The Havasu Canyon Trail

On Ruthie's bucket list for many years, we finally made it to some of the most beautiful water falls in the world.  It took a lot of planning, and lots of perseverance (making phone reservations - the only method; and good luck getting through on the phone, and then good luck getting a reservation for a trail permit and accommodations).

Here is how we did it................

Morey after a number of phone calls, finally got Lodge reservations for two nights in Supai (the only village by the falls).  Included, although we weren't sure, was also the permits to be allowed to hike the trail on Havasupai land.  Supai can only be reached by the trail that we hiked.  No vehicles.

We met our friends, the Zamostny's, at the closest RV campground, Grand Canyon Cavern RV Park,  where we could leave our RVs for a few days while we hiked into the canyon.  (65 miles to the Hilltop trailhead.)  While at this Cavern RV Park, we checked out the kitschy "Radiator Springs"props. (as in the Disney Cars movie), and all the old stuff..............memories from our childhood.  Was this old tourist spot near Peach Springs the inspiration for the movie?

At 6:30 the next morning, we drove to the trailhead and then after checking in,we started the 8 mile
hike down into the canyon to the village of Supai.  A steep trail with a drop of over 1,000 feet in the first mile, it fortunately leveled out and took us down a wash and between towering canyon walls at a less precarious drop.


Arriving at the village of Supai, with a small grocery store, a "restaurant" with few choices, and the Lodge, we caught some glimpses of the Havasu Creek and its incredible blue turquoise waters.  We were glad that we booked the Lodge for a couple of nights after the arduous descent.

Navajo Falls

The next day we hiked another 6 miles, through the campground (maybe we'll stay here next time?), along the creek, and past the three magnificent waterfalls; all with the blue turquoise water.

First was Navajo Falls.....

Then Havasu Falls, with the pools at the base where we should? have gone swimming.  The travertine walls on both sides of the falls added to this spectacular place.

Havasu Falls

Then to Mooney Falls where there is a long ladder that gets you down to its base.  After talking to a number of braver and younger campers, we deferred on the long rickety ladder route, but did climb on the rocks and gaze down at the roaring water.

Morey crossing the creek to one of the campsites.

Mooney Falls

On our final day, we hiked back out to the Hilltop trailhead.  Backtracking, we hiked the 8 miles and climbed 2400 feet.  We started in the early morning to try to avoid the sun and heat at midday.  Didn't do too bad as we emerged at the trailhead at 1:30pm.  The last few miles were steep and hot, but we were proud of our accomplishment!  






We did spot the mule train carrying the Gatorade down to Supai.


For the readers:  We discovered that there is a helicopter that will transport you to and from Supai (for the less hardy), and there are also mules (we saw too may of them galloping through our hike) that will carry backpacks and supplies.  So maybe next time, we will stay at the campground between the blue turquoise waters and have the mules carry our packs?