Havasupai Canyon Waterfalls

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 13, 2026.

Havasupai Falls in Arizona are a series of spectacular blue-green waterfalls deep within Havasu Canyon on the sovereign lands of the Havasupai Tribe. Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Fiftyfoot Falls and Little Navajo Falls combine turquoise water, red canyon walls and demanding backcountry hiking to create one of Arizona's most distinctive outdoor destinations. Visiting requires advance planning: reservations are mandatory, day hiking is not permitted, and travelers must reach remote Supai Village and the waterfall area from Hualapai Hilltop without road access into the canyon.

• Plan Your Havasupai Visit
• Best Time To Visit
• Havasupai Tribe & Supai Village
• Havasupai Waterfalls
• Havasu Falls
• Mooney Falls
• Beaver Falls
• Permits & Reservations
• Hiking & Flash-Flood Safety
• Getting To Hualapai Hilltop
• Reservation Rules & Respect
• FAQ

Why Visit Havasupai Canyon Waterfalls

Visitors travel to Havasupai Canyon to experience stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear blue-green pools, scenic canyon hiking, swimming, camping, and photography opportunities unlike anywhere else in Arizona. The combination of colorful canyon scenery, warm mineral-rich waters, and remote wilderness beauty creates an unforgettable adventure deep within the Grand Canyon.

Best Time To Visit Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Canyon can be beautiful throughout the permitted visitor season, but conditions vary dramatically. Cooler months are generally better for strenuous hiking, while warmer weather makes spending time in the creek and waterfall pools more comfortable. During hot periods, hikes into and out of the canyon should begin very early in the day.

Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, and July through September is generally monsoon season with an increased risk of thunderstorms and flash flooding. Shoulder-season visits can bring cold nights and occasionally winter weather. Always check current Tribal alerts and weather conditions before entering the canyon.

Things To Do At Havasupai Canyon Waterfalls

• Hike To The Waterfalls: Explore scenic trails connecting Havasu Falls, Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls.
• Swimming: Cool off in turquoise pools beneath the waterfalls during warmer months.
• Camping: Stay overnight at the famous Havasupai campground along Havasu Creek.
• Photography: Capture dramatic waterfalls, canyon scenery, travertine pools, and colorful rock formations.
• Explore Supai Village: Visit one of the most remote communities in the United States located deep within the canyon.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for birds, lizards, canyon wildlife, and lush desert vegetation along the creek.

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The Havasupai Tribe And Supai Village

The Havasupai Tribe, whose name is commonly translated as the “People of the Blue-Green Water,” has lived in and around the Grand Canyon since time immemorial. The Havasupai are a federally recognized sovereign Tribe whose homeland includes Havasu Canyon, Supai Village, Havasu Creek and the surrounding canyon country.

Visitors are guests on Havasupai lands and are expected to respect Tribal laws, customs, privacy and posted restrictions. Supai is a living community rather than a tourist attraction, so visitors should stay on designated routes through the Village and avoid residential areas.

Supai Village

Supai Village lies deep within Havasu Canyon and is not accessible by road. The approximately 8-mile trail from Hualapai Hilltop descends nearly 2,000 feet in elevation before reaching the Village. Havasupai Lodge is located in Supai, while the campground and principal waterfalls are farther downstream.

Supai has Tribal offices, visitor services and one of the most remote U.S. postal operations in the country. Mail and supplies continue to travel into and out of the canyon by pack animals. Visitors should remember that Supai is first and foremost the home of the Havasupai people and should respect all Tribal privacy and photography rules.

Waterfalls Of Havasupai Canyon

Havasu Creek creates a series of spectacular waterfalls and travertine pools as it flows through Havasu Canyon toward the Colorado River. The best-known falls include Fiftyfoot Falls, Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. Floods periodically reshape Havasu Creek, so individual cascades, pools and channels can change over time.

The creek's distinctive blue-green appearance results from dissolved minerals carried by spring water. Travertine deposits continually build and reshape pools, ledges and smaller cascades throughout the canyon. Water temperature remains near 70 degrees Fahrenheit through much of the year.

