- Destinations, Hiking
Ultimate Havasu Falls Backpacking Guide (2025)
One of the most spectacular and coveted backpacking trips in the United States is to Havasu Falls. With gorgeous, cascading waterfalls throughout the trail, this hike leads backpackers to one of the most magical places on Earth. For anyone who loves nature, a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip should be on their bucket list.
Located on the Havasupai Reservation, this is no ordinary trail. In this post, I will share everything you need to know about backpacking to Havasu Falls. From securing permits, getting from the trailhead to Havasu Falls, and making the trek you’ll have all the information you need to make your own memorable Havasu Falls Backpacking trek.
Let’s get into it!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, meaning I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Your Comprehensive Guide to a Fantastic Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip
When I first saw Havasu Falls on my Instagram Feed, I was blown away by its sheer beauty. As a Pacific Northwest hiker, I knew that desert hiking would be different from the dirt trails I was used to. And I was right!
So here is everything you should know about backpacking to Havasu Falls from the lens of a forest hiker.
In this post, I will cover:
- Where is Havasu Falls?
- Getting to Havasu Falls
- Where to Stay
- When to Visit
- The Trek
- What to Pack
- And Safety Considerations
Feel free to skip to the sections you need information on! I guarantee I will answer your questions and if I don’t, leave a comment so I can answer them!
Backpacking Havasu Falls at a Glance
Before diving in, here are some highlighted resources for planning your backpacking trip to Havasu Falls.
- All reservations will be made on the Havasupai Reservations System
- The closest major airports to the trailhead are Las Vegas and Phoenix. Find affordable flights here.
- Stay at a hotel before and after your trip to minimize rushing! Book your hotel at booking.com.
- Getting to the trailhead requires a personal vehicle. You’ll need to rent a car if you’re flying in for the trip.
- The best months to visit are April, May, and September.
- Find your complete backpacking packing list here!
- Want to rent gear for your trip? Check out Basecamp Outdoor Gear Rental in Las Vegas. Renting backpacking gear is a great option for people flying in to do the trip.
Where is Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is located 2 miles outside of Supai, Arizona, in the Grand Canyon. It is within the Havasupai Tribal Lands and is known for its brilliant turquoise water. The trailhead begins at Havasupai Hilltop, which is about four hours from both Phoenix and Las Vegas. The falls mark the beginning of the mile-long campground where hikers and nature lovers can set up camp for their four-day stay.
Havasupai Indian Reservation
The Havasupai Indian Reservation is located inside Grand Canyon National Park and is known as America’s most remote reservation because it is inaccessible by road. The Supai Village is located in the Havasu Canyon, a significant tributary to the Colorado River. Aptly named the Havasu Baaja People, which translates to “people of the blue-green water,” the Havasupai have made a home in the remote village of Supai for over 1,000 years.
The trailhead off Route 18, which branches off the historic Route 66. Access to the village is only done by foot, horseback, or helicopter.
Havasu Falls Backpacking Permits
A permit is required to backpack to Havasu Falls. Without the permits, access to Havasu is not possible, and day hikes are not allowed.
The permits for a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip are always for Four Day, Three Night trips. You cannot extend your trip, but you could choose to leave the canyon early. However, you always need to start your trip on the start date of your reservation.
Why are Havasu permits so limited?
When the Havasupai People were given back their land by the US government, it was done under the stipulation that the canyon remain open for tourism. Under the jurisdiction of the Havasupai Tribe, the tourism of the canyon is run solely by the tribe.
By limiting the number of permits in the Canyon, the Havasupai Tribe can manage the land and limit any damage done from visitors. All money earned from the sales of permits goes directly to the tribe.
Funds go to maintenance of the trails, upkeep of the bathrooms in the campground, and payment to the tribe members that service the canyon.
With the extreme popularity of the Havasupai Falls Trail, the campground and trail would easily be overrun. Even with a maximum number of 500 people in the canyon per night, it still does not satisfy the permit needs of people wishing to visit. However, for the 500 people who do manage to receive a permit on any given day, imagining any more than 500 people in that mile long canyon campground would be suffocating, but for the tribe it would be impossible to steward.
How to Get Havasu Permits
Permits for Havasu Falls work on a lottery system through www.havasureservation.com. The lottery system opens in January every year and remains open for one month as people sign up.
