The Big Kahuna, The A Number One, The Head Honcho, The Big Daddy of Swimming holes in Arizona is something you can't get to easily. This one you need to want to get there. An eleven mile hike in is just the start, but this one won't dissappoint. Rated America's best swimming hole by Life Magazine. These two should be on everyone's bucket list.
Havasupai Fall, otherwise known as Havasu fall is the most popular of all swimming holes along Havasupai creek. This spectacular waterfall attracts thousands of people per year. Located in the Grand Canyon 1.7 miles north of the village of Supai, nothing else in Arizona compares to the swimming holes along this stretch of the river for sheer beauty. At slightly over 100 feet, Havasu Fall is the most photographed fall in the Grand Canyon. The water temperature is a cool 70 degrees. The pool is large and about 4 to 5 feet deep in most places. You can swim up to the waterfalls and climb up behind the base of the fall. The surrounding "beach" area provides ample room to lay out the towels and soak up the midday sun. Shade is provided by cottonwood trees that speckle the area below the falls.
Mooney Fall is located about 1 mile north of Havasupai Fall. Getting to this fall is a bit more difficult as you are required to descend down a virtually vertical drop of 125 feet and pass through two small tunnels all while holding on to a set of chains and using wooden ladders that lead down to this immense 200 foot waterfall. Once down to the base of the falls, you are rewarded with an outstanding swimming hole which feels a bit cooler due to more shade. The push from the downpour of the fall make is extremely difficult to get near the base of the fall swimming directly in front of the fall. . You can get to the base from the left and find a small cliff diving area that is about 6 feet tall but will give you the sense of power coming from this fall. (The background on this site is Mooney Fall.
Reservations
Reservations are required to make the trip down to the falls by calling the Havasupai Tribe at one of the following phone numbers - 928 448 2121 or 928 448 2141 or 928 448 2180. Camping reservation and mule rentals can also be made using the same phone numbers. Be patient, it make some time to get through.
There is a 24 room lodge in Supai which can be reached at the following numbers - 928 448 2111 or 928 448 2101.
Airwest Helicopters can be reached at 623 516 2790.
Campgrounds
In order to camp at Havasu Falls, reservations are required. During the busy season (April - May, Sept. - Oct.) reservations are suggested at least a couple of months in advance. A friend suggested up to 7 months in advance just to make sure you get your reservation in.
The climate in April is cool nights, warm days. May brings warmer temperatures. July through September will be hot, hot, hot! Plus you have to watch out for flash floods during monson season (July and August). Late September it starts to cool off at nights and October is pretty much nice all month.
The town of Supai hosts a general store, post office (The only post office in the United Stated that still uses horses to deliver the mail, and each piece of mail gets stamped with a special postmark to this effect), a small cafe and a two story hotel.
For a current fee schedule visit the Havasupai website at http://www.havasupai-nsn.gov/
Reservations require a 50% deposit 6 weeks prior to the reservation. You may pay by money order, cashier's check, or VISA / MasterCard.
For reservations at Havasupai Lodge call 928-448-2111.
Havasupai Tourist Enterprise
Supai, AZ 86435
Tel: 928-448-2121
Fax: 928-448-2551
Havasupai Lodge
Supai, AZ 86435
Tel: 928-448-2111
Havasupai Tribal Council
Supai, AZ 86435
Tel: 928-448-2731
You start by heading north from Peach Springs to the Havasupai Hilltop. You can't reach these falls by car. The only way to reach the area is either by an 9 mile hike down the trail, by horseback or by helicopter via (Airwest Helicopter) followed by a 2 mile hike to Havasu Fall. Mooney is another mile past Havasu Fall.
Another popular option is to bring you gear over to the helicopter pad and have them fly your pack in for you while you take the hike without having to heave the load of all your gear to town. When I was there in 2009, it cost $20 to have your backpack flown to town. You can pick up your pack at the helicopter pad when you reach town. Another method of getting your gear to camp is to hire a mule from the Havasupai tribe. They will drop off your gear at the Mule Drop Off Area on the map (just west of Havasu Falls). You can pick it up there. There is a weight limit for each mule. Please contact the Havasupai Tribe for details.
From the edge of the Hilltop Parking area, this is your first view of the canyon below. Once you get down to the bottom of the canyon, the trail flattens out and is a piece of cake. Double check yor pack before you head down to make sure you have everything you need.
A mule train coming up to gather gear for visitors to the falls. Always give them the right of way.
After you reach the bottom of the canyon, you will head into a slot canyon
A huge rock embedded in the middle of the trail into Supai. The first couple miles is pretty much downhill all the way. After the initial descent, the trail is almost flat all the way to the town. Conversely, the last two miles on the way out are pretty much all ascent. Bring lots of water for the hike in or out along with some snacks as the trip will average about 4 to 5 hours.
Once you head into town, there is a small store that has a good selection of supplies if you forgot anything.
After you check into the Camping office, you will head out of town towards the falls and campground. Follow the signs.
As you hike the last 2 miles, you will see some pretty good falls.
Your first view of Havasu Fall.
The best swimming hole in Arizona. Enjoy the cool waters during a hot afternoon.
This is the expansive beach area next to the falls. Get there early to grab any shade.
Walk downstream to get to Mooney Falls, The campground is between both Havasu and Mooney Falls.
The Ladders at the base of Mooney Fall. This is where you begin your almost vertical climb out of the canyon back up towards the Havasu Fall area and the campground between Havasu and Mooney Falls.
Cooling off in the largest of the waterfall pools. Mooney falls is nearly 200 ft high.
The campground stretches pretty much the whole distance between Havasu and Mooney. This is what you can expect when you look for a site.
Take a hike down below Mooney Falls and you will find several small polls to cool off in.
Looking South to Mooney Falls along the river. Definitely worth at least a short hike.
The Helicopter pad in Supai. This is where you can pick up your backpack if you have it flown in.