Havasu Falls ROCKED my world!

[Amy@Team RDP]

I did it! Ever since I moved to Arizona and learned about the waterfalls and gorgeous turquoise water at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, I have wanted to go. This is my number 1 bucket list must-do before I get too old or some body part stops working. (Anyone older than 40 gets it.) Obtaining permits to enter this incredible slice of paradise is tough. They go on sale once a year for that year and sell out in minutes. I finally got lucky in 2019 and got my permits. Then Covid struck and the Indians closed down the area till this year. I was so disappointed at how long it was taking to reopen and felt my clock ticking. Finally, my permits were honored last week! After so many years of waiting, I achieved my goal of seeing every one of the waterfalls in the area plus I can now boast I have hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out! 47 miles with 1800' of elevation change over 4 days. I even climbed the chain rock wall and went through two caves to get to the bottom of Mooney Falls and continued hiking/climbing out to Beaver Falls! It was a magical experience. When I hiked through the rock pass seeing my first glimpse of Havasu Falls in real life after staring at this waterfall in pictures for over a decade, I was over the moon. Full on goosebumps and tears of happiness in my eyes. The beauty of this area is overwhelming and I felt like I was in some mystical other world like Avatar. It truly was a dream come true. I'd love to hear about anyone else's experience in Supai, and if you have never been but want to - DO IT NOW! Don't wait, it is a very physical experience and we aren't getting any younger! ...Now I need to get my first tattoo "I survived Mooney!'

 

[angiebaby]

Awesome! We want to do that. How was it coming down that chain ladder? I'm afraid of heights, and I'm having heart palpitations just looking at it!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Awesome! We want to do that. How was it coming down that chain ladder? I'm afraid of heights, and I'm having heart palpitations just looking at it!

I am not a big fan of heights or caves. I knew it would be dicey and it definitely lived up to my expectations of a challenge for me. But my desire to conquer this rock wall and see that waterfall was stronger than my fears. You can do it! Don't look down, remember the goal and just take one step at a time. No one rushes you and everyone is very encouraging. It helped me to have my boyfriend go first and help my short legs find some of the ledges. Get some grippy shoes and gloves because the rocks and chains are slick from the waterfall overspray. It is only about 10 minutes down if you go at a steady pace. The feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration at the bottom makes it all worth it!

 

[Bigbore500r]

Everyone who has never been to Havasu, asks me if this is where we go all summer

 

[TrollerDave]

That is awesome! Great job. It is hard to believe that is in the middle of the desert.
I didn’t know it is a 4 day trip. What is the camping and food situation like? Is that part of a package with the pass?

 

[Big B Hova]

My knee hurts just looking at that ladder

 

[rivermobster]

Congrats. Nothing like that particular feeling of accomplishment.

Don't stop now...

What's next?

 

[wallnutz]

I went three times when I was in junior high and high school. Awesome experience and I'm glad I got to go before my old parts quit working. It has changed over the years since i have been down there. There were a few flash floods that took out the travertine pools at the bottom of the falls and I believe it also changed the course of the creek. I believe it is Beaver falls you could jump off, it was about a 40' jump. Not sure you can do that anymore. Two of the times I got bronchial pneumonia when we were down there and had to hike out sick as a dog. The other kids were not happy they had to carry some of my gear to the top. If you get the chance hike it!!

 

[RichL]

Looks incredible. Congratulations.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Damn ! I had no idea that even existed.
Kudos for doing that . . . VERY cool.

I was just looking at grand canyon rafting trips the other day . . . the really long ones that take like 15 days . . . I'd like to do that one day.