Fiftyfoot Falls And Little Navajo Falls

Upstream from Havasu Falls, visitors can explore the upper-waterfall area that includes Fiftyfoot Falls and Little Navajo Falls. These cascades are reached along Havasu Creek between Supai Village and the better-known lower waterfall area. Because floods can reshape channels, pools and travertine formations, visitors should follow current Tribal trail information and posted access restrictions.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is the signature waterfall of Havasu Canyon, where blue-green Havasu Creek plunges over a high travertine-lined cliff into pools surrounded by red sandstone canyon walls. The falls are downstream from Supai Village and near the Havasupai Campground, making them a central feature of almost every overnight visit.

Swimming and enjoying the water are popular when conditions permit, but visitors must follow all current Tribal safety rules. Jumping or diving from waterfalls, ledges or canyon walls is prohibited.

Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls lies just beyond the campground and is the tallest major waterfall commonly visited in Havasu Canyon. Reaching the base requires a steep descent through openings in the rock followed by exposed steps and chains that are often wet from waterfall mist.

This section requires careful footing and should not be attempted casually. Follow current Tribal instructions, avoid the descent during rain or flooding, and never proceed beyond the top of Mooney Falls when dangerous weather is approaching.

Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls is reached by continuing downstream beyond Mooney Falls through a more demanding section of Havasu Canyon. The route involves creek crossings, ladders and changing trail conditions before reaching a series of turquoise cascades and travertine pools near the junction of Havasu and Beaver canyons.

The Havasupai Tribe's current suggested itinerary treats Havasu, Mooney and Beaver Falls as a full day of exploring. Travelers continuing beyond Beaver Falls toward the Colorado River should be prepared for a significantly longer and more strenuous outing.

Havasupai Permits And Reservations

Advance reservations are required for every Havasupai visit, and no day hiking is permitted. Current campground and lodge bookings are four days and three nights. Reservations must be secured before arrival through the Havasupai Tribe's official reservation system.

Permit holders must complete the required check-in process before traveling to Hualapai Hilltop. Rules, prices, check-in hours and operating procedures can change, so always review the official Havasupai reservation website shortly before your trip rather than relying on older printed rates or schedules.

Hiking And Flash-Flood Safety

The hike into Havasu Canyon is strenuous, remote and exposed. The trail from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai is approximately 8 miles with a major elevation change, and campground visitors continue about 2 additional miles. There is no water or normal visitor service at Hualapai Hilltop, so hikers must arrive properly supplied and prepared.

• Begin hot-weather hikes early in the morning.
• Carry adequate drinking water and food for the journey.
• Wear sturdy hiking footwear and pack as lightly as practical.
• Monitor weather closely, particularly during the summer monsoon season.
• Move immediately to high ground if floodwater approaches.
• Do not enter narrow canyon areas or descend beyond Mooney Falls during rain or flooding.
• Never jump or dive from waterfalls, cliffs or canyon walls.
• Be prepared to carry your own gear both into and out of the canyon.

What To Pack For Havasupai

• Water: Carry enough drinking water for the exposed hike into and out of the canyon.
• Food: Bring adequate food for your full stay and emergency needs.
• Hiking Shoes: Use sturdy, broken-in footwear suitable for steep, sandy and rocky terrain.
• Water Shoes: Useful for creek crossings and wet areas around the waterfalls.
• Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and lightweight sun-protective clothing.
• Weather Layers: Temperatures can vary sharply between day and night and by season.
• Camping Gear: Campground visitors should use lightweight gear that they can carry both directions.
• Trash Bags: Visitors are responsible for packing out all trash and gear they bring onto Havasupai lands.

Photography At Havasupai Canyon

Havasupai Canyon is one of the most photographed locations in Arizona because of its vivid blue-green water contrasting against towering red canyon walls. Early morning and late afternoon lighting often provide the best photography conditions for waterfalls, canyon landscapes, and scenic creekside views.

