How to Get to Havasu Falls

havasu falls

We’ve got some great travel tips for you if you’ve never been to Havasu Falls in Arizona and want to see the beautiful turquoise water. It’s a popular destination getting 20,000 visitors annually. But warning, getting to Havasu Falls is not easy, and you must be in excellent physical shape to hike the 10-mile trail.

Where is Havasu Falls?

The Havasu Falls are located in Northern Arizona, just outside the Grand Canyon National Park. It’s closest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Havasu Falls are in a deep canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation

How do you get to Havasu Falls?

Renting a car and driving yourself is the most common option. Depending on where you’re coming from, you would drive the route 66 highway to where it meets Indian Road 18. From there, it’s 68 miles to reach the trailhead parking lot. The parking at the Hualapai Hilltop is included in the required reservation cost booked online through the official Havasupai website.

  • Havasu Falls is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix. 
  • Havasu Falls is about a 4-hour drive from Las Vegas.
  • Havasu Falls is about a 3-hour drive from Flagstaff, Arizona.

What is the history of Havasu Falls?

The Havasu Baaja, or People of the Blue Green Waters, have lived here for over 1,000 years. In 1880 it was established as an Indian Reservation for the Havasupai indigenous people.

Can I make a day trip to Havasu Falls?

Havasu Falls is not a day trip. All visits require a one to three-night reservation booked through the Havasupai Reservation system. You will be able to book a reservation when the system opens up in February. Create an account ahead of the 2023 season.

Day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

While there isn’t a direct bus tour to Havasu Falls, you can take day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon visitor’s center near the South Rim. You can take Gray Line Bus from Las Vegas to visit the Grand Canyon. It picks you up from hotels on the Las Vegas strip and returns you back the same day 14 hours later. It will stop at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center for lunch and sightseeing. On the return, a stop is made at Kingman, Arizona, for dinner. 

Where do I stay overnight in Havasu Falls?

Havasupai Campground

You have two choices for overnight lodging. You can bring in your own camping gear. Restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water are available at the campground. Reservations for the campground are made only online. Due to the strenuous activity involved, bringing children is not recommended. Pets are not allowed. Travel trip insurance is highly recommended.

Havasupai Lodge

The lodge offers a room for up to four people. Your reservations must be paid at the time of booking and are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Reservations for the lodge can only be made by calling (928) 448-2111. 

Overnight Lodging Outside The Havasupai Indian Reservation

The nearest town to Havasu Falls is Peach Springs, Arizona, where there are at least three motels and an RV Park. Overnighting here, then starting your day early when it’s cooler, is another option for visiting Havasu Falls.

When is the best time to visit Havasu Falls?

The season runs from February through November. Ideally, April and October are the best months for tolerable weather because it’s not too hot during the day and not too cold at night. Winter months bring rain and temperatures below freezing at night. Summer months bring excessive heat, topping well over 100 degrees. It’s best to check the weather forecast ahead of your arrival.

How long is the hike to Havasu falls?

The hike starts at the Hilltop Trailhead and goes 8 miles down to the village of Supai. From there, it is an additional 2 mile hike to the campground. Carrying one gallon of water per person is highly recommended, as there is no water available on the trail. 

Other Waterfalls to See in the Area

The scenery is gorgeous in the Arizona desert. Note that Havasu Falls is 80 feet high. You will also have the chance to hike to other waterfalls in the area.

  • Mooney Falls is 200 feet high and is located one mile from Havasu Falls.
  • Beaver Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls located three miles from Havasu Falls.
  • Navajo Falls had dried up until a 2008 flood when water began flowing through it again.
  • Rock Falls was created from the 2008 flood and are located next to Navajo Falls.

Both the Navajo and Rock Falls are located about one mile up from the Havasupai campground. Please remember to Leave No Trace behind as a tenet to keep the land clean by disposing of trash properly.

Planning Ahead is Essential for Visiting Havasu Falls

With these facts in mind, you can now plan a great trip to Havasu Falls.

  1. Reservations are absolutely necessary.
  2. The 10-mile hike is strenuous.
  3. No day trips in or out of the falls area.
  4. Additional waterfalls are in the area.
  5. Limited services are available in the park.