 

[wallnutz]

I did it! Ever since I moved to Arizona and learned about the waterfalls and gorgeous turquoise water at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, I have wanted to go. This is my number 1 bucket list must-do before I get too old or some body part stops working. (Anyone older than 40 gets it.) Obtaining permits to enter this incredible slice of paradise is tough. They go on sale once a year for that year and sell out in minutes. I finally got lucky in 2019 and got my permits. Then Covid struck and the Indians closed down the area till this year. I was so disappointed at how long it was taking to reopen and felt my clock ticking. Finally, my permits were honored last week! After so many years of waiting, I achieved my goal of seeing every one of the waterfalls in the area plus I can now boast I have hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out! 47 miles with 1800' of elevation change over 4 days. I even climbed the chain rock wall and went through two caves to get to the bottom of Mooney Falls and continued hiking/climbing out to Beaver Falls! It was a magical experience. When I hiked through the rock pass seeing my first glimpse of Havasu Falls in real life after staring at this waterfall in pictures for over a decade, I was over the moon. Full on goosebumps and tears of happiness in my eyes. The beauty of this area is overwhelming and I felt like I was in some mystical other world like Avatar. It truly was a dream come true. I'd love to hear about anyone else's experience in Supai, and if you have never been but want to - DO IT NOW! Don't wait, it is a very physical experience and we aren't getting any younger! ...Now I need to get my first tattoo "I survived Mooney!'
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Awesome you got to go. I hear the permits keep getting harder to get.

 

[27Daytona]

I’m glad I had no clue about that Chain Ladder before we went there 5 years ago or I probably wouldn’t have gone. It’s Sketchy AF!!! But I’m glad we did it. Didn’t hike all the way down to the Colorado River as we only had 2 days there. It is a magical place. It’s too bad the Natives treat it like a trash can!

It’s definitely a Bucket List item that everybody needs to see before they die!!!

 

[WYRD]

Nice job! Making goals is important keeping them is life changing

 

[dread Pirate]

Damn ! I had no idea that even existed.
Kudos for doing that . . . VERY cool.

I was just looking at grand canyon rafting trips the other day . . . the really long ones that take like 15 days . . . I'd like to do that one day.

Friend of mine guides those 2 week trips. Always has a blast with his clients..

 

[riverroyal]

when do permits go on sale? like to experience this before I get to broken down.

 

[traquer]

Now this is some solid forum content! I'm fired up to go now

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Everyone who has never been to Havasu, asks me if this is where we go all summer

Yeah, don't we wish! As a Realtor, my clients are always asking how to get to Havasu Falls. Well, now I can give them detailed directions!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

That is awesome! Great job. It is hard to believe that is in the middle of the desert.
I didn’t know it is a 4 day trip. What is the camping and food situation like? Is that part of a package with the pass?

Thank you!! It is unbelievable that these waterfalls exist practically in our backyard. The permits are for 4 day/3 nights. You can start or end anytime in between. There is a lodge (think Motel 6) that is VERY hard to get reservations in. The lodge is located in Supai which is 2 miles before the campground. The campground runs along the creek and is located in a very shady treed area. The camp bathrooms are compost and pretty clean considering. You have to pack everything in and pack everything out (including your trash). There are mules available if you are unable or don't want to carry all the weight in your pack. There is a small fry bread stand and cafe that is opened at their whim. No set hours so everyone brings in their own food. It is the most rural adventure I have ever gone.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

My knee hurts just looking at that ladder

My legs were sore for a couple of days after climbing out of there!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Congrats. Nothing like that particular feeling of accomplishment.

Don't stop now...

What's next?

You are so right! I am still riding high but in the back of my head I am thinking - what should I tackle next? Any suggestions?

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

I went three times when I was in junior high and high school. Awesome experience and I'm glad I got to go before my old parts quit working. It has changed over the years since i have been down there. There were a few flash floods that took out the travertine pools at the bottom of the falls and I believe it also changed the course of the creek. I believe it is Beaver falls you could jump off, it was about a 40' jump. Not sure you can do that anymore. Two of the times I got bronchial pneumonia when we were down there and had to hike out sick as a dog. The other kids were not happy they had to carry some of my gear to the top. If you get the chance hike it!!

That is awesome that you were able to spend so much time exploring the falls in your youth. Not too much fun that you got sick though. I had heard the creek and the falls do change whenever they have a big flood come through. There are still plenty of places to cliff jump and there were quite a few doing it. Gave me several mini mom heart attacks watching what some of the kids were doing!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Looks incredible. Congratulations.

