Have you been dreaming of taking a trip to the majestic Havasu Falls? Well, you’re in luck! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of getting to this destination and help you to make the most of your time there. Located in the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, this stunning waterfall is a sight to behold. With its vibrant blue-green water, unique rock formations, and lush green surroundings, it is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The journey to Havasu Falls can be a bit daunting, but with the proper preparation and extra effort, you can make it to this remote destination and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you’re ready to start planning your trip, read a step-by-step guide on how to get to Havasu Falls!
How To Get To Havasu Falls
1. Know The Amount Of Time You Have
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is worth pointing out that there are only two ways to get to Havasu Falls. The first is by helicopter, which takes approximately one hour. The second option is to drive over a bumpy dirt road for two hours. If you want to go on the helicopter ride, you must book your tickets in advance. There are also a limited number of spots available for this trip, so it is best that you book in advance.
2. Know What Kind Of Weather You’ll Be Traveling Through
When planning your trip, it’s important that you know what kind of weather you’ll be traveling through. You don’t want to arrive at Havasu Falls only to find out that there won’t be any water flowing due to heavy rains or snowfall! In order for the waterfall to flow year-round, it needs about 6 inches of rainfall per year. If you are planning your trip during the winter, you’ll need to be prepared for cold temperatures and freezing conditions.
3. Know The Best Time To Go
You’ll find that there are two different times when visiting Havasu Falls: summer and winter. As mentioned above, the waterfall is most active in the summer when it is being fed by natural runoff from snowmelt. If you plan on visiting during this time, then be prepared for hot temperatures and extreme weather conditions such as heat waves or rainstorms. During the winter months, however, you can expect to experience cooler temperatures with lower humidity levels, so it will be easier on your skin!
4. Know What Kind Of Weather You Want To Experience While At Havasu Falls
If you’re thinking about visiting during hurricane season (June-November), you may want to book a helicopter ride beforehand to get there as quickly as possible. However, if you plan on visiting during the winter months, you may want to purchase a helicopter ride ticket so you can avoid being stranded there!
5. Make Sure Your Vehicle Can Handle The Bumpy Terrain
You’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition before heading out on this road. If your car has a lot of miles on it or is rusted out, then you’ll want to find another option. As mentioned earlier, this area is very remote, and so if your car breaks down, it will be difficult to find help!
What You Should Know Before You Go
- The trip to Havasu Falls takes around 2 hours, so be prepared to get there and back in a timely manner.
- The road that leads to the falls is not paved, so you will need to drive your car over a dirt road for about 30 minutes before reaching the waterfall.
- You can only stay at the falls for two nights and three days during the spring and fall months of March through September. During these months, they are usually open from 9 am to 5 pm daily (closed on Mondays). You can purchase a Havasupai Reservation Passport, which will allow you access to the area during these months (more on this later). If you want to visit at any other time of year, then you will need a permit from the U.S. Forest Service for day-use entry into Havasu Canyon (more on this later).
- The best way to get there is via helicopter! Chartering a flight from Phoenix or Las Vegas is the most convenient way to get to the falls. The price is around $250 per person (roundtrip), and a reservation well in advance is recommended. You can call or email the Havasu Falls Helicopter Service at (928) 636-7381 for more information.
- Havasu Falls are not open to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you visit during these weeks, you will need to book an extra day as a backup plan.
How To Get To Havasu Falls
1. Travel To The Havasupai Indian Reservation
The journey to Havasu Falls can be a bit daunting, but with the right preparation and a little extra effort, you can make it to this remote destination and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you’re ready to start planning your trip, then read on for a step-by-step guide on how to get to Havasu Falls!
2. Get An Entrance Permit From The Havasupai Reservation Office
If you plan on staying at one of the resorts in the area, then you will need an entrance permit from them. If you’re staying at one of the private cabins or campsites that are outside of the reservation boundaries, then it is not necessary for you to have an entrance permit. You will need this permit if you want to visit any of the three waterfalls within the reservation boundaries. If you do not have this permit, then there is no way that you will be able to visit the waterfalls.
3. Get A Havasupai Reservation Tour Pass
If you plan on visiting the waterfalls on your own, then you will need to get a reservation pass from the Havasupai Reservation Office. The tour pass allows you to go into and out of the reservation boundaries without being checked by law enforcement or any other official agencies. If you do not have this pass then they will not allow you to enter or exit any of the waters in and around the reservation boundaries. There are no exceptions! So if this is something that worries you, then it is definitely worth getting one before visiting Havasu Falls!
