Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,800.00 ft (853.44 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
20.00 mi (32.19 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The out-and-back hike on the Havasupai Reservation in the Grand Canyon to the famous Havasu Falls is a 10-mile, 2000-foot descent of moderate difficulty that is a bit more challenging on the ascent. The Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead begins with a series of switchbacks through tall cliffs and colorful sandstone and shale canyon walls for approximately a mile. At the end of the switchbacks the trail continues through sandy washes and over gravel and dirt footpaths until reaching an area known as the Narrows.

Eventually the trail passes from Hualapai Canyon into Havasu Canyon before reaching the Havasupai village of Supai. Supai is approximately 8 miles from the trailhead. The village has the Havasupai Tourism Office in addition to a general store that sells cold drinks and food and a Tribal Cafe. From Supai you'll have plenty of opportunities for further exploration, including the highly recommended hike to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

Note that the return trip is steep and exposed; consider hiking early in the day, and be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Advance reservations for camping and lodging in Supai are recommended. Phone numbers and mailing address can be found on the national park site, and more information on fees, permits, and lodging can be found on the Havasupai tourism site.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Entrance Fee Permit

Pros

Wonderful adventure with diverse geology. Flora and fauna. Stunning waterfalls. Refreshing swimming holes.

Cons

Crowds. Pack mule and horse traffic. Exposed to sun.

Trailhead Elevation

5,200.00 ft (1,584.96 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Lodging
Rock climbing
Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Wildflowers
Cave

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

09/01/2018
This place is amazing. I have been wanting to go since I was a kid, and finally made it a priority. There are so many things to explore here. I want to go back, already!
02/18/2018
The views were beautiful. This was a one-in-a-lifetime experience. I say that not just because it was so unique and somewhat hard to get a reservation. I also say this because I do not want to go back. There are too many "hikers" that are (ab)using pack animals to carry their glamping gear. These poor animals. And then there is the cost. Over $300 for 2 people to camp one night. 300 campsites/night is a lot of money. They could afford to treat the animals better (the cost to use the pack animals is separate).
04/05/2018
Looks like prices may have gone up., according to the official Havasupai Tribe website:

Pricing for 2018 is as follows and includes all necessary permits, fees, and taxes:
One Person, 2 Days / 1 Night: $140.56
One Person, 3 Days / 2 Nights: $171.12
One Person, 4 Days / 3 Nights: $201.67
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