Here’s What You Need to Know to Visit Havasu Falls in Arizona
Havasu Falls, located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, is one of the most breathtaking and iconic natural wonders in the United States. This waterfall attracts thousands of visitors every year, who come to see the stunning blue-green waters cascading down the rocky cliffs into a series of pools. However, due to its popularity, the Havasu Falls area is strictly controlled, and visitors must obtain a permit to access the falls. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to get a permit for Havasu Falls.
Step 1: Plan Ahead
Reservations for Havasu Falls can be hard to come by, especially during the peak season (late spring to early fall). Therefore, you should start planning your trip well in advance to secure your permit. Ideally prepare 6 months to a year in advance. Historically reservations for the following year are released February 1st at 8 AM Arizona time. No day hike permits, only camping reservations. You must bring necessary gear and equipment for camping.
Also, note that the falls may close from mid-February to early April due to weather conditions such as flash flooding and tribal events and closed from ?? until they re-open the following February. We visited the 3rd week of April with perfect weather. Keep in mind peak season (late April through August) is the most competitive time.
Step 2: Reserve Your Permit
To reserve your permit, you must create an account online via Havasupai Reservations Website. Make sure to also add your credit card info before reservations open to secure your permits quickly, as they often are gone within minutes. Currently the permit is issued for 4 days and 3 nights at $395 per person.
Step 3 (Alternative): Buy a Cancellation/Transfer
If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a permit there is hope. People who are no longer able to make their reservation sell their permits via the cancellations / Transfers List on the Havasupai Reservations Website. These are released daily at 8AM Arizona time and get snagged quickly. You must be willing to be flexible with dates. If you can go during the week, you have a better chance. Because availability is based on people electing to sell, it may take a few tries before you’re able to secure a permit. However if you’re late in the season there may not be enough available.
Step 4: Pack and Prepare
After securing your permit, it’s time to pack and prepare for your trip. The Havasu Falls area is remote so make sure to pack light and bring the necessary gear for camping and hiking. Additionally, visitors must be physically fit and able to hike up and down steep terrain, so prepare accordingly. Alternatively you can reserve a pack mule to assist with your bags or a elect to be helicoptered in/out.
In conclusion, obtaining a permit for Havasu Falls requires some planning and patience, but the experience of seeing this natural wonder up close is undoubtedly worth the effort. Just make sure to plan ahead, reserve your permit early, and pack and prepare for a truly unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Grand Canyon.
Check out our blog on how to prepare for the hike HERE!