What To Pack
1. Gloves
It’s important to pack a pair of gloves for your trip to Havasu Falls. You can get away with wearing regular gloves, but if you’re looking for something more durable and water-resistant, then you might want to invest in some waterproof gloves. These are great for keeping your hands warm during the chilly winter months and will give you the added protection you need from the cold water. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a change of gloves on hand in case they get wet or damaged while you are exploring the waterfall.
2. Waterproof Jacket
You won’t need much in the way of clothes when visiting Havasu Falls, but it is recommended that you bring a waterproof jacket with you. The hike up to the waterfall is short but steep, and there are several sections where water comes rushing down from above and gets into your shoes. It’s also possible that your socks will get wet at some point during your hike. All of these factors mean that a waterproof jacket will be a great choice for the day.
3. Waterproof Shoes
Waterproof shoes are required when visiting Havasu Falls because of the fact that there is often water rushing down from above while you are hiking up to the waterfall. The fact that it is also possible to get wet feet from the water you come in contact with on the hike up to the falls is an added bonus! You’ll want waterproof shoes which are lightweight and breathable so that you can wear them comfortably throughout your entire trip. It’s also worth noting that in some places, particularly during colder weather, there will be a lot of water running down from above, and this means that you’ll need waterproof socks as well as waterproof shoes.
4. Waterproof Camera Bag
If you’re planning on taking lots of photos while you are visiting Havasu Falls, then it’s definitely worth bringing a waterproof camera bag with you. You’ll want to keep your camera dry and protected from the elements throughout your trip, which means you’ll need a waterproof bag for it.
5. Waterproof Camera
You’ll also want to bring along a waterproofed camera when visiting Havasu Falls. This is because there are often lots of waterfalls around the area, so it’s not uncommon for the water to splash into your lens while you are shooting photos. This can damage your camera and ruin any photos that you have taken with it, so make sure that you have one on hand in case of an unexpected soaking! We recommend bringing along a compact point-and-shoot camera which will be lightweight and easy to carry around while hiking up to the waterfall
6. Sunscreen
It can get pretty hot at Havasu Falls, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C). So make sure that you wear sunscreen while visiting the area. The sun can be very intense at times, and you may get burnt very easily, which is why we recommend bringing along a high-SPF sunscreen as well as a wide-brim hat to keep the sun off your face.
7. Sunglasses
Havasu Falls is located in Arizona, which means that it’s not uncommon for there to be lots of sunshine during the day. So make sure that you bring along a pair of sunglasses in case you get caught out in the sun while you are visiting Havasu Falls! You’ll want to wear them at all times so that you don’t suffer from any damage from the UV rays throughout your trip.
Where To Stay
1. The Havasupai Indian Reservation
Located in the Grand Canyon State of Arizona, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is home to a unique tribe of about 400 people. The reservation is located at the bottom of Grand Canyon National Park, so it’s pretty remote and hard to get to. However, if you’re looking for an authentic experience that is completely off the grid, this is definitely the place for you. Here you can truly experience what it means to be in a remote location away from civilization. There are no hotels or hostels on site, so visitors must book accommodations through a travel agent or local tour company.
2. Havasu Falls Lodge
The most popular accommodation option on site is the Havasu Falls Lodge, which has rooms and cabins available for all kinds of budgets and travelers. You can stay here without booking through a travel agent or tour operator as there are a few rooms available at the lodge itself (they are also very affordable). If you have your own accommodation in mind, you can check out the Havasu Falls Lodge website for more information on booking and availability.
3. Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds on-site that offer basic camping. You can also reserve campsites at Grand Canyon National Park, but they are not affiliated with the Havasupai Tribe. The campgrounds have basic facilities and are very popular amongst visitors as a backup plan if there is no room at the lodge or if you’re looking to go off-grid and sleep under the stars! There is a small fee to stay here, but it’s well worth it for the experience you’ll have on-site!
Conclusion
Havasu Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that you won’t soon forget. With the right planning and preparation, you can make this trip happen, even if you’re visiting during peak season. There are a few things to keep in mind before booking your trip, and you’ll need to book your transportation well in advance. Once you’re there, you can make the most of your time by staying at a hostel or camp, bringing plenty of water and food, and packing plenty of bug spray and sunscreen.
