No alcohol or drugs permitted anywhere on the reservation
• No drones, cliff jumping, or diving into the pools
• No campfires allowed anywhere in the canyon
• Do not photograph Havasupai tribal members or their properties without explicit permission
• No pets allowed on the trail or at the campground

Safety Information

• Carry a minimum of 3-4 liters of water per person for the hike to prevent severe dehydration.
• Watch the weather closely in late summer; monsoons can cause sudden and deadly flash floods in the narrow canyon.
• Store all food, trash, and scented items in rodent-proof containers or bear canisters at the campground to keep animals away.
• Do not hike during the middle of the day in summer; the canyon rocks radiate heat, heavily increasing the risk of heatstroke.
• Yield to mule trains on the trail by stepping to the canyon wall side and remaining still until they pass.

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Location & Address

Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead, Indian Road 18, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Supai, Arizona, USA

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit is from February to May and September to November. During these months, the daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C, making the strenuous 10-mile hike much safer. Avoid June to August due to extreme desert heat (often exceeding 40°C) and a high risk of sudden, dangerous flash floods during the late summer monsoon season. Winter months are much colder, and the water is generally too chilly for swimming.
Peak Crowd: March to May and September to October - ideal hiking weather makes these months highly sought after by permit holders.
Moderate Crowd: November and February - cooler temperatures deter some casual swimmers but attract dedicated hikers.
Low Crowd: December and January - winter conditions bring freezing night temperatures, and the campground often closes during this period for maintenance.

How to Reach

Air

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is 275 miles away (approx. 4 hours by car). Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is 260 miles away.

Train

The nearest Amtrak stations are in Kingman or Flagstaff, Arizona. From either station, you must rent a car to drive the remaining 2.5 to 3 hours to the trailhead.

Road

Drive Route 66 to Indian Road 18 near Peach Springs, Arizona. Follow Indian Road 18 for 60 miles to its dead-end at Hualapai Hilltop. There are no gas stations on this 60-mile stretch, so fill up beforehand.

Local Transport

No local transport exists at the trailhead. From Hualapai Hilltop, access to the village (8 miles) and falls (10 miles) is exclusively by foot, pre-booked pack mule, or the AirWest helicopter service, which operates on limited days and prioritizes tribal members.

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Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Havasu Falls

No restaurants found nearby

Your Questions, Answered

The hike is 10 miles (16 km) one way from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead to the campground. The journey takes roughly 4 to 6 hours down and 5 to 7 hours hiking back up due to a steep 2,000-foot elevation change.

No, day hiking is strictly prohibited by the Havasupai Tribe. All visitors must hold a prepaid reservation, which is typically sold exclusively as a 3-night, 4-day permit.

Plan your trip for early spring (March-April) or late autumn (October-November). During summer months, temperatures routinely exceed 40°C, making the hike extremely dangerous.

There is absolutely no water available during the 10-mile hike between the trailhead and Supai Village. You must carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person. Fern Spring at the campground provides fresh drinking water once you arrive.

Permits are released online on the official Havasupai Reservations website, usually in February for the entire year. They sell out within minutes, so you must create an account in advance and log in exactly when sales open.