Havasu Falls, Arizona

This past weekend Lupita, Amanda, and I backpacked to the famous Havasu Falls. We left Flagstaff Friday night with hot burritos in tow and drove three hours West and then North to Hualapai Hilltop on the Havasupai Reservation. Arriving in the dark, we pulled off the road and camped. It was a cold night on the rim but we awoke to canyons surrounding us. We set off Saturday morning, immediately descending into Havasu canyon (a southwestern branch of the Grand Canyon).

Headed out on our trip!

After the descent it was an easy hike which was a pleasant surprise. A few people passed us, but for the majority of the time it was just the three of us in the canyon.

Supai, the tribal center for the Havasupai Tribe

In the canyon

After hiking 8 miles, we arrived in Supai, which is only accessible by foot, horseback, or helicopter. Once in the village we stopped at the visitor office and paid our dues for being on their land and for the campground. The small village had a lodge, a store, an elementary school, a church, and a cafe. Everyone we talked to was very nice. Havasu Falls and the campground are two miles from town. We had been following the creek for many miles and finally came upon Navajo Falls. It was gorgeous, so green and blue!

Land Before Time

I became so excited, I wanted to run to Havasu Falls and when I got there my jaw dropped. The white water falling off the cliff and entering a brilliant blue pond below. I couldn't get over the beautiful color of the water.

Me and Havasu Falls

In the water

I was determined to get in the water because I heard it was fed from a spring and was about 70 degrees year round. However, I only got in up to my calves because it was not as warm as I expected.

The three adventurers!

Drinking the water through my LifeStraw

We had a nice lunch looking at the waterfall. Then we selected a spot to camp, dropped our packs, and headed out to Mooney Falls. We criss-crossed the blue green water over bridges and shortly thereafter got to the top of Mooney Falls.

Bridge over the beautiful creek

Mooney Falls

I was mesmerized by the water, something I don't see often living in Flagstaff or Arizona in general. I miss water! We started to head back so we wouldn't get caught in the dark, and set up camp along the creek. We had dinner and were in bed by 8:30.

Dinner Time

It wasn't as cold as the night before (maybe high 30s) so I slept much better and woke at 7AM.

Morning Reflection

We packed up and said our goodbyes to Havasu Falls.

Breakfast by Navajo Falls

We had a relaxing breakfast and headed back through Supai back to the hilltop. We took it easy and stopped several times to climb rocks and play.

It was in the low 60s when we started to ascend back up to the hilltop. It was a tough climb but didn't take too long.

We said our thank you's to the canyon for our journey and departed with fond memories in our heart. We had a great time, and I'm glad my friends were able to join me on this wonderful trip to this amazing place!