When is the best time to hike Havasu Falls?

Spring and fall (summer is extreme heat, winter cold) Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before you go.

How hard is Havasu Falls?

Manta rates it 4/5 (Hard). 4 (Hard) - the long, hot, exposed climb out is punishing

Start a trip

Hikes United StatesHavasu Falls

Havasu Falls

Also known as: Havasupai

Havasu, Mooney and Beaver Falls - turquoise travertine cascades in a red-rock canyon

Difficulty 4/5 · HardMultidayOut-and-backMulti-day (camp/lodge)

Distance

~16 km

Max elevation

~1,580 m

Elevation gain

~750 m

Duration

2-4 days

iconictribal permitwaterfallsdesertovernight

Plan this hike

Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Havasupai Reservation, Arizona, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~1,580 m (Hilltop)

0 km20 km

Waypoints

1
Hualapai HilltopTrailhead
~1,580 m0 km
Descend into the canyon
1
Hualapai HilltopTrailhead
~1,580 m0 km
Descend into the canyon
2
Supai VillageJunction
~980 m13 km~4 h
Tribal village; lodge/permit office
2
Supai VillageJunction
~980 m13 km~4 h
Tribal village; lodge/permit office
3
Campground (Havasu Falls)Camp
~880 m16 km~5 h
Between Havasu and Mooney Falls
3
Campground (Havasu Falls)Camp
~880 m16 km~5 h
Between Havasu and Mooney Falls
4
Mooney FallsViewpoint
~830 m17 km~6 h
Chain/ladder descent below the falls
4
Mooney FallsViewpoint
~830 m17 km~6 h
Chain/ladder descent below the falls
5
Beaver FallsViewpoint
~800 m20 km~8 h
Turnaround for most
5
Beaver FallsViewpoint
~800 m20 km~8 h
Turnaround for most

Season & conditions

Best season

Spring and fall (summer is extreme heat, winter cold)

Weather risks

Extreme canyon heat; flash-flto floods have forced evacuations

Open per Havasupai Tribe schedule; permits sell out for the year almost instantly. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Desert plateau descent, sandy canyon floor, blue-green travertine creek and falls

Technical & exposure

Non-technical desert/canyon trail; deep sand and a switchbacked cliff exit

Navigation & waymarking

Single canyon trail; obvious

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Day trips to Mooney and Beaver Falls from camp; the Colorado River confluence for the very fit

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, ~a long drive from Peach Springs/Route 66

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Campground between Havasu and Mooney Falls, or the Havasupai Lodge in Supai village; book with the permit

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Peach Springs (Hualapai Hilltop); limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

TRIBAL PERMIT ONLY via the Havasupai Tribe (no NPS involvement); reservation required, no day hiking, sells out near-instantly when released. Confirm current process/cost.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Heat, flash floods, the exposed climb out, the chain/ladder descent below Mooney Falls

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Havasu Falls with your group

Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.

Plan this hike