It was truly spectacular. Thank you!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Damn ! I had no idea that even existed.
Kudos for doing that . . . VERY cool.

I was just looking at grand canyon rafting trips the other day . . . the really long ones that take like 15 days . . . I'd like to do that one day.

Well, not that the idea has been planted maybe you will go visit one day soon! Your rafting trip sounds phenomenal - I hope you don't wait and just do it!

 

[JBZ]

Just be cautious
I had a friend jump off the cliff, hit the bottom and shattered his leg.
He jumped in the same place as someone before him. Thought it was safe.

they then had to carry him out 2 miles, not much medical at the lodge. They just stabilized his leg.
Had to wait until the next day to take the helo out.
The helo is mainly for the tribe, so he had to wait until there was an empty seat for him.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Awesome you got to go. I hear the permits keep getting harder to get.

I don't know if this is true or not, but I was told pre-Covid they gave out 450 permits per day and post-Covid they are only doing 150 per day.
Which was really nice because it was not crowded and frequently we had the waterfall all to ourselves.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

I’m glad I had no clue about that Chain Ladder before we went there 5 years ago or I probably wouldn’t have gone. It’s Sketchy AF!!! But I’m glad we did it. Didn’t hike all the way down to the Colorado River as we only had 2 days there. It is a magical place. It’s too bad the Natives treat it like a trash can!

It’s definitely a Bucket List item that everybody needs to see before they die!!!

LOL! Yeah, there were many people who did not know about the chain ladder and were surprised. I knew about it but actually doing it was a whole different level. I am so glad I did it - but I am one and done! Way too sketchy for my taste.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Nice job! Making goals is important keeping them is life changing

It really is. I look back at the pictures and think about the adventure and it just takes my breath away that I actually did that! Thank you!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

when do permits go on sale? like to experience this before I get to broken down.

February 1st each year. https://www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Now this is some solid forum content! I'm fired up to go now

DO IT!!! I promise it will be a life-changing adventure. Don't wait.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Just be cautious
I had a friend jump off the cliff, hit the bottom and shattered his leg.
He jumped in the same place as someone before him. Thought it was safe.

they then had to carry him out 2 miles, not much medical at the lodge. They just stabilized his leg.
Had to wait until the next day to take the helo out.
The helo is mainly for the tribe, so he had to wait until there was an empty seat for him.

Yes! You are so right. I could not believe the risks people were taking in the absolute middle of nowhere! While we were there a gentleman fell while climbing to Beaver Falls and broke his arm. There was an ER nurse there who used sticks and duct tape to stabilize his arm and he had to climb up that chain rock wall with one arm!! He made it with the help of his friends. They packed up his gear and helped him to the helipad where he flew out in search of the nearest hospital. There are no medical facilities in Supai.

 

[v6toy4x]

Congratulations, nothing better than clearing something from "the list", probably too lat for me and my wife but it is definitely tempting!

 

[traquer]

Did you do that walk alongside the cliff with the clear water? I saw pics of that and thought that was almost as cool as the destination itself

 

[rivermobster]

You are so right! I am still riding high but in the back of my head I am thinking - what should I tackle next? Any suggestions?

Half Dome.

It's only 7 miles, but it's some of the toughest 7 miles you'll ever do.

A Lot of people say how dangerous it is, but those are the people that have never done it. Me, I've done it twice, and want to do it one more time with my daughter.

Learn how to make a Swiss Seat. Buy some good gloves and carabiners and train at altitude, and you'll have no issues at all.

Go up The Mist Trail and come down The John Muir Trail. The views on the way up are amazing...

 

[fat rat]

You are so right! I am still riding high but in the back of my head I am thinking - what should I tackle next? Any suggestions?

This is one place I always wanted to go.

https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/waterfalls/victoria-falls/victoria-falls-devils-pool/

 

[fat rat]

Half Dome.

It's only 7 miles, but it's some of the toughest 7 miles you'll ever do.

A Lot of people say how dangerous it is, but those are the people that have never done it. Me, I've done it twice, and want to do it one more time with my daughter.