To enter the lottery, you can choose multiple start dates for your trip or designate a month that you’re available. Selecting up to 3 different start dates will increase your chance of securing permits. Selecting a month further increases your chance of securing a permit, however, you will not have a say in the start date within that month, and you will not be able to change your permit dates.
Selecting a trip leader
When signing up for the lottery, you will need to designate a trip leader, who is usually the person applying for the permits and will check in at registration at the beginning of the trip.
The trip leader has to be there at registration.
When entering the lottery, you can also designate an alternate trip leader. An alternate is the person to whom the permits can be transferred in the event that the trip leader is unable to make it on the trip.
Permits cannot be transferred once they are secured. If you are not able to make it on the trip and you did not designate a different trip leader at the time of the lottery, no one in your party will be able to go. You will have to forfeit the permits without a refund.
When signing up for the lottery, you should designate an alternate trip leader.
Locking Down Won Havasu Falls Permits
When the lottery is drawn, you will be notified whether or not you won the permits and the dates on which you secured them.
In 2024, winners of Havasu Falls Backpacking Permits had their cards automatically charged for the cost of the permits for their party. At $429 per person, this could be a significant charge, depending on the size of the party.
If you win the permits, you must confirm your reservation online by reviewing the rules and regulations. Anyone joining you will also have to review the rules and regulations.
In 2024, the Havasupai Reservation System allowed people to release their permits for a refund for a month-long period. This benefited anyone who won permits for dates they couldn’t make, unavailable trip leaders, and various other reasons. The forfeited tickets became available to people who didn’t win the lottery but still wanted to complete the Havasu Falls backpacking trip.
Additional Add-Ons
After securing your permits by confirming your reservation online, you can then opt to add pack animals to your reservation at an additional cost.
Reserving packers for your trek means a packing horse will bring your camping gear to the Havasu Campground. You will still need to complete the hike, but you will not have to carry all of your gear in and out.
When you reserve a horse to pack your gear in, you are allowed four bags of 32 lbs. each. The bags will be provided at the trailhead for you to pack your gear into. The horses can only carry the approved bags that are provided by the reservation. They cannot carry any coolers.
All horses must be reserved before your trek.
What do you do if you don't get Havasu Permits?
If you do not win the permit lottery for Havasu Falls, do not fear! As long as you’re flexible with start dates, you will likely be able to go the year you originally planned.
For the month following the lottery results, permit holders have to confirm their trip or release their permits back into the pool. Anyone who opts to release their permits AND permits that are not confirmed by the trip leader will be released back to the public.
On the Havasupai Reservation Site, you can look at a calendar view of available permits. Check the site after the confirmation deadline or throughout the month or year to find available permits! Just checking the site now as I am writing this blog post, there are plenty of available permits for the 2024 backpacking year!
Best of luck!
How to Get to Havasu Falls
While backpacking into Havasu Falls is extremely popular, there are a couple of ways to make your trip slightly easier. Backpacking the full trail(including Mooney and Beaver Falls) is 24 miles with a 3,660 ft elevation gain making this a rather challenging trail. There are three options for a Havasu Falls backpacking trip, one of which requires little hiking!
Let’s talk about them.
Backpacking
Backpacking to Havasu Falls requires backpackers to be able to hike in and out ten miles. There are no campsites between the Havasu campground and Hilltop, so anyone backpacking will need to be able to carry their packs the full length of the trail. The hike into the canyon has a total elevation loss of 3,600 ft. This means hiking out on the last day has an elevation gain of 3,600 ft.
Hiking & Packers
There is an option to have horses pack your gear into the trail while you hike the route. All pack horses need to be reserved prior to your trek when you confirm your campsite reservation. There is more information below!
Helicopter
Travelers can take a helicopter into the Supai Village and hike the remaining two miles to the campsite. Helicopter flights are always weather-dependent, so travelers should always be prepared to backpack the entire route. Helicopter rides are $100 per person each way, and you’re allowed one carry-on bag. Additional bags have a fee!
Pre-Trek Check-List
There are a couple of things that you’ll have to do prior to beginning your hike to Havasu Falls.
