Havasupai Trail AZ report

“Got to tell you all about my hike.

Havasupai trail is so beautiful. At the trail head you look down about 4000 ft to the bottom. First 2 miles are switchbacks, the trail is in great condition, a few loose rocks, but not bad. Total length is about 11 miles in.

Entering the campground you see a beautiful waterfall well over 100 ft high with a huge blue, green pool at the base. Perfect for swimming. The water is way too cold for me, but I was so hot I didn't care. Probably around 60 degrees.

Our camp site was under huge green trees, making the daytime temps bearable (105 & higher). The creek ran next to the campsite. Here is where you were able to bath if you had biogradable soap. It felt wonderful to wash my hair. There was also a place where spring water came out of the canyon wall. Very safe to drink.

There were more falls further down river and we went just to the first one, Mooney falls. Taller than the first and harder to get to. Had to go along some narrow ledges, through 2 tunnels in the rocks and down a set of chains nailed into the side of the wall. What a rush.

One day we went on a very short hike to a quartz mine deep in the side of a different canyon wall. Pretty dark and scarey with deep hole to fall into, but I didn't.

We hiked in on a Sat. morning and out on Tues. There were 14 of us, the youngest was 12 the oldest was 82, yes, I said 82. He was able to hike out, I on the other hand had to ride a horse out. I hate to admit that to this bunch, but .......”

“Where is the Havasupai trail?

Post some pics!”

“It's located at the far west end of the Grand Canyon on the Havasupi indian reservation. As soon as I can get the pic's scanned I will post some.”

“OH MAN!!! Havasupai is definitely on my "to-do" list.

How hard is it to get the permits? Do they have a limit on the number of hikers by day, or by a set time period?

OK, I've made it to Toroweap, probably somewhere in the same vicinity, across the river. That was great just for the long drive on dirt roads (a slight few aided by 4 WD). We went out there at night, not having any clue about how the scenery was changing. Then camped at their 11-site (I think) primitive campground about 1/2 a mile from the rim. (But, hey, they do have a composting toilet!!)

Then us lazy butts took the Jeep that last 1/2 mile at sunrise to the rim. (Actually, the sun was coming up FAST and I wanted to get there ASAP for shots!) And then I scampered around on the rocks on the edge, no railing, just using your common sense. Beautiful!!

Also, there are two campsites right in that vicinity, too.

No hiking, just gawking. And surely no trees and waterfalls and the oasis that I've heard is Havasupai!! Yeah, I can't WAIT for the photos. (Probably will be like my photos from the unbelievable aquamarine water at Hanging Lake in Colorado. The photo looks superb, but does not justice to the reality!!)

I've also read some stuff on the Hulapai. Aren't they trying to become more tourist oriented and have opened a new motel or something? How is the hiking on that reservation?”

“Hi Lizs
You need to make reservation about 3 - 4 months in advance. At one time the campgrounds was unlimited which was horrible. No privacy, people camped on top of each other, just wall to wall. Then they limited it to 350 per day, now it's down to 240 per day. I think they should lower it more, maybe to 175. That would give everyone space to enjoy the beauty.

The only problem is they too have the composting toilet which are unbearable to use. When I could I would hike off somewhere private to take care of business, but with 240 people that wasn't an easy thing to do.

I brought the pic into work today and I'm going to see if I can find someone with a scanner. I would definitely do the hike again, but in April before we get into the 100+ heat. That was my reason for riding out. I've been in trouble once with heat problems on a trail..... NEVER again. Scared me to death. Live and learn.”

“It has been ever so many years since I have been to Havasu. The permits were pricey then and I am sure they are worse now. Did they ever pick up the garbage? There is a motel and groceries and a small cafe. I swore I would never go again unless I was taking someone that had never been before--it really is beautiful.

I was showing old slides to my grandchildren the other night and came across photos from 1981. I guess that must have been our first trip down there. Later on my sister and the boyfriend and I took 13 kids--our own and friends kids too. It was August and we all swung from a rope hung on a big tree and flung ourselves into the water. All toll we probably made half a dozen trips.

In the early 90s there was a huge flash flood down there that ripped out many many trees. A couple of years after the flood we walked up Havasu Creek from the river. At that time there were no trees at all--just huge piles of broken limbs and uprooted trees. I am glad to hear the trees have grown back.”

“Hi MaryPhyl
The cost was not bad. Twenty per person and $12 per night. The indian village is still dirty and depressing. Yes, the village has garbage, but not caused by hikers. It's the indians themselves.

Now you must pack out what you pack in. There is no where to leave your trash. This makes the camp sites clean at least.”