Learn how to make a Swiss Seat. Buy some good gloves and carabiners and train at altitude, and you'll have no issues at all.

Go up The Mist Trail and come down The John Muir Trail. The views on the way up are amazing...

View attachment 1282986

I was there in the winter, we still climbed up, rocks were icy. Never forget.

 

[Eliminator21vdrive]

Ink is forever. Congrats on the hike!!

 

[Spudsbud]

Great Pix !

 

[stephenkatsea]

Congrats. Awesome. Thanks for posting.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Congratulations, nothing better than clearing something from "the list", probably too lat for me and my wife but it is definitely tempting!

They do offer a helicopter service to at least get you to Supai and there is a rural lodge (motel) in town. But you would still need to hike 2 miles to Havasu Falls and then decide if you would want to take the rock wall challenge to Mooney Falls. Thank you - it does feel good to get item 1 checked off the list!!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Did you do that walk alongside the cliff with the clear water? I saw pics of that and thought that was almost as cool as the destination itself

No, we did not do the additional 8 miles (one way) to the confluence. We have been rushed if we did and we wanted to just enjoy.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Half Dome.

It's only 7 miles, but it's some of the toughest 7 miles you'll ever do.

A Lot of people say how dangerous it is, but those are the people that have never done it. Me, I've done it twice, and want to do it one more time with my daughter.

Learn how to make a Swiss Seat. Buy some good gloves and carabiners and train at altitude, and you'll have no issues at all.

Go up The Mist Trail and come down The John Muir Trail. The views on the way up are amazing...

View attachment 1282986

Holy moly! That looks incredible! So this hike would actually include "real" rock climbing? I will have to look into it further. Thank you!

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

This is one place I always wanted to go.

https://www.zambiatourism.com/destinations/waterfalls/victoria-falls/victoria-falls-devils-pool/

Seriously they hang on to the edge of the falls? WOW!! It looks gorgeous!! I will have to look further into it! Thank you!

 

[rivermobster]

Holy moly! That looks incredible! So this hike would actually include "real" rock climbing? I will have to look into it further. Thank you!

No, not really...

On the lower part of the trail (as you can see in the pic), stairs have been cut into the rocks. They are Far from uniform, so they are a bit of a challenge.

Half Dome itself?

There are cables in place and 2x4's fastened into the rock. It's Steep, and people say it's the longest 100 yards of your life!

But there is no real rock climbing involved. El Capitan is where that kinna stuff goes on. I'm Way to big of a wuss for that.

I'm 66 and have no doubt I'll be doing Half Dome again.

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

No, not really...

On the lower part of the trail (as you can see in the pic), stairs have been cut into the rocks. They are Far from uniform, so they are a bit of a challenge.

Half Dome itself?

There are cables in place and 2x4's fastened into the rock. It's Steep, and people say it's the longest 100 yards of your life!

But there is no real rock climbing involved. El Capitan is where that kinna stuff goes on. I'm Way to big of a wuss for that.

I'm 66 and have no doubt I'll be doing Half Dome again.

I am going to watch some youtube videos and see if this might be on the list. I like a challenge but I don't want to die. LOL! Thanks for the info!

 

[HNL2LHC]

Wow, Amy what an accomplishment!!!! Thank you for sharing your adventure. I only which that I had been aware of this when I was younger. Oh well….I can live through your travels.

 

[rivermobster]

I am going to watch some youtube videos and see if this might be on the list. I like a challenge but I don't want to die. LOL! Thanks for the info!

Pffft...

My son did it the first time when he was 12. He's done it twice now with me.

Truthfully...

We did a ton of prep work and training. When I could do Mt Wilson from Chantry Flats without breaking a sweat, at that point I felt I was ready.

Hiking at altitude training is a must. As is getting there a couple days early to acclimate.

A lot depends on your personal conditioning...

We were at Housekeeping Camp one year and my friends cousins took off at daybreak and we're back before dinner. They were both runners in Top condition. Even on my best day, no way I could have done that!

Take a few days and enjoy it. Camp at Little Yosemite Valley on the way up and on the way back, and you'll be able to bask in the incredible beauty of Yosemite.

