Astertiki,
where it can and may have been updated.
Home Album Guide to Havasu Falls Topo Story
This trek has been moved to
Astertiki,
where it can and may have been updated.
| Distance: | 10 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop to the campground |
| Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Hike Time: | 3 to 5 hours one way (It is a two day trip, minimum.) |
| Elevation: | Hilltop = 5170 ft., Campground = 2740 ft. |
| Season: | Year Round - WATCH OUT FOR FLASH FLOODS, during the monsoon season. |
| USGS Maps: | Supai, Havasu Falls |
| Directions: From: Flagstaff |
Take I-40 West to to the Seligman exit, #123. Turn right on Historic Route 66 and drive West 32 miles to the junction with Indian Road 18. Turn north and drive 68 miles to the parking lot at Hualapai Hilltop. |
Some authors rate the hike as Moderate but you must account for the 1100 foot decent and climb in the 1 1/2 miles from and to the Hualapai Hill Top, coupled with an overall 10 mile hike through very loose, powdery soil to the campground. If you choose to carry your pack it will be a difficult hike depending upon your condition. The trail is well maintained and is easy to follow. I noted that because it is a busy pack trail, the hooves of the horses and pack animals have ground the soil into a sandy powder; hiking the trail was similar to a walk along a dry, sandy beach.
On the other hand, the trip is made everyday by a variety of people of all ages - on the trail I saw school aged youngsters and people who looked to be in their late 60s; most of them were not carrying packs!
The Havasupai Tribe provides a variety of services which can ease the difficulty of accessing the canyon. Of course you can do it the hard way, hike in and out carrying your own pack; or you can elect to send your pack in either by mule or helicopter and then hike in; or you can elect to ride in on either a horse or the helicopter with your pack. The same services are offered for the return trip to Hualapai hilltop. As I talked to other visitors, I found a popular combination is to send the luggage down on a mule while hiking in and then ride out on either a horse or the helicopter for the return trip. This option provides a moderate hike through a wonderful canyon without the strain of carrying your pack and also enables you to return without facing that difficult climb. In the fall of 2001 the costs were $70/$75 per person for a one way trip on either the helicopter or horse respectively. The helicopter service is available four days a week but that is subject to change as the contract with the helicopter service is renewed annually.
The campground is located along most of the distance between Havasu Falls and Mooney falls (approx one mile), on both sides of Havasu Creek. Available amenities include spring water, picnic tables and composting toilets. The campground spaces are available on a first come, first pick basis and it is generally filled, so reservations are required. In addition to the campground, there is a lodge in the village of Supai. It also is generally filled, so reservations are required there too. Accommodations in the village include a cafe and a general store as well as the visitor center, where you pay your fees.
Additional Information is available from the Havasupai Camping office: P.O. Box 160, Supai, AZ, 86435. Reservation Phone # (928) 448-2121 or (928) 448- 2141: Lodge Reservations Phone # (928) 448-2111 or (928) 488-2201; Fax (928) 488-2348.
The canyon and falls almost defy description, enjoy the albums!
Trekker