- Print Online Reservations at home
- Check-in at Grand Canyon Cavern Inn
- Need Online Reservation
- Photo ID
- License Plate Number
- Check-in at the Reservation Entrance (On the way to Hilltop along Route 18)
- Show wristbands at the trailhead
- Leave Printed Online Reservation in the Windshield
- Bring Paperwork & Tent Tag from Check-In to the Campground
Registering at Grand Canyon Cavern Inn
Before beginning your hike, you need to register with the registrar at the Grand Canyon Cavern Inn. The Grand Canyon Cavern Inn is located off Route 66, 2 miles from the Route 18 turn-off.
To register at the Grand Canyon Cavern Inn, you will need your printed online reservation, trip leader photo ID (most likely yours), and the license plate number of the vehicle you’re leaving at the trailhead.
You can register at 5 pm the night before your trip or anytime between 8 am and 1 pm the day of your trip. If you can register the night before, you will be able to start your trip earlier in the day. It is recommended that you begin before noon to avoid high temperatures and hiking in the dark. It is recommended to avoid hiking in the dark on this trail.
The registrar will provide you and your group wristbands that have information about your trip on them. These wristbands need to be worn for the entirety of your trip.
Getting to Hilltop (the trailhead)
Due to the remoteness of the Supai Village and consequently Havasu Falls, getting to the falls requires some additional planning.
The two major airports that people typically take when flying in are Las Vegas Internal Airport and Phoenix Airport. Both of these airports are a four-hour drive to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot , the starting point of the trek to Havasu Falls.
Where to stay before and after a havasu falls backpacking trip?
Due to the difficulty of the hike, it is recommended that hikers do not fly in on the same day of their trek. Hikers should consider staying in a hotel the night before so they will be well-rested and can get an early start on the trail.
There are a couple of places to stay near(ish) to the trailhead. The closest hotel to the trailhead is about an hour’s drive. Route 18 to Hilltop is 58 miles long, with no lodge options on the route.
Hualapai Lodge – Located in Peach Springs and a 1.5-hour drive from Hilltop and is a popular place to stay before the hike. Book Here
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn – You can stay at this Inn which is a couple of miles from Route 18. This is also where you will register your permits before your hike. Slightly dated, but still a comfortable stay.
The Postcard Motel – Slightly more updated than the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, the Postcard Motel offers comfortable accommodations prior to your trek. You can also reserve ahead of time and pay at check-in.
I would also recommend staying in a hotel AFTER your trek as well.
The 6-hour trek out of Havasu plus a 4-hour drive to the airport would make for an extremely long day. I stayed in Las Vegas the night we trekked out of Havasu so I could reorganize my gear for flying. I stayed in the Home2Suites in South Vegas. Home2Suites are my preferred hotel…mostly because they have the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had and they are always reliably clean.
When is the Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls?
The Havasu Falls Campground is open from February to November and is closed from December to January. The best time to visit Havasu Falls is going to depend on what you’re expecting to get out of the trek. Consider the following questions when submitting for permits:
- Do you want to swim in warmer temperatures or prioritize comfortable hiking?
- Are you comfortable hiking during monsoon season (with a risk of flash floods)?
- Will mosquitoes bother you?
Permit Availability
Since the Havasu Falls Campground is open to tourists from February 1st to November 30th, plan your trip between those dates. The campground can hold up to 500 people daily and there is no single period of time when there are fewer visitors.
Best Months to Visit
April, early May, and September are excellent options. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the falls are gorgeous.
I visited in March and the daytime temperatures were around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures were around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The only drawback to this month was that there was snow on the last day of our reservation!
Average Monthly Temperature & Precipitation
While Northern Arizona is known for its heat, the canyon temperatures vary significantly. Hiking down into the canyon is actually hotter than the top of the canyon.
The water in Havasupai Creek remains a constant 70℉(21℃) year-round!
The monsoon season in Havasu Falls usually lasts in the summer months from July to August. During the Monsoon Season, visitors may experience high heat, heavy rainstorms, and the risk of flash floods. If the temperatures reach 115℉ or higher, the trails into Supai Village will be closed. This means no one will be allowed in or out and there is no guarantee your trip can be rescheduled or that you will receive a refund due to weather.
Keep an eye on weather conditions if your trip is during these months. If you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood, find high ground immediately. There is an evacuation meeting location at the ranger station at the entrance to the Havasu Campground.
Havasu Campground
As previously mentioned, the Havasu Campground covers the mile-long stretch between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. You are allowed to camp anywhere within that stretch of land.
