Havasu Falls

halmester's picture

Location

Grand Canyon
United States
36° 15' 18.6696" N, 112° 41' 52.5372" W
US
General info: 

The Havasu Falls plunge nearly 100 feet (27m) into a natural pool of blue-green waters in the Havasupai tribal lands in Grand Canyon. These are one of the most striking waterfalls in the Grand Canyon.

The minerals in the water form natural pools below the falls and creates perfect setting for swimming in the turquoise water. Next to the pools, there are plenty of cottonwood trees to relax by.

Due to the high mineral content of the water, the configuration of the falls and pools is ever-changing. The falls sometimes breaks into two separate chutes of water and the pools can be damaged or destroyed by large floods that wash through the area.

Getting there: 

The trailhead to Havasupai Falls begins at Hualapai Hilltop. The Hilltop can be reached at the end of Indian Road 18 which is 65 miles north of Route 66.

Once you get to the hilltop (by car) you can start the 10 mile hike along the Havasupai Trail to the Havasu Falls. Better to take enough water and protection from sun for this leg.

If you don’t feel like hiking, there is helicopter service or horses available for a fee. You may also pay for the helicopter or mules to take your backpacking gear.

It is IMPORTANT to know that only a limited number of visitors are given permits to enter. Thus, reservations for camping and hotels are booked even 6 months in advance. You can find info about the reservations and camping permits at the Grand Canyon National Park website.

Driving times to Hualapai Hilltop,
from Flagstaff: 3-4 hour drive
from Phoenix: 5-6 hour drive
from Las Vegas: 3-4 hour drive
from Kingman: 2-3 hour drive

Costs: 

Entrance Fee Permit: $35.00 per person
Campground Fee: $17.00* per person / per night
Environmental Care Fee: $5.00* per person

There are also guided hiking and camping tours into Havasupai provided by private adventure tour companies, for example http://www.wildlandtrekking.com/adventurehikes/havasufalls.html
Also rafting tours are organiced in the area, for example http://www.westernriver.com/trips/grandcanyon/

You might be interested in

The Dead Sea is the saltiest sea in the world with 34,2% salinity. Practically this means that swimming here becomes floating.

The Siq a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural rock formation that works as the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra.

A secluded 100-feet-deep freshwater pool so pristine that it glimmers with a shade of cobalt blue. Might be paradise but in fact it is Dudu Blue Lagoon.

Nanda Blue Hole is the most stunning blue hole in Vanuatu. The water of this natural spring is so magically deep blue that has to be seen to be believed.

The Kuang Si Falls is a three tier travertine waterfall about 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60 metres (200 ft) cascade.

A magically clear and blue river that springs from an underground cave system. The photos from the place seem photoshopped but once you get there, you understand it is a real thing.

Interesting places nearby

Red River Ski Area bills itself as private://Ski Town of the Southwest.private:// The whole town looks like a stage set from a favorite Western movie and - no surprise - is popular with vacationers from Texas and Oklahoma.

Nestled on the edge of the Grand Mesa, just 35 miles from Grand Junction, Powderhorn has exceptional views and skiing with a friendly personal atmosphere.

Powder Mountain, located in East Eden, Utah, has a ton of skiable acreage for skiers and snowboarders.

One of Idaho's oldest ski resorts, Pomerelle Mountain Resort has 500 skiable acres located in the Sawtooth National Forest.

Located in the Caribou National Forest, Pebble Creek offers a decent vertical drop, plenty of runs for all abilities, and some excellent hike-to terrain.

Like a number of big time ski areas, Park City was once home to miners in search of precious metals. Today, a new breed of searcher comes looking for the area's legendary snow.