What Havasupai is and who manages access
Havasupai Falls is a series of turquoise waterfalls in a side canyon near the Grand Canyon, on the land of the Havasupai Tribe in Arizona. The tribe manages access, sets the rules and runs the village of Supai, which sits in the canyon. You cannot simply turn up and hike in. Access is by reservation, and the tribe’s own website is the authoritative source for current rules, fees and dates.
This is a physically demanding, remote trip with no road access to the village, so plan it with care. Everything below is general guidance. Confirm details with the official source before you commit.
Reservations and permits
- Reservations are required for visitors, and they usually cover camping or lodge stays rather than day hikes. Day hiking to the falls is generally not allowed.
- Booking opens on a schedule set by the tribe, and popular dates sell out quickly. The process and release dates have changed in the past, so read the current instructions on the official site.
- Use only the official reservation site. Third-party resellers exist, and transfer or name rules apply. Be wary of anyone selling spots, and check the tribe’s policy on changes before paying.
- Fees include permit, entrance and environmental charges, and they change over time. Budget for the full total and check the cancellation terms.
Having flexible dates and a second choice of week improves your odds. Bring a photo ID that matches the name on the reservation.
Getting to the trailhead
The trailhead is at Hualapai Hilltop, reached by a long road from Arizona’s Route 66 area. The nearest services are limited, so fuel up and arrive in daylight. Many people stay the night before in a nearby town (such as Peach Springs or Seligman) to start early. Cell service is limited or absent along the way, so download directions beforehand. Our long drive tips cover fuel and fatigue on remote roads.
The hike and carrying options
The trail descends from the rim into the canyon and continues to Supai village, then onward to the campground. It is a long hike, often cited as around 10 miles each way to the campground, with the first stretch steep and the rest relatively flat and exposed. The way out is uphill, and many people find it harder than the walk in.
Options for the hike include:
- Hiking both ways with your own pack
- Pack animals to carry bags, arranged through the tribe’s official channels
- Helicopter service to or from the village, which is operated locally. Availability and priority rules apply, so confirm how it works before relying on it
Start early to avoid midday heat, and carry more water than you think you need.
When to go
Spring and fall are popular because temperatures are more moderate. Summer can be extremely hot in the canyon, which increases the risk of heat illness, though the water is a draw. Winter is cooler and the water is cold. Flash floods can occur, particularly during monsoon season (roughly July to September), and flooding has damaged the area and led to closures in the past. Check conditions and any alerts before you travel.
Camping and what to expect
Camping is typically in a designated campground along the creek, past the village. Facilities are basic and conditions are rustic. Check the tribe’s current rules for what is allowed, including food, fires, drones, alcohol and pets, as these are restricted. Expect to carry out everything you bring in.
You will usually find the falls in sequence along the creek, and each is reached on foot. Distances and trail conditions can change after floods, so ask rangers or staff on arrival.
Packing list
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes plus water shoes for creek crossings
- A properly fitted backpack, kept as light as possible
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad suited to the season
- Water bottles or a reservoir, and a way to treat water in case of need
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing, and a warm layer for evenings
- Headlamp, small first aid kit and blister care
- Food that needs no refrigeration, and a bag to pack out trash
- Cash, ID, and printed reservation details, since signal may not work
Test your pack and walk in your shoes beforehand. If this is your first multi-day trip, our 5 day backpacking trips guide explains hut and camping options.
Safety and respect
- Heat and hydration: Take it seriously. Plan rest and shade, and eat salty snacks.
- Flash floods: Pay attention to weather, official notices and staff instructions.
- Know your limits: The climb out is demanding. Do not start the exit hike in the hottest part of the day.
- Respect the land and people: This is a sovereign tribal homeland. Follow the rules, ask before photographing people, stay on trails, and do not climb or swim where you are told not to.
Tour or independent?
A guided trip can handle permits, logistics and gear, which suits first-time backpackers, but it costs more and has its own booking rules. Going independently gives flexibility if you secure a reservation yourself and are experienced with desert backpacking. Either way, confirm that the operator holds a valid tribal permit.
If you are planning a wider American trip, see our overview of visiting the USA for entry rules, distances and insurance, and our fall destinations guide for another season of trip ideas.