Havisu Falls

I feel the urge to share this hidden spot.  Because it may just be the place you’re looking for but have never known. 

For those of you who hike, backpack, camp or just genuinly like to get away… Go Here.  It’s majestic, secluded, dramatic and beyond breathtaking.

This is Havisu Falls.

It is NOT Lake Havisu.

It’s this unbelievable phenomenon in the middle of the desert.  Located in the Havisuapai Indian Reservation, in North Western Arizona.

This is the bottom West end of the Grand Canyon.  And that above is a waterfall in the desolate South West desert. There are two; below is the big one, Mooney Falls. 

* You can climb down a “ladder” to get to the shore of this one.*

This is real.  Real in every way.  

There is no electricity.  There is no connection.

The Supai residents here still have thier mail delivered by donkey. 

At night it is only you, the sand and the sound of flowing water.

It is a 10 mile hike down into the canyon to get to the village.  Leave early and it’s a truly pleasent adventure.  If you don’t, well, literally you will be hiking through the desert in the middle of the day. 

We all know how smart that is. 

Along the way, you’ll come across some pretty amazing sights.  And you may even see some wild horses.

From there it’s about another mile or so to get to the waterfalls and the camping areas.  But when you see that carribean blue water pouring out of sunburnt canyon walls, you’ll forget that you just trecked through overheating desert.

* The intense Green-Blue of these waters is caused by Travertine.  Surreal.*

Camp sites are located along the gently flowing streams that flow down from the falls.  There are beaches to relax on by the falls, and infinate pools to wade around in.

NOTES:

• It’s the DESERT.  Don’t forget that.
• The TEMPERATURE rises quickly as you descend.  By a lot.
• In the desert you need WATER, yes, but you also need sugars and salts.  This is important, make sure you have GATORADE or something like it along with your water supply.
• The HEAT does not go away at night.  Be prepared for this.
• Those holes in the sand, are SNAKE holes.  Try not to pick the campsite that is in abundance of them.
• The water is COLD.
• You and all your belongings WILL be covered in orange sand when you leave.  Don’t try and fight it.
• Start out EARLY.  DO NOT attempt to hike down after Noon.  And 4p.m. heat is worse than you imagine.
• There is a helicopter available for a very low price.
• You can also arrange to ride a horse down.
• Or you can have your belongings brought down by horse and make the hike on foot. After hiking down with my backpack, personally, this would be my preferred method next time.
• Remember that 10 miles down the Canyon is not the same as 10 miles up the Canyon.  Double your liquid.
• Reserve a campsite BEFORE you go.  It’s quite inexpensive.
• A raft is a nice thing to have to float around on.  Find a light one you can blow up when you get there.
• Don’t forget your swim suit!