Campground Bathrooms
There are multiple bathrooms throughout the campground. These bathrooms feature composting toilets for people to use. There are bathrooms as you enter the campground, about 10, and a couple of bathrooms throughout the mile stretch.
With these composting toilets, you will not need to flush, but there is a container of sawdust that you will use to add to the composting toilet after use. This helps with the breakdown process and minimizes smell.
These bathrooms do have toilet paper, however, the bathrooms only get serviced every other day, and with as many as 500 people using these toilets on any single day, the bathrooms are prone to running out of toilet paper. You should consider packing your toilet paper or wipes(wipes must be packed out).
Water
There is a water source at the campground! There is a natural spring that provides water to the campground. Just after the first set of bathrooms, you will see signs for “Fern Spring”.
The natural spring flows from a facet that directs water from the canyon.
I will say that very few people were filtering the water that I could see. The reservation has a note about filtering the water on their website, but there are no signs near the spring that indicate that you should.
Food & Food Storage
Just like any camping or backpacking trip, you’re going to need to bring food and store it properly. While Havasu Falls does not have bears, they do have little critters that would happily get into your food. Here is what I brought for food for my Havasu Falls Backpacking trip and how I stored that food.
Food
Like any typical backpacking trip, I packed more calories than what I would typically eat in a day because I would be burning significantly more. For this trail, I packed 1.5x my standard calorie intake. The additional 0.5x of my calorie intake came from high-protein snacks like beef jerky sticks and nuts.
Because of the heat, I also packed a lot of Nuun, which is an electrolyte drink mix. A package of Nuun comes with 10 tablets which make 5 Liters of water. I actually drank all 5 Liters of water throughout my Havasu Falls Backpacking trip, which is not typical.
Bring some cash too so you can purchase Fry Bread at the stand on top of Havasu Falls!
Storing Food
To keep Havasu Campground clean and rodent-free, all food must either be in a bear canister (preferably with a smell-proof bag) or in a bag that can be hung.
You don’t need a fancy bag to hang your food in. There are plenty of hang lines between trees at or near every campsite in the campground. You just need to be able to hang your bag from the line! This will keep any small critters from getting into your food.
Since I was used to bringing a bear canister on my backpacking trips, I opted to bring my canister. The only downside of a bear canister is the weight. A bag would be much lighter.
Alcohol
There is no alcohol permitted on the Havasupai Reservation.
Picking a Spot
Since you can pick any spot along the mile stretch, there can be some analysis paralysis that goes into picking the perfect area to set up camp. Here are a couple of tips for choosing a spot.
- Don’t pick the first spot you see – The beginning section of the campground has the highest concentration of people. It can feel congested. Even after a long day of hiking, it is worth going a little further to avoid the larger crowd.
- Find a spot with Large Trees – Large trees are perfect for setting up a hammock. Oh yeah! Bring a hammock!
- Camping Along Water – There are some beautiful spots along the river. Find a spot close to the river but on high ground. Any amount of rain can raise the river, which could flood your camp. Get close, but not too close.
- Choose a Solo Site – There are lots of areas that provide space for one tent or one group. If you want to keep to yourself, pick an area that is only large enough for you and your group. Otherwise, you might find yourself surrounded by other tents.
- If You Can’t Find a Great Spot… – Pick a spot for the first night and then relocate the next day. The campground clears out by 7 am when the packers leave for Hilltop. If you didn’t find the perfect spot the first night, an amazing spot is bound to open up in the early morning.
Your campsite will be your home for four days and three nights so pick one that you’re going to like!
Havasu Falls Backpacking Route
The trek to Havasu Falls begins at Hilltop but can end all the way at the Confluence of the Colorado River. This is a detailed account of the backpacking route!
Hilltop to Canyon
The trail begins at Hilltop where everyone whose camping at Havasu Falls begins their journey. Backpackers, hikers with packers, and helicopter riders will start here as a meeting point. There is a small parking area which can fill up quickly. If that happens you’ll have to park along the road.
After parking you can gather your gear, take one last bathroom break at the composting toilets, and check in at the station for a wristband check.
If you’re packing your gear on the pack horses, the people stationed at the check-in location will get you situated with the correct bags to pack your gear into.
