Senior Adventure

The Havasupai falls are a great adventure that can either be done as a rugged backbacking trip, exotic but easy domestic adventure, or combination of the two.

The hardest part of the trip is getting a reservation. In the past, one called the reservation line repeated and sometimes even got through. A new online reservation system is supposed to be coming, again. You can either get reservations in the campground or in the lodge. The lodge is basic, but very worth the price. 

We stayed at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas the night before starting for Supai. The Lodge is very nice and serves a free continental breakfast in the morning. After breakfast, we drove about 9 miles east of Peach Springs on Route 66 and turned onto Indian Road 18. After an hour we arrived at two parking lots on the edge of the canyon. The helicopter departs from the first local lot, while the hiking trail starts at the second tourist lot. If you are camping at the falls, you will check in at the tourist parking lot.

The trail to Supai village is 8 miles, and from there it is another 2 miles to Havasupai falls. The trail is well marked and well traveled throughout the day by hikers and pack trains. You can send your packs and other gear on a pack train.

You can also take the helicopter in and out. It doesn't fly every day, so checkout the schedule here before you make your reservations for the campground or lodge. Tribe members and employees have first priority for flights. This often means that tourists don't fly until 12:00 or even 4:00. Plan accordingly. You can take a pack on the helicopter.

We hiked in and helicoptered out. The hike was wonderful, but we had a cool day. It can be VERY hot, and on those days, a very early start is recommended. 

The falls are fantastic. The pools are a beautiful aquamarine, and very much like a natural water park. We spent hours playing in the warm water.

You can buy groceries or fast food in Supai village. The prices are reasonable, for the middle of nowhere. However, the cafe is extremely slow. Plan on at least an hour to get your order. The fry bread and things made with fry bread are very good.