Deep within the Havasupai Reservation near Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Falls is a natural wonder known for its electric-blue waters cascading over vivid red canyon walls. The hike to reach it is no easy feat—but the reward is an unforgettable desert oasis. Due to overwhelming demand, getting a permit is notoriously competitive, with thousands of hopefuls applying each year and very few securing a spot.
Why It’s So Hard to Visit Havasu Falls
This isn’t your typical trailhead-to-waterfall day hike. Access is strictly controlled by the Havasupai Tribe, and only visitors with confirmed campground or lodge reservations are allowed in—no day hikers, no exceptions. The reservation system opens once a year, typically between late December and early January, with exact dates announced closer to the application window.
Since the pandemic, the tribe has made major changes to how reservations work. Now, travelers can apply for up to three different three-night stay windows. Options include:
- Campground: $455 per person for a 3-night stay
- Lodge: $2,277 total for up to four guests (3 nights)
There’s also a mandatory $20 per-person entry fee. If you secure a spot, you’ll have about one week to pay or risk losing your reservation.
Hike Details
- Round-trip Distance: 16 miles from the trailhead
- Elevation Change: Approximately 2,400 feet total gain/loss
- From Supai Lodge to Falls: About 4 miles round trip
You’ll begin your trek at the Havasupai Trailhead (Hualapai Hilltop), descend to the village of Supai after about 6 miles, and continue 2 more miles to reach the falls and campground. Mules are available for hire in advance if you don’t want to carry your own gear.
Pro Tips for Scoring a Permit
- Apply as soon as the reservation window opens—permits sell out in minutes.
- Assemble your group in advance (up to 12 people per application).
- Set up an account on the official Havasupai Reservations website ahead of time.
- Check back for cancellations—very rare, but possible.
What to Expect
The setting is otherworldly: vivid turquoise water, travertine pools, and rust-colored cliffs that rise like walls around the canyon. Whether you’re soaking in the falls, camping beneath the stars, or simply hiking through the remote desert, every part of the journey feels like an adventure.
Just be ready to work for it—and plan ahead. For many, visiting Havasu Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s well worth the effort.