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FAQ: How to Hike Havasu Falls

Cara Holmes

Havasu Falls is a stunning 100 foot waterfall along the Havasu Creek in the Havasupai Reservation. With dusty orange rocks flanking a heavy stream of white water dropping into a bold turquoise pool, it’s on the bucket list of many and only visited by some. Read on to learn more about how to hike to the falls and your stay on the reservation.

Do you have to have a permit to hike to Havasu Falls?

Yes! You must have a hiking permit to reach Havasu Falls or stay at the lodge in Supai.

How do you obtain a permit to hike Havasu Falls?

There is a lottery to obtain a permit to hike Havasu Falls. You’ll need to create an account at Havasupai Reservations to enter. Alternatively, you can wait until the lottery has occurred, and look at the Cancellations/Transfers list. The Cancellations/Transfers list is the only way you can sell your permit to another person/purchase a permit outside of the lottery.

Can I get a refund for my permit?

There are no refunds given if you cannot make the hiking dates your permit is for. If you want to recoup your money, you will have to put it on the Cancellations/Transfers list on the Havasupai Reservations website and hope that someone buys your permit.

How do I check in for my permit?

Permit checkin is currently at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn past Seligman, Arizona. The person who purchased the permit (the trip leader) must be present for checkin to occur. Another person in the party can be designated trip leader prior to checkin. All members of the party must be present to checkin.

When is my permit valid for?

The permit to hike to Havasu Falls is only valid for the dates the permit states. You can hike in on the first date listed, and you must exit on the last date listed on your permit.

Where does the trail start?

The trail starts at Hilltop. You will want to make sure you car has a full tank from Seligman, as there are no gas stations from Seligman to Hilltop and it is quite a number of miles. You can park your car at Hilltop, and parking along the road is allowed but make sure your car is not parked in the road at all.

How long is the hike from Hilltop Havasu Falls?

It is 10 miles from Hilltop to Havasu Falls. You will pass through the village of Supai which is 8 miles from Hilltop.

What’s up with the mules on the trail?

Supai is the only community in the contiguous United States that uses mules to deliver mail. The mules are also used to carry hikers packs. You can reserve a mule ahead of time to carry your gear down. The mules don’t stop for hikers, so be sure to move out of the way when you hear/see them coming.

Is there water along the trail?

There are no water sources along the trail until you get to the village of Supai.

When should I start my hike?

In the summer months when it is hot out, it is best to start your hike around 4AM so that you can hike as much as possible before the sun and heat come on strong. In the summer, temperatures can reach as high as 115 °F. If you’re hiking in the late fall or winter, it does not matter as much what time of day you start as the temperatures will be very tolerable throughout the entire day.

What is the elevation?

Hilltop has an elevation of 5,200 feet, and the village of Supai sits at 3,205 feet.

Is there cell service on the hike?

There is no cell service along the hike until you get to the village of Supai where you can get 3G service. There is no cell service at the campground.

Do I need hiking boots, or can I wear sneakers?

Hiking boots are great for the extra stability and ankle support, but one could hike this in sneakers just fine.

Is there any shade on the hike?

There is minimal shade on this hike, so prepare for lots of sun exposure and the heat that comes along with it.

Can I take photos of the village of Supai?

Nope! The Havasupai people ask that you do not take any photos while in the village. You’ll see a sign when you enter the village referencing this. The photo ban also extends to the mules, horses, and their riders that you see on the trail outside of the village.

Where can I camp in the Havasu Falls campground?

You’ll see designated campsites in the campground, and you can pick any of them that are open. There are no reservations for specific campgrounds.

TIP: You’ll want to drop your pack at the sight of the first campground, but keep on trekking! The best campsites are towards Mooney Falls.

Is there drinking water at the Havasu Falls campground?

There is a natural spring at the campground, but it is recommended to still filter that water.

TIP: Leave no trace! But, for those that don’t, sometimes you’ll be able to snag a gallon water jug that someone has left behind.

Can I make a campfire at the Havasu Falls campground?

No campfires here! You can use your gas camping cooking stove to cook your meals.

Can I fly a drone in Havasupai?

Drones are not allowed to be flown anywhere in the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

What do I need to bring to hike Havasu Falls?

You will need to pack in everything you need for your stay at the Havasu Falls campground. The basics include sleeping bag, tent or sleeping hammock, potable water (although once you get to the campground there is a spring), cooking stove and gas, and food! Even if there is no rain on the forecast, a raincoat comes in handy while ascending/descending Mooney Falls. Lightweight gloves are also recommended for ascending/descending Mooney Falls, as they chains are cold and wet. There is a pile at the top and bottom of gloves, but they’ve been wet for who knows how long…

Watershoes are also handy if you want to swim in the falls or river, and I’d recommend a quick-dry towel over a bulky regular towel to save on both weight and space in your pack.

Whatever you pack in, pack it out. Practice leave no trace and bring all your items back to Hilltop with you- including your trash. There are trash bins in the bathrooms that some campers deposit their trash into, but that creates more weight for the mules. A lot of people complain about the mistreatment of the mules, so let’s not give them something else to carry. Trash adds up in weight pretty quick!

Are there bathrooms at the Havasu Falls campground?

There are three bathrooms along the length of the campground. They are composting toilets, and there are no shower services.

Can I bring alcohol?

Alcohol and drugs are illegal on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Can I buy food in the village of Supai?

Yes! There is a cafe that sells basic grill-style food. Think French fries, hamburgers, and fry bread. Here you can use a credit card.

Just before Havasu Falls there is a food stall which sells fry bread, Indian tacos, and soda. Here you can only use cash.

Do I need to pack my food in a bear box?

The Havasupai reservation website was not super. clear on this. They said yes without saying yes, and from what I saw while down there,

Can I take a helicopter to Havasu Falls?

You could… but many hikers who utilize the helicopter make the 10 mile hike down into the canyon, and exit the canyon via helicopter. The helicopter is $100 one-way and it is a quick flight. If you have excessive luggage, you’ll be charged for that. Locals get priority over tourists and the helicopter only flies on certain days of the week, and of course only in good weather. You should not rely on the helicopter as your method of exiting the canyon, and you must exit on the last date on your wristband.

I am a chronic overpacked, but for this trip I really tried to purge as much as I could from my pack. While a rather flat hike overall, 10 miles in the desert is no joke, even in late November. Here’s our packing list, and our packs were around that 13 of your body weight rule. Here’s what I packed into my 65 L backpack:

Clothing etc

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste

Camping Equipment

What I wish I brought

  • A super collapsable daypack, like the Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack

  • A rainjacket - you’ll get wet ascending/descending from Mooney Falls