Aside from the handful of annual snowfalls, many popular summertime hikes here in Arizona can be accessed year-round. We'd even argue that winter, with its bearable temperatures and sparse crowds, is a better time to visit places like Havasu Falls. Getting to this famed natural wonder requires quite the trek, but your efforts will be rewarded with second and third waterfalls that not many people know exist if you continue just a few miles further. Your eyes aren't ready to take in these mesmerizing views:
Located about 75 miles from the Grand Canyon's South Rim lies the Native American village of Supai.
Here, you'll find two of Arizona's most heavily photographed natural wonders: Havasu and Mooney Falls. Fewer people know of the smaller (but lovely) third waterfall along this trail, Beaver Falls.
Upon first pulling into the parking lot at Hualapai Hilltop, you'll already be awestruck. Towering canyon walls rise up in every direction, providing breathtaking views before the trail even begins.
You'll stumble upon Supai, a town of fewer than 450 residents, about eight miles in.
There are no drivable roads to Supai, so if you want to experience the waterfalls here, you’re going to have to work for it!
Just two miles beyond Supai is Havasu Falls, the best-known waterfall along this trail.
Rushing water beckons hikers to come closer and behold this captivating scene unfolding around the bend.
This out-and-back route is quite long, so the trek is popular among backpackers. As the trail and campground are located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, campers are required to make reservations and obtain a permit in advance.
Don’t forget! If you do, you’ll find yourself 10 miles down the trail and forced to turn back if there are no campsites available, or charged double the regular permit price if there happens to be an open site. For permit information and reservations, visit the Havasu Falls Campground website here.
While there is also a lodge in Supai, reservations book up extremely far in advance. If you want to stay here, you’re going to have to do some serious planning ahead of time.
About a mile from Havasu Falls, you’ll come upon Mooney Falls, which stands taller than Niagara Falls at a whopping 196 feet!
It's something of a hidden gem, considering many hikers turn back after visiting Havasu.
Climb down a few wooden ladders to access Beaver Falls next.
Though surpassed by the other two in size, this final destination is still worth checking out, especially since it’s only two miles down the trail from Mooney Falls.
Multiple shorter falls merge with one another before cascading into a large turquoise pool below.
In warmer weather, splash around a bit to cool off for the arduous trek back!
The falls are undoubtedly the main attraction, but views like this to enjoy along the way certainly don't hurt.
If you’re really keen on seeing the falls but can’t manage the hike, there are still a few options for you, though they don't come cheap. Pack animals can be ridden down the section of the trail to Supai, but you’ll have to make your mule reservations at least a week in advance and they’ll cost you several hundred dollars. Call up the tourism office at (928) 448-2121 for more information.
The easiest - but least predictable - travel route to Supai is via helicopter from Hualapai Hilltop down to the village. These rides are weather-dependent and reservations cannot be made in advance - you have to show up in the morning and hope for the best, which can be a quite a gamble.
It may be a strenuous journey, but the sight of Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver Falls is more than worth the effort and time spent preparing. It's truly an experience you'll never forget.
Take a peek at this trail map on the Havasupai Tribe website to get an idea for what to expect and visit the Waterfalls of the Grand Canyon website for directions to the trailhead from various starting locations across Arizona.
Did you know this trail had so many waterfalls? How many of them have you seen? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to share photos of your adventures on the Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group!
For more Arizona waterfalls, check out these 6 Gorgeous Arizona Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required.
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