If you’re looking into reserving your place in Havasupai, or maybe have already been lucky enough to score one of those hard-to-get reservations, make sure you use this hiking guide to Havasu Falls when visiting this Arizona gem!
Havasu Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Supai but there are also many more waterfalls along the trail you’ll want to make sure not to miss! Use these tips from the Havasu Falls hiking guide if you are looking to visit this destination.
I suggest you read this post about permits/reservations, packing list, how to get there, and where to stay. Now it’s time for the best part, discovering these gorgeous desert waterfalls for yourself!
NOTE: Permits/reservations are mandatory to be able to experience this place. This land is protected by the Havasupai Tribe.
Hiking to Havasu Falls – Along the Way
Fifty Foot Falls
Start off your day early, leaving from the village of Supai just after the sun comes up and following the Havasu Falls Trail north. Continue hiking on the flat dirt trail approximately one mile, in the direction of the campgrounds. You’ll start to approach Fifty Foot Falls off to the left and should be able to hear it! There is a large amount of high brush in this area and to get close to the falls you can inflate inner tubes to float over there or go for a swim!
Be sure to pin this the map here from Pinterest to help visualize where everything is. It really comes in handy when hiking along the trail.
There is one main trail from beginning to end but at times it does split into two for either the shaded or sunny side of the canyon.
Hike in early, hugging the right side of the canyon trail to get the shade!
TIP: Don’t forget to make sure to pack out what you pack in! There are no trash cans out in this area. Please be responsible and take out all your trash when visiting this destination.
Rock Falls / Little Navajo Falls
The towering rock formations provide a gorgeous orange glow as the sun starts to rise overhead throughout the hike. Rock Falls, also know as Little Navajo Falls, is an ever-changing landscape and with Arizona’s monsoons, the falls can change from year to year. Find it on google maps along the way to Havasu Falls.
Be sure to look up the weather and aim to avoid Arizona’s monsoon season which occurs typically between June 15 through September 30.
Havasu Creek is spring-fed and the minerals within the water (magnesium mixed calcium and calcium carbonate) reflect the sun’s light which creates the turquoise color. The riverbed is a light limestone color which really makes it pop!
Havasu Falls
Continue following the hiking guide map to Havasu Falls by staying on the trail for another .75 miles from the Little Navajo Falls spot. The dirt trail is very straightforward and once reaching the top of the hill, you’ll start to hear Havasu falls!
I always like to preview my trails beforehand via google maps or I download any of the available GPX files online for my Garmin. You can see the falls from this point.
That the best time of day for photos is first thing in the morning, avoiding the harsh lighting. Claim a good hammock spot and brew some coffee with a stunning view of this 98′ waterfall. Quite a way to end the trip before heading back into town.
This shot was taken on my Sony A7ii with my 12-24mm lens! You can also find all my current gear I use to shoot with on my Gear blog post.
Bonus Secret Waterfall
If you are heading back to the campground or lodge from Havasu Falls, keep an eye out for a trail off to your right that leads to this secret waterfall in Havasupai! I’ll keep the directions and name a secret but I can assure you it’s not going to be on any maps you get in town.
Looking for more waterfalls in Havasupai?
Check out Mooney Falls
After seeing Fifty Foot Falls, Lower Navajo Falls, and Havasu Falls, you’ll want to check out the extended hike on to the next set of falls – Mooney Falls. CLICK HERE – MOONEY FALLS POST
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