The trail begins with an initial, steep descent on switchbacks along the side of the cliff. The trail is rocky but easy to follow. The rocky trail takes some getting used to if you’re not accustomed to hiking on this type of terrain. This section of trail is 1.5 miles long with 1,000 ft of elevation loss.
Eventually, the trail flattens out as you barre right into Havasu Canyon. There you will see a sign that points you towards Supai.
Hiking to Supai
The trail to Supai is long and winds through the canyon. You’ll have to stay on the designated trail which is relatively easy to follow. Sticking to the main canyon there are a couple of different footpaths you can follow that run parallel to each other. As you hike through the canyon you’ll likely switch off between rocky trail and sandy trail.
The canyon trek can be fully exposed to the sun by mid-day. There are small sections that you can shadow-hop between. I attempted to stay in the shaded areas as much as possible.
There are multiple rocky structures that make for great places to take a break en route. On the trek out, we stopped and made some instant potatoes as an early lunch since we started our hike so early in the morning.
Along this section of trail, you’ll start to notice more trees and green vegetation. As you hike further into the canyon, more water becomes available to plants and it is a sign that you’re getting close to Supai!
Supai
As you hike closer to Supai, a large valley of trees will open up in the canyon ahead of you. There will be a sign that says “Welcome to Supai” and includes some important information about the village and what is and is not allowed when you hike through.
Veer left past the sign and followed the trail. It is on this section of the trail that you’ll see the brilliant turquoise water for the first time. The river will be on your right as you near the bridge that brings you into Supai.
The hike through Supai is about a mile long. The trail brings you through the village where you’ll get a glimpse of how the Havasupai People live. It is important to remember that as a visitor you need to respect the privacy of the people that live there. No photography or videos are allowed in the village or of the animals and people of Supai.
Follow the main road through the village. You’ll pass their schools, the helicopter pad, and the Havasu Lodge. There are plenty of signs to follow to the campground, but pay attention so you don’t miss any directions.
Supai to Havasu Campground
Once out of the main part of the village, there is another mile and a half of hiking before reaching the designated camping area.
The trail from Supai to Havasu Campground continues downhill where you’ll have some significant elevation loss. At this point in the trek, my partner and I were dragging our feet. As the first backpacking trip of the year our feet were definitely not in prime condition for such a long and rocky trail.
But as you reach the Fry Bread Stand, you begin to hear the falls. Making your way down the trail to the right you see Havasu Falls pouring over the rockface. With a renewed burst of energy, you can opt to go directly to the falls or continue forward to the campground.
Havasu Campground
The campground runs from Havasu Falls to Mooney Falls which is about a mile in distance.
There are no designated campsites, however, there are various picnic tables and clear signs of areas where you can pitch your tent. Because the campground runs the length of a mile, take some time exploring the area to find a campsite that works for you! There are sites near bathrooms, along the river, or tucked away at the base of the canyon cliffs.
Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls and the Confluence
While many people will end their trek with Havasu Falls, there is so much more of the canyon that is open to explore. Since permits are for 4 days and 3 nights, you can plan how you want to spend your time for the two days in between your hike in and out of Havasu.
Here is some general information about the different waterfalls and interest points in the canyon.
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is the easiest waterfall to get to along the Havasu Falls Backpacking Route because you have to walk past it to get to the campground.
The falls can be seen from above along the trail going into the canyon or you can walk to the base of the falls. There are a couple of trails you can take to get to the entrance of the falls area where you will see a cautionary sign about swimming too close to the base of the falls.
Climb down the rocky trail, the falls basin will open up. You can walk to the pools where the falls collect and jump right in! Or you can walk along the cliffside to explore the different caves near the falls. Be careful in these areas because the rocky trail is extremely slippery.
The water from the falls is a comfortable temperature! I spent some time warming up under the sun, watching the falls before jumping in! Many people were swimming, taking photos, or just sitting in the shallow areas.
Mooney falls
Mooney Falls is on the far end of the Havasu Campground and there are even some campsites right near the mouth of the falls.
The trail down to Mooney Falls is one of the most exhilarating, terrifying, and wonderful trails I have ever been on.
From the campground, you take some initial switchbacks before reaching a sign that reads: “Descend at your own risk”. You can see Mooney Falls from this area and people who are uncomfortable climbing down to the falls will use this as a turn-around spot.
