 Havasupai |
 It is an eight-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village. |
 To get to Mooney Falls, you have to climb down a vertical rock wall. |
Eight miles of towering, red canyon walls, spring blooms on trees and wild flowers along a wide, dried river bed, led us to the Village of Supai. Here, very friendly and relaxed village dogs and small canyon horses, guided by members of the Havasupai Tribe, greeted us. Supply stores, a cafe, a U.S. Post Office, Lodge, clinic, school, church and tourism office, comprise this quaint village inhabited by the Havasu 'Baajaí people who have lived and farmed in this area since the 14th century. The tall cottonwood trees that shade the narrow dirt road through the village are fed by the abundant flow of Havasu Creek on its 10-mile journey to the Colorado River, creating breathtaking waterfalls along the way.
A one and a half mile trek from the village is Navajo Falls and another half mile brings you to Havasu Falls. One mile from Havasu Falls (past the campgrounds) is Mooney Falls. These are the three major waterfalls. Beaver Falls is located two more miles past Mooney and if you're really up for a hike, the Colorado River is four miles past Beaver Falls. Sandals or water shoes are recommended for any dipping in the falls and especially for the hike to Beaver Falls or the Colorado where you have to cross the creek several times.
Although the hike back out of the canyon (more so at the end when ascending the steep, switchback trail up the canyon wall) can get hairy, especially if you carry in a lot of camping supplies, but the experience is definitely worth it.
To find Havasupai/Hualapai Hilltop parking area and trailhead, travel 74 miles west from Flagstaff to Seligman on Interstate 40; from Seligman, drive 30 miles northwest on Route 66 to Indian Route 18, turn right and drive 68 miles northeast on Route 18 until you reach Hualapai Hilltop. The trailhead is on the northeast side of the lower parking lot. For more information and reservations call (928) 448-2111 or 448-2201 or write to Havsupai Lodge, P.O. Box 159, Supai, AZ 86435.
 Mooney Falls |  Havasu Falls |  Navajo Falls |
