- Where We Stop: Trips typically stop about a mile upstream from the Colorado River, where small pour-overs create fun spots for swimming and cooling off on hot wilderness days.
- Why We Don’t Visit the Main Falls: The iconic Havasu Falls is more than 8 miles from the river and requires a separate permit from the Havasupai Tribe. Visiting the falls would also take valuable time away from the many other incredible side hikes and experiences along the river.
- Which Trips Go: Havasu Creek is accessible on full canyon and lower canyon itineraries. Upper canyon and 3 – 4 Day Escape trips do not travel past this area.
- Planning a Rim-to-Falls Hike: If seeing Havasu Falls is your primary goal, you’ll need to plan a separate backpacking trip from the rim. Check out the Havasupai Tribe Permits page for more information.
Many people have seen the incredible photos of the stunning waterfalls along Havasu Creek, and we are often asked if our river trips go to the falls. None of our trips hike all the way to the official Havasu Falls (or Mooney Falls, or Beaver Falls). However, many of our trips do spend time enjoying the magical blue waters of Havasu Creek. Our lower canyon and full canyon trips usually stop here unless recent rains make it impractical. If you are on our upper canyon trip or our 3 day trip, we will not pass by Havasu Creek at all.
Why don’t we go to the waterfalls?
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1. They require a long hike to visit. The iconic Havasu Falls is over 8 miles away from the Colorado River!
2. There are so many amazing places to visit in the canyon, we don’t want to spend all of our time at just one. Side hikes on your trip might include hiking to a magnificent canyon vista, exploring a slot canyon or relaxing next to a hidden waterfall.
3. Visiting the falls requires an additional permit from the Havasupai Tribe.
4. About a mile or so up Havasu Creek from the river is a beautiful place with small pour-overs that are a blast to swim and play in on a hot day. Why go any farther?!
Although you won’t get to the falls you often see in pictures, you’ll find no shortage of photo ops as we hike and play in this memorable side canyon. If you really want to see the falls, the best way is to hike down from the rim. Permits are becoming incredibly difficult to obtain, so plan well in advance. Check out the Havasupai Tribe Permits page for more information.
Happy Trails!