The trail then brings you to a tunnel that you’ll climb through which brings you closer to the base of the falls. Then you’ll climb through a tunnel and realize that the ground is beginning to get slick. It is here where you’ll see the iconic window view of Mooney Falls. There is a pile of work gloves that you can use if you don’t bring your own.
From here, you begin the chain and ladder section. Hold tight to the chains and find the footholes in the rock face as you slowly descend into the canyon. The rocks are extremely slick and I’d recommend having three points of contact every step down into the canyon. You’re almost into the basin when you reach the two ladders.
Both ladders have chains on the side for you to hold onto as you take each step down the ladder.
And then you’re in the basin! Scary but so worth it because Mooney Falls is even more beautiful than Havasu Falls. The rock face surrounding Mooney Falls is covered in moss and ferns. Walk through the water to get to the sandbar where you can get some photos without being hit by the mist of the falls.
There is a picnic bench in the water surrounding the falls. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the view!
Beaver Falls
To get to Beaver Falls, you’ll continue on the trail that you followed to Mooney Falls. Yes, you need to hike to Mooney Falls to get to Beaver Falls.
Beaver Falls is a 2.5-mile one-way hike from Havasu Campground.
Along the route to Beaver Falls, you will pass the Jungle Cave which is a carved-out section of the canyon that is filled with ferns. This gorgeous spot has water falling over the entrance that keeps the ferns and moss growing on it.
The Confluence
From Beaver Falls you have the option to hike to the Confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River. The route to this confluence is an additional 6 miles from Beaver Falls, so 8 miles one-way from the Havasu Campground.
If you’re up for the task of adding 16 total miles to your Havasu Trek, this is an excellent day trip. The trek down to the Colorado River has an elevation loss of 400 ft between the Confluence and Beaver Falls which is definitely manageable with the distance between the two points.
The route to the Confluence crosses Havasu Creek multiple times and in some areas, the water can be up to your waist depending on the time of year.
Suggested Schedule for a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip
While your reservation for Havasu may be four days and three nights, here is a suggested itinerary for before, during, and after your trip!
This itinerary is made with comfortability in mind. You want to be well rested before your trip and don’t want to rush to the airport the same day you leave.
Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas
Choose a flight that works for you! Some things to consider when booking your flight:
- From Las Vegas, it is a 3-hour drive to a hotel close to the trailhead
- You will need to pick up fuel from REI because you can’t fly with it or head to Basecamp Outdoor Gear Rental to snag all the gear you need for your trip!
- The permit office is open 8 am to 5 pm, so you could pick up your permits the day before your reservation begins.
If you’re flying with backpacking gear, read my blog about flying with camping gear. If you need to rent backpacking gear, be sure to book a flight early enough that you can pick your gear up from Basecamp Outdoor Gear Rental.
Day 2: Pick-Up Permits & First Day of Trek
Get to the permit office when it opens if you can’t pick them up the day before. The drive from the permit office to Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot is about one hour.
Begin hiking to Havasu Campground as early as possible. It will take 5+ hours to get to the campground.
Get Fry Bread as you enter Havasu Campground. It will be a welcomed rest at a picnic table and a delicious treat for your hard work. The Fry Bread Stand closes at 6:30 pm every day.
Find a good campsite, make dinner, dip your feet in Havasu Creek, and get some rest!
Day 3: Mooney Falls, beaver Falls, & Confluence
Hear me out. Another long day after hiking into Havasu, but while the mileage is long, the elevation is minimal.
This will give you a rest day between your two long hike days and your hike out.
NOTE: You absolutely do not need to go to Confluence. Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls are beautiful and I would recommend making it to them if you can.
Day 4: Hang out & Havasu Falls
Sleep in! Take a well-needed rest day.
Make your breakfast, relax at camp with a book, swim at Havasu Falls, nap in your hammock, and play games with your group! Just enjoy being at Havasu Campground.
I suggest at the end of this day you begin condensing your gear and prepare for your hike out the next day.
Day 5: Hike to Hilltop
Begin your hike out. Starting around 6:30 am will give you enough time to make good progress and beat the heat.
The last mile of this day is the hardest mile of the entire hike. This mile has the steepest grade and you will likely be in full sun. Take your time!
Get to your hotel, shower, and relax. I drove to Las Vegas after the hike out which was the move so we could sleep in the morning before flying out.
