Travel to Havasu Falls & Grand Canyon
Do you love the outdoors & hiking? If so and you’re up for a challenge, have I got a recommendation for you! Plan your travel to Havasu Falls and the Grand Canyon.
Three friends and I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, on April 19-22 of 2018. The drive to the Grand Canyon took four hours. Why did we do this? To get to Havasu Falls. But, to get there, you must endure a grueling 10 mile hike down switchbacks and through uneven terrain. One thing I was not ready for was inhaling desert dust in search of beauty, waterfalls and memories. All my expectations were blown right out of the water.
The Grand Canyon, you guys! It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for a reason. The shear size of the canyon is astonishing and once in, you really see the way it was formed. Like, how water shaped and molded the walls many centuries ago. How the fallen rocks form mini-mountains. Giant unexplained holes pepper the canyon walls. A stack of rock holds on for dear life way up on top of a cliff.
The Hike
The adventure seekers were my friends Chelsie, Nick, Chris & myself. Our destination was the town of Supai and Havasu Falls to camp. The hike was one of the most challenging I’ve completed.
First, we all had 40+ pound packs, which held the necessary items to camp and survive in the wilderness for a few days. We parked the car at the top of the canyon and ventured down a mile of steep, rocky switchbacks to the canyon floor. On the way down, we encountered several packs of mules who do not mind one bit that people are on the trail and will trample you right over.
After reaching the canyon floor, it’s seven more miles to reach the town of Supai, where camping check-in and sore feet breaks occur. The town is complete with a helicopter pad, general store and the homes of several members of the Havasupai Native American Tribe who have inhabited the area since AD 1300. The town is described as the most remote community in the US by the Department of Agriculture. It’s the only place where the mail is delivered by mule. The only way to access Supai is by foot, mule or helicopter. The nearest road is 8 miles away and vehicles/roads are non-existent.
Along the 8 miles to the town, the views are breathtaking, the terrain changes constantly and 
you must watch your step as not to slip on a rock. It’s mentally challenging in the best way possible. The feeling of accomplishment at the end of the hike was so worth it!
Camping at Havasu
Once to the campground, we unpacked & ate, followed by a much deserved nap. Friday was our full day in the canyon and we started our day hike to Moonie & Beaver Falls bright and early at 6:30 am. The only way to get there is down the side of a huge cliff, step by step over wet rocks, old wooden ladders and rusty chains to hang onto, all while the mist of the waterfall washes over you. I’m not going to lie, it was a bit terrifying.
We hiked the three miles to Moonie & Beaver falls, wading through the Havasu Creek and stopping many times to marvel at the beauty and rain-forest like quality of the terrain.
After our day hike, we swam in the icy falls, played cards and did more exploring of our surroundings.
The Only Way Out of Havasu
Saturday was our day to hike out. The last thing our tired, sore selves wanted to do was hike 10 more miles with 40 pounds on our backs, but we did it! I’m so proud of our crew and the determination we all had to conquer the canyon! The sheer beauty is too much to explain, so I’ll share what I do best, a film & photos!
This trip was shot on the small mirrorless camera I travel with. The quality is great but not quite as good as my professional grade models. However, I still would tell anyone to buy it. Find travel photography tips and my camera recommendation at this article.
