Havasupai Trail to Havasu Falls

Trail Overview

The Havasupai Trail descends 2,000 feet from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the Havasupai village of Supai, then continues to the world-famous Havasu Falls. The trail follows an old wagon road and then a footpath through Redwall limestone cliffs, dropping steeply into the canyon. Once you reach the canyon floor, the trail follows Havasu Creek past Navajo Falls, Fifty-Foot Falls, and the iconic Havasu Falls - a 100-foot cascade into a turquoise pool that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean, not the desert.

This is a unique backpacking experience. You're hiking through the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and the village of Supai is the only place in the United States where mail is still delivered by mule. The falls are stunning, but the experience is about more than the water - it's about the culture, the canyon, and the journey.

Havasu Creek provides abundant water, but all water must be treated. The creek contains high levels of dissolved minerals, which give the water its famous blue-green color.

Trail Milestones

What It's Really Like

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 5,000 reviews, Havasu Falls is consistently called the most beautiful waterfall in North America. Reviewers love the turquoise water, the red rock canyon, and the sense of arriving at a hidden paradise.

The descent is brutal. The trail drops 2,000 feet in 4.5 miles through switchbacks that bake in the sun. The return climb is even worse - most people say it takes twice as long as the descent. Start early, bring more water than you think you need, and take breaks in the shade.

The village of Supai is a surprise. You reach a small village with a store, a school, and a post office. The mail is delivered by mule train from Hualapai Hilltop. The village is home to the Havasupai people, who have lived in this canyon for centuries.

Havasu Falls is the highlight. The water cascades 100 feet over a red rock cliff into a series of turquoise pools. The color is unreal - it looks like the Caribbean, not the desert. The water is warm enough to swim in, and you can climb behind the falls for a unique perspective.

Insider tip from reviewers: The water contains high levels of calcium carbonate, which can cause skin irritation for some people. Rinse off with fresh water after swimming. Bring water shoes - the rocks are slippery.

Water & Safety

Permits & Regulations

History & Lore

The Havasupai people have lived in this canyon for over 800 years. The name "Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green water," referring to the color of Havasu Creek. The tribe's homeland is called Havasu Canyon, and it's one of the most beautiful places in the Grand Canyon.

The falls are sacred to the Havasupai people. The tribe has fought to protect their homeland from mining, development, and water diversion. In 1996, a flash flood destroyed Navajo Falls and created the current configuration of falls. The tribe continues to manage the area carefully, balancing tourism with cultural preservation.

The village of Supai is the most remote village in the lower 48 states. It's accessible only by foot, horse, or mule. The village has a school, a clinic, a store, and a post office. The mail is delivered by mule train from Hualapai Hilltop, a tradition that continues today.