I enjoy following these guys. They do all kinds of cool hikes!

Mike + Emily • Hiking • Camping • Snowboarding (@likes.to.hike) • Instagram photos and videos

17K Followers, 503 Following, 502 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Mike + Emily • Hiking • Camping • Snowboarding (@likes.to.hike)

instagram.com

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Wow, Amy what an accomplishment!!!! Thank you for sharing your adventure. I only which that I had been aware of this when I was younger. Oh well….I can live through your travels.

Thank you! Yes, this is definitely an adventure that you would likely enjoy more in your youth. But I was surprised there were people of all ages down there! There are some cheats if do want to go. There is a helicopter service a couple of times a week to Supai. (which is only 2 miles from Havasu Falls). And a lodge in Supai kinda like a Motel 6 that you can do instead of camping. You could see Navajo Falls, 50 Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, and the top of Mooney by just hiking. Nothing crazy just some inclines and loose gravel. It's such a beautiful place to see even if you don't have the full experience and hike in and climb down Mooney to Beaver Falls. If you ever want to go, I'd love to share what I know to make your planning easier. Otherwise, I'm scheming up my next adventure to Kauai. Considering doing the first part of Kalalau.

 

[HNL2LHC]

Thank you! Yes, this is definitely an adventure that you would likely enjoy more in your youth. But I was surprised there were people of all ages down there! There are some cheats if do want to go. There is a helicopter service a couple of times a week to Supai. (which is only 2 miles from Havasu Falls). And a lodge in Supai kinda like a Motel 6 that you can do instead of camping. You could see Navajo Falls, 50 Foot Falls, Havasu Falls, and the top of Mooney by just hiking. Nothing crazy just some inclines and loose gravel. It's such a beautiful place to see even if you don't have the full experience and hike in and climb down Mooney to Beaver Falls. If you ever want to go, I'd love to share what I know to make your planning easier. Otherwise, I'm scheming up my next adventure to Kauai. Considering doing the first part of Kalalau.

I might take you up on the offer for info. BTW I was just on Kauai this week. Decided that I am going to plan a trip with the wife next year and stay up on the North Shore. Our trip last year to Hana was so relaxing we need to do it again. Once I sat and enjoyed the view my mind was set….

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

Pffft...

My son did it the first time when he was 12. He's done it twice now with me.

Truthfully...

We did a ton of prep work and training. When I could do Mt Wilson from Chantry Flats without breaking a sweat, at that point I felt I was ready.

Hiking at altitude training is a must. As is getting there a couple days early to acclimate.

A lot depends on your personal conditioning...

We were at Housekeeping Camp one year and my friends cousins took off at daybreak and we're back before dinner. They were both runners in Top condition. Even on my best day, no way I could have done that!

Take a few days and enjoy it. Camp at Little Yosemite Valley on the way up and on the way back, and you'll be able to bask in the incredible beauty of Yosemite.

I enjoy following these guys. They do all kinds of cool hikes!

Mike + Emily • Hiking • Camping • Snowboarding (@likes.to.hike) • Instagram photos and videos

17K Followers, 503 Following, 502 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Mike + Emily • Hiking • Camping • Snowboarding (@likes.to.hike)

instagram.com

This looks like an amazing hike! Thank you for sharing the link to explain the cables. I am in pretty good shape but elevation is something we don't have here in Havasu so I would have to hit the Haulapai's to prep for this hike. I have never been to Yosemite but it is definitely on my radar. You have my wheels spinning...

 

[Amy@Team RDP]

I might take you up on the offer for info. BTW I was just on Kauai this week. Decided that I am going to plan a trip with the wife next year and stay up on the North Shore. Our trip last year to Hana was so relaxing we need to do it again. Once I sat and enjoyed the view my mind was set….


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I just love Kauai. It is my favorite island. We used to vacation there when I grew up. There was a cliff house we would rent with a community elevator to the beach! It was epic! Then Iniki came along and the cliff house was destroyed. I am so excited to go back and enjoy the magic. It looks like you were looking at some pretty incredible property there! I will be watching for your post after your family trip.