Things to Do at Havasu Falls
Waterfalls, travertine ledges and the trail to Supai on Havasupai tribal lands
Where the falls are
Havasu Falls is a waterfall of Havasu Creek in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States. It lies within Havasupai tribal lands.
Havasu Creek is the second largest tributary of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. Its drainage basin is about 3,000 square miles.
The Havasupai Reservation covers 188,077 acres of canyon land. It was established in 1880 and substantially enlarged in 1975.
Water color, the old name and floods
High calcium carbonate concentration in the water is linked to the vivid blue-green color of Havasu Falls and to the travertine dams near the falls.
Before the flood of 1910, Havasu Falls flowed as a near continuous sheet and was known as Bridal Veil Falls.
A government report lists 14 historic floods on Havasu Creek between 1899 and 1993.
Havasu Falls height and the lower waterfalls
Havasu Falls drops over one main chute, a vertical cliff between 90 and 100 feet (27 to 30 m) high.
Mooney Falls cascades over a canyon wall about 210 feet (64 m) high.
The official suggested itinerary uses day 2 of the trip for the lower waterfalls, listed as Havasu, Mooney and Beaver.
Trails and areas beyond Mooney Falls are open only during daytime hours.
Swimming and the water
Swimming behind Havasu Falls is possible, and visitors can enter a small rock shelter behind the falls. Drownings have occurred in this area.
The tribal permit site says the water temperature is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
Supai village
Havasu Falls is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Supai. Supai is a census-designated place in Coconino County, Arizona, within the Grand Canyon on the valley floor.
Supai is on tribal lands outside national park jurisdiction and is governed by the tribe.
Supai is the only place in the United States where mules still carry the mail.
The Havasupai tourism site gives Supai Village an elevation of 3,205 feet, while Wikipedia gives Supai 3,195 feet (974 m) above sea level, so the elevation sits between 3,195 and 3,205 feet.
The trail from Hualapai Hilltop
The elevation at Hualapai Hilltop, the trailhead, is 5,200 feet.
The hike from the Hilltop trailhead to Supai Village is 8 miles.
The trail from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village is also 8 miles.
Day hiking into Havasupai is not allowed. A reservation is required for all hikers and campers.
Permits, bookings and the helicopter
All Havasupai bookings are for 4 days and 3 nights. The 2026 campground permit costs $455 per person for 3 nights.
Pack mule bookings must be requested online at least 72 hours before the arrival date.
Helicopter flights cannot be pre-booked and are first-come, first-served.
| Item | Terms |
|---|---|
| Booking length | 4 days and 3 nights for all Havasupai bookings |
| Campground permit, 2026 | $455 per person for 3 nights |
| Pack mule request | online, at least 72 hours before the arrival date |
| Helicopter | cannot be pre-booked; first-come, first-served |
- The summer monsoon season usually runs July through September, with an increased chance of rain and flash flooding.
- There are no bears in Supai, but other small critters will try to get into food and trash.
Key figures
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Reservation area | 188,077 acres |
| Drainage basin of Havasu Creek | about 3,000 square miles |
| Mooney Falls height | 210 feet (64 m) |
| Havasu Falls to Supai | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
| Hualapai Hilltop trailhead elevation | 5,200 feet |
| Hilltop trailhead to Supai Village | 8 miles |
| Water temperature | approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year |
| Campground permit, 2026 | $455 per person for 3 nights |
| Pack mule booking lead time | at least 72 hours |
Common questions
How far is Havasu Falls from Supai?
Havasu Falls is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Supai.
Is day hiking into Havasupai allowed?
No. Day hiking into Havasupai is not allowed, and a reservation is required for all hikers and campers.
How long are Havasupai bookings?
All Havasupai bookings are for 4 days and 3 nights.
What does the 2026 campground permit cost?
The 2026 campground permit costs $455 per person for 3 nights.
What is the water temperature?
The tribal permit site says the water temperature is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
When does the summer monsoon season usually run?
It usually runs July through September, with an increased chance of rain and flash flooding.
Are there bears in Supai?
There are no bears in Supai, but other small critters will try to get into food and trash.
Can helicopter flights be booked in advance?
No. Helicopter flights cannot be pre-booked and are first-come, first-served.