Hiking Guide
Mooney Falls | Arizona
After leaving Havasu Falls, we followed the trail another .75mi to Mooney Falls. We began descending through the twisting rock until the trail neared a small cave. There were a total of two small caves on this decent. No flashlights were needed mid-day.
REMINDER: Permits/reservations are mandatory to be able to experience this place. This land is protected by the Havasupai Tribe.
There were metal chains to hold on to as well as some wooden ladders. Keep in mind the waterfall is constantly misting this area and it is very slippery. Plus, everyone’s shoes are muddy that are coming back up that same way so be cautious!
TIP: Head to this trail early in the morning because this section of this trail is very narrow, there can be a line of people waiting for people to get down the tricky spots.
Tip: Be careful navigating down this cliffside.
Remember that chain and wooden ladder comment from above… this was it from the ground view! You can see there is a faint line of people heading back up this section. The trail cut through the cliffside where all the “pretty orange icicles” (I like to call them), were hanging.
Once we reached the bottom, we switched into our water shoes. There were some slippery sections as well as rough rocky areas.
In that moment, standing beneath the largest waterfall I had ever seen, all I could think about was how lucky I was to be able to finally experience that place in person.
Photo Tips:
With every place, comes adventure and memories that will last you forever. I always make sure to take lots of pictures for my frames at home & now I have this place to share them with you all as well!
I’ve made some awesome friends through Instagram who gave me some great advice… bring lens wipes(ad)! The mist from the falls has minerals in the water and will not wipe off easily from your lenses.
On my hikes I use this clip system from Peak Design to help keep my camera body and lenses attached to my day pack for easy access:
- Two Capture Clips and plate attachments(ad)
- Lens Kit ( holds my two extra lenses ).
Up Next… Beaver Falls
After seeing Fifty Foot Falls, Lower Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, and now Mooney Falls, we were ready to hike on to the last set of falls – Beaver Falls. This does involve getting wet so be prepared for water up to waist high in some spots.
Image Credit: Timothy Cheston & Ashley Ann
