Havasupai Reservations and Trip Planning
The Havasupai Tribe will OPEN Havasu Falls and the Havasupai Reservation to tourists on February 1st 2023. There are no NEW reservations/permits for 2023. Only those reservation holders that were impacted by the COVID tourism suspension have a confirmed reservation. The only way to get a reservation for 2023 is to purchase off the official transfer list.
Havasu Falls Camping Permits
Primitive camping is available year-round. The campground is a dispersed camping area so there are no assigned camping sites and you are welcome to set up camp anywhere within the campground area that is safe and respectful of the land and your fellow campers. The campground is located right below Havasu Falls and runs for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Fall.
Throughout the campground area you will picnic tables, fresh spring water and port-o-let bathrooms.
Camping is the most popular option at Havasu Falls since you’re so close to the waterfalls. The Lodge is nice, but it is almost 2 miles from Havasu Falls, and just doesn't give you the full experience.
Camping reservations are made online at the official Havasupai Reservations website. They no longer accept phone calls for these reservations, even to check for last minute cancellations.
Guru Tip: Reservations always sell out fast. All 2019 reservations were made available on the website on February 1, 2019 at 8:00am. If you plan to go to Havasu, keep an eye on the reservation website and make your reservation as soon as the campsites go online.
The Lodge at Supai Village
If you want lodging on your trip to Havasu the Supai Village Lodge is the only hotel near Havasu Falls. The rooms are simple with no telephones or televisions and include two double beds, a private bath, and AC. All rooms are non-smoking. Rooms are $440 per room, per night and can accommodate up to 4 people per room. In addition, there is a $100 entrance/environmental fee per person, as well as a $100 deposit per room, per night. Booking for the busy season can fill nearly a year in advance so be sure to reserve early.
Lodge Reservations are made by calling (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201. Lodge reservations cannot be made online.
Using Pack Mules
Mules are no longer available for personal transport but if you want to lighten your load you can book a pack mule to carry gear. Pack mule reservations must be made online at the official Havasupai Reservations website.
Gear Transport: $400 round trip and one pack mule can carry 4 bags (bags can be up to 32 pounds each). Mules will not carry ice chests/coolers.
Havasu Falls Helicopter Flights
Helicopters rides are offered daily, weather permitting. $85 each way, which includes one medium-sized backpack (up to 40 lbs.) The flight leaves from Hualapai Hilltop and drops you off in Supai Village, 2 miles from Havasu Falls campground. The helicopters are first come, first serve, and the flight is less than 10 minutes.
Guru Tip: Tribal members always have priority so regardless of when you get in line you might have to wait for hours, if you get a ride at all. Because of this, it is essential that you are prepared for the possibility that you might have to hike both into and out of the canyon, if needed.
Havasu Falls Hike
It is 8 miles from Hualupai Hilltop to the village of Supai (where the Lodge is located) and the campground and waterfalls are an additional 2 miles from Supai.
While thousands of people do the hike every year, it is a strenuous hike that is made much more difficult because of the remote desert conditions of the trail. Temperatures can soar to 115 degrees during the heat of the day, so it is important to hike early, carry and drink plenty of water, and to know your limits.
Those who are concerned about the difficulty of the hike should use a pack mule to carry their gear. With a lightened load, this is a doable hike for most people with some advance planning and a mindset for adventure! Learn more about the hike to Havasu Falls.
Guided Tours
In 2019, the Havasupai Tribe stopped allowing guided trips onto Reservation land. In the past, many people chose to take a guided trip because of the difficult logistics of Havasu Falls trip planning.
But don’t let this stop you from visiting the beautiful turquoise waterfalls of Havasu Canyon! Grand Canyon Guru has all of the trip planning information you need, whether you want to hike, ride a helicopter, stay in a hotel, or camp next to the waterfalls. On our site, you’ll find all of the information you need to plan out all of the necessary logistics, so you are prepared for the adventure of a lifetime! If you want to learn more about guided tours, check out our recommended tours near Havasu Falls to add on to your adventure.
Havasupai Safety and Weather
Every season showcases a different aspect of Havasu Canyon’s beauty. The best weather at Havasu is found between March and November, and spring and fall are ideal if you are hiking in and out. The waterfall’s cold water feels the best in the heat of the Arizona summer sun, while winter trips offer seclusion from crowds.
Monsoon season is typically July through early September, bringing heavy afternoon thunderstorms and a chance of flash floods. Flash floods are not a huge threat if you are aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on the weather. If viewed safely, they will show you an unforgettable display of nature's power.
There is almost a half mile of vertical elevation change between the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop (5200 ft above sea level) and the canyon floor (2800 ft above sea level). The water maintains a relatively constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Before you plan your trip, review the weather averages for Havasu Falls. Temperatures will drop 5 degrees on average for every 1,000 feet in elevation you climb. Therefore, the temperatures at the trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop), are over 10 degrees cooler than the campground.
Maps and Directions
If you’re headed to Havasu Falls make sure you have the right maps and directions for your trip. Cell phones do not work in the canyon and the Havasu Falls/Hualapai Hilltop trailhead is in a remote and isolated area. Learn more about Maps and Directions to Havasu Falls.
