The Havasupai Tribe overhauled its permit system earlier this year, making the coveted trail to Havasu Falls accessible to more people. If you scored a spot, here are some hiking hacks to survive the 20-mile desert trek.
Hiking into Havasu Falls just outside Grand Canyon National Park had been on my bucket list for years. So, when I heard about the change in the Havasu Falls permitting process in January, I jumped onboard.
The Trail to Havasu Falls
The trail to Havasu Falls is ten miles one way, plus extra mileage for side hikes and trips to the fry bread cart. Our camping permit awarded us four days and three nights at the Havasupai Campground, which is located about two miles from Supai Village and the Havasupai Lodge, a hotel for guests.
The campground spans a one-mile stretch through the meandering Havasu Creek, and features multiple water crossings, rope swings, and picnic tables. Permit costs to camp are $455 per-person, with the option to add on a $45 early access fee.
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Hiking Hacks
I have six hacks to help you enjoy this outing. This is the first year the Havasupai Tribe rolled out its early option for permitting, doing away with the old lottery system. Those willing to pay an extra $40 can apply for early-access permits for campground sites, or for the $160 per-night room at the lodge.
If you’re like us and snag a permit during a heat-advisory period, consider starting your hike in the evening or early morning. We started at the trailhead at 6 P.M. for the hike in, putting us to camp at around midnight, and left at 3 A.M. to hike out of the canyon.
Not all campsites have trees, but those along the river have plenty of spots to rig up a hammock. In the heat of the summer, a lightweight sleeping bag, liner or sheet will suffice for sleeping, and a hammock is the perfect bed to stay cool throughout the night.
Depending on your cellular provider, there are sections of the trail that may have cell service near the campground, lodge, and village. However, the canyon walls block cell reception for most of the hike in, as well as on trails from camp to the Colorado River. Bring a satellite or spot device as backup in case of an emergency, and don’t solely rely on your cell phone’s SOS feature.
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Additional Tips
Bring additional means of communication, such as a Garmin inReach, and don’t forget to bring cash for vendors that sell stickers, postcards, T-shirts, and other trinkets at small tables near the camp sites. There’s also a fry bread cart that you won’t want to miss.
Don’t forget your water shoes, such as Chacos, for side hikes on your off days. Although I rocked my North Face Fastpack Mid Waterproof Boots for the hikes in and out of the Canyon, I donned my Chacos for side hikes. Don’t forget a towel, such as a Rumpl Quick Dry Travel Towel, which can double as a picnic blanket, sleeping pad sheet, and camp decoration.
The Havasupai Tribe’s website provides more information on the permitting process and what to expect on the trail. You can also visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for more information on the area.
