Havasu Falls Hiking & Havasupai Permit Guide
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Havasu Falls. © Robert BodyHavasu Falls is one of Arizona's most remarkable waterfall destinations, known for turquoise-blue water flowing through Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The falls are reached from Hualapai Hilltop by a strenuous backcountry hike through the canyon to Supai Village and the campground. Visiting requires an advance Havasupai reservation, and day hiking is not permitted.
- Havasu Falls Overview
- Permits & Reservations
- Trail Distance & Difficulty
- Havasu Canyon Waterfalls
- Campground & Lodge
- Weather & Safety
- Directions From Sedona
- What To Bring
- FAQ
Havasu Falls Hiking Trip Overview
The hiking route begins at Hualapai Hilltop, the end of Indian Road 18. From the trailhead, hikers descend approximately 8 miles to Supai Village and continue about 2 more miles to the Havasupai Campground area. The route is remote, steep in places and exposed to desert heat, so visitors should arrive prepared for a demanding backcountry hike.
- Trailhead: Hualapai Hilltop
- Hilltop to Supai Village: About 8 miles one way
- Supai to campground: About 2 additional miles
- Hilltop to campground: About 10 miles one way
- Day hiking: Not permitted
- Reservations: Required before entering the Havasupai Reservation
Havasupai Permits And Reservations
Advance reservations are required for every visitor entering the Havasupai Reservation. Walk-in visits and day hikes are not allowed. Current Havasupai bookings are for 4 days and 3 nights, whether visitors stay in the campground or lodge.
Permit prices, availability, check-in procedures and reservation rules can change, so always use the Havasupai Tribe's official tourism website when planning your trip.
Havasu Falls Trail Distance And Difficulty
The hike from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village is approximately 8 miles one way and involves a substantial descent into Havasu Canyon. The campground is approximately 2 additional miles beyond the village, making the hike to the campground about 10 miles one way.
The return hike climbs back to Hualapai Hilltop and can be significantly more difficult, particularly in hot weather. Hikers should be physically prepared to carry their own gear unless they have made approved pack-animal arrangements through the official reservation system.
Havasu Creek From Mooney Falls. © Robert BodyWaterfalls In Havasu Canyon
Havasu Canyon is famous for a series of waterfalls formed by mineral-rich Havasu Creek. Havasu Falls is the best-known, but visitors with valid reservations can also explore other permitted areas of the canyon during their stay.
- Havasu Falls: The canyon's iconic turquoise waterfall near the campground area.
- Mooney Falls: A dramatic waterfall approximately one-half mile beyond the campground.
- Beaver Falls: A series of cascades and pools farther downstream from Mooney Falls.
- Havasu Creek: The spring-fed creek responsible for the canyon's distinctive blue-green water.
Havasupai Campground And Lodge
Visitors must hold either a campground or lodge reservation before entering the Havasupai Reservation. Current reservations cover a 4-day, 3-night stay.
The Havasupai Campground lies approximately 2 miles beyond Supai Village along Havasu Creek. Lodge accommodations are located in Supai Village. Availability is limited, and all arrangements should be made through the Tribe's official reservation system before traveling to Hualapai Hilltop.
See our Havasu Canyon photo gallery by Robert Body for more views of Havasu Falls, Havasu Creek and the surrounding canyon.
Havasu Falls Weather And Hiking Safety
Havasu Canyon is a remote desert environment where extreme heat, flash flooding, steep terrain and changing trail conditions can create serious hazards. Closures or restrictions can occur after storms or flooding, so visitors should check official Havasupai information shortly before departure.
- Carry adequate drinking water and food for the hike.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day during warm-weather trips.
- Watch weather forecasts closely because flash flooding can occur in the canyon.
- Wear sturdy hiking footwear suitable for rocky and uneven terrain.
- Do not rely on immediate emergency assistance in remote portions of the canyon.
- Follow all Havasupai Tribe rules, closures, signs and ranger instructions.
Directions From Sedona To Hualapai Hilltop
From Sedona, travel north through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff, then connect with Interstate 40 west toward Seligman. From Seligman, follow Historic Route 66 west to Indian Road 18 and turn north toward Hualapai Hilltop.
Indian Road 18 continues approximately 60 miles to the trailhead. The road is paved, but services are extremely limited near Hualapai Hilltop, cell coverage can be unreliable and wildlife or livestock may be present on the roadway.
- Begin in Sedona and travel north toward Flagstaff.
- Take Interstate 40 west toward Seligman.
- Follow Historic Route 66 west from Seligman.
- Turn north onto Indian Road 18.
- Continue approximately 60 miles to Hualapai Hilltop.
What To Bring For A Havasupai Hiking Trip
- Government-issued photo identification and required reservation documents.
- A properly fitted backpack suitable for carrying your own gear.
- Enough water and food for the hike and your planned stay.
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen and lightweight protective clothing.
- Weather-appropriate clothing and rain protection.
- Navigation information and emergency essentials suitable for remote travel.
- Everything needed to pack out your trash and personal gear.
The Havasupai Tribe requires visitors to pack out what they bring onto Havasupai lands. Review the current official rules before packing for your trip.
Current Havasupai Trip Information
- Official Havasupai Reservations & Permits
- Official Havasupai Tribe Website
- National Park Service Havasupai Information
More Arizona Trip Planning Information
- Grand Canyon Day Trip From Sedona
- Grand Canyon Tours From Sedona
- Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive
- Flagstaff To Sedona Directions
- Sedona Weather & Temperatures
- Sedona Hiking Trails
Havasu Falls Hiking FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike to Havasu Falls?
Yes. Advance reservations are required for all visitors entering the Havasupai Reservation. Day hiking without a reservation is not allowed.
Can you hike to Havasu Falls in one day?
No. Day hiking is not permitted. Visitors must have a valid campground or lodge reservation before entering the Havasupai Reservation.
How far is the hike to Havasu Falls?
The trail from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village is approximately 8 miles one way. The campground area is about 2 additional miles, making the hike from the trailhead to the campground approximately 10 miles.
Where does the Havasu Falls hike begin?
The hike begins at Hualapai Hilltop at the end of Indian Road 18 on the Havasupai Reservation.
How difficult is the Havasu Falls hike?
The hike is strenuous because of its distance, remote desert setting and significant elevation change. The return trip requires a long climb back to Hualapai Hilltop.
Can I stay overnight at Havasu Falls?
Yes, but an advance reservation is required. Visitors can book either campground permits or lodge accommodations through the Havasupai Tribe's official reservation system.
How long are Havasupai reservations?
Current campground and lodge reservations are for 4 days and 3 nights.
Is Havasu Falls inside Grand Canyon National Park?
No. Havasu Falls is on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is outside the boundary and jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park.
Can flash floods affect Havasu Canyon?
Yes. Flash flooding can occur in Havasu Canyon and may cause trail closures or other restrictions. Visitors should monitor official conditions and weather information before and during their trip.
Are there services at Hualapai Hilltop?
Services are extremely limited at Hualapai Hilltop. Visitors should arrive with sufficient fuel, water, food and other necessary supplies before beginning the hike.
Guided Tours Around Sedona & Oak Creek