Getting From Hualapai Hilltop To Supai

Hualapai Hilltop is the end of the paved road and the beginning of the trail into Havasu Canyon. From Hilltop, hikers descend approximately 8 miles to Supai Village. Campground visitors continue roughly another 2 miles beyond the Village.

Pack-mule service can be reserved separately under current Tribal rules. Tourist helicopter flights may sometimes be purchased on the day of travel, but flights cannot be reserved in advance, operate only when available and are not guaranteed. Tribal members and other passengers may receive priority, so visitors should never plan a trip that depends on obtaining a helicopter seat.

Saddle-horse arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis and are subject to current Tribal availability and rules. Check official Havasupai information before relying on any animal or helicopter transportation.

Directions To Hualapai Hilltop

Hualapai Hilltop is located at the end of Indian Road 18 on the Havasupai Reservation. After completing the required tourist check-in near Grand Canyon Caverns, follow Historic Route 66 to Indian Road 18 and travel approximately 60 miles north to the trailhead.

Indian Road 18 is paved but crosses open-range country where livestock and wildlife may be on the roadway. Cell service is unreliable, and there are no normal visitor services at Hilltop. Arrive with adequate fuel, food and water before turning onto Indian Road 18.

Map To Hualapai Hilltop Trailhead

Parking At Hualapai Hilltop

Visitor parking at Hualapai Hilltop is limited, with additional parking sometimes available along Indian Road 18. Vehicles must be registered during the permit check-in process, and visitors must park only in designated visitor areas without blocking the roadway.

Large RVs can be difficult to park and turn around at Hilltop. There is currently no public transportation service to or from the trailhead.

Havasupai Reservation Rules And Respect

Visitors are guests on sovereign Havasupai lands and must follow all current Tribal laws, permit rules and posted instructions. Stay on designated visitor trails through Supai Village and respect residential areas and the privacy of Tribal members.

• Photography or video of Tribal members, burial sites and locations within Supai Village is prohibited.
• Drones are prohibited.
• Commercial filming and photography are prohibited without authorization.
• Alcohol is prohibited on Havasupai lands.
• Do not jump or dive from waterfalls, ledges or canyon walls.
• Horses have the right-of-way on trails.
• Pack out all trash, food containers and camping equipment.
• Follow all closures and emergency instructions immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Havasupai Falls

Where are Havasupai Falls located?

The waterfalls are located in Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Reservation in northern Arizona. The Reservation is administered by the Havasupai Tribe and is outside the jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park.

Do you need a permit to visit Havasu Falls?

Yes. Advance reservations are required for all visitors, and day hiking is not permitted. Current campground and lodge reservations are structured as four-day, three-night stays.

How far is the hike to Havasu Falls?

The hike from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village is approximately 8 miles. Visitors continuing toward Havasu Falls and the campground travel roughly another 2 miles.

What waterfalls can you see in Havasupai Canyon?

Well-known waterfalls include Fiftyfoot Falls, Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. Flooding can alter individual cascades, pools and creek channels over time.

Can you swim at Havasu Falls?

Swimming and enjoying the creek are popular when conditions permit, but visitors must follow all current Tribal safety restrictions. Jumping or diving from waterfalls, ledges and canyon walls is prohibited.

Can you take a helicopter to Supai Village?

Tourist helicopter flights may be available on operating days, but they cannot be reserved in advance and are not guaranteed. Visitors should be physically and logistically prepared to hike rather than depend on helicopter transportation.

Is Havasupai a day trip?

No. Day hiking is prohibited. A Havasupai visit requires an advance campground or lodge reservation and should be planned as a multi-day backcountry trip.

When is the best time to visit Havasupai?

Cooler months are generally more comfortable for hiking, while warmer periods are better for enjoying the creek. Summer visitors must prepare for extreme heat and the July-through-September monsoon season, when flash flooding can occur.

Is Havasupai part of Grand Canyon National Park?

No. Havasu Canyon and Supai Village are on Havasupai Tribal lands outside the boundary and jurisdiction of Grand Canyon National Park.

See our Havasu Falls Picture Gallery.

The Spectacular Grand Canyon