Day 6: Fly Out
If you’re flying out, don’t forget to remove your fuel canister from your bag!
Not everyone has six days to commit to a Havasu Falls Trip. If you need to shave off some time, you can fly in after your work day and drive to the registrar on the start date of your campground reservation. This means you likely won’t be on the trail until 9:30 am.
You can also shorten your time at Havasu by one day. This is not ideal since the cost of the permit does not change.
Or you can fly out the same day you hike out. You likely will have to book a flight no earlier than 7 pm just to be safe.
I hope this helps you think about how to spend your time during your Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip
Packing List for a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip
This is a general packing list for Havasu Falls and should be customized based on your personal needs and season. This packing list is specifically for backpacking into Havasu Falls and includes backpacking-specific gear, however, many people who utilized packers for their gear only packed standard camping gear.
For a full-detail packing list for Havasu Falls, check out this blog post.
Backpack (55+ L Pack)
Hammock & Straps (optional)
Lightweight Chair (optional)
Fuel
Food & Snacks
Bear Can or Bag for Hanging
Water Bottle/Reservoir
Hiking Boots
Socks
Sandals/Campshoes
Hiking Pants/Leggings
Shorts
Sun Shirt
T-Shirt/Sleepshirt
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Hat
Rain Jacket & Pants
Nano Puff Jacket
Battery Pack & Charge Cord
Game/Book
Toiletry Bag
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Toilet Paper or Wipes
Garbage Bag
If you need to rent gear for your backpacking trip in Havasupai, consider renting from Basecamp Outdoor Gear Rental. Their expert staff can get you fitted for the appropriately sized backpack and ensure you have everything you need for a safe and responsible trip.
Check out their rent packages here.
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about a Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip!
How long is the walk to havasu falls?
The walk to Havasu Falls is 9.5 miles from the parking lot at Hilltop and 1.75 miles from Supai.
Havasu Falls is a 5-minute walk(barely) from Havasu Campground.
How much does it cost to go to Havasu Falls?
Permits for Havasu Falls cost $455 per person. The cost of Havasu Falls will include your permit, flights, hotels, food, fuel, a rental car, and any gear you may need for the trek.
If you’re going to take a helicopter to Havasu Falls, it costs $100 each way. If you are using pack mules to carry your gear to the campsite, it is $300 round trip.
Are you allowed to swim in Havasu Falls?
Yes, you can swim in Havasu Falls. Do not swim underneath the falls for the risk of drowning. There is a significant undertow that the falls produce.
Can you get to Havasu Falls without hiking?
Yes, you can get to Havasu Falls without hiking. You will need to reserve a helicopter to get to Supai. There is an additional 2-mile walk from Supai to the Campground.
Can you do Havasu Falls in one day?
No, you cannot do Havasu Falls in one day. Day permits are not allowed. All reservations are four days and three nights.
How long is the drive to Havasu Falls/Hilltop?
The drive to the trailhead for a Havasu Falls Backpacking trip is 4 hours from Las Vegas and 5 hours from Phoenix. These are the two most popular airports to fly into for backpacking to Havasu Falls. It is an hour’s drive from the registrar to the trailhead.
Can you cliff jump at Havasu Falls?
There is absolutely no cliff jumping or diving at the waterfalls. The water level changes throughout the year, and there are many hidden rocks and ledges in the pools that could result in severe injury or death.
Is the water warm at Havasy Falls?
The water at Havasu Falls is 71℉ year round! It is the perfect temperature for swimming on a warm day.
If you have any additional questions, leave a comment! I would be happy to help with any burning questions you have when it comes to planning your visit.
Pack It Up
A Havasu Falls Backpacking trip should be on the bucket list of any outdoor enthusiast. The trail is spectacular from start to finish. The moment you see the blue-green water of Havasu Creek, you will be captivated by the beauty of the area.
This trek requires some advanced planning because of the permit system that is in place. For additional information about Havasupai Reservations, you will need to create an account. Your account will grant you access to permits, packers, and detailed information about your trip!
The campground can hold a max of 500 people at any time, so be prepared to share the space with all the people seeking out the same gorgeous area as you!
My last words of advice are to pack plenty of water, remember your camp shoes, and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls in this special place! Happy Backpacking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
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If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
