Backpacking Havasupai, Arizona - All the waterfalls

Backpacking Havasupai, Arizona - All the waterfalls
I always wonder if anyone reads these descriptions. I sure don't. But I love typing stuff so much, I'll do it anyway. Plus algorithm and all that.
Havasupai is an amazing place. It has waterfalls. Lots of waterfalls. And teal blue water. And super hard to get permits. But I got permits anyway. Because that's what I do. Oh wait. I screwed up. I was supposed to get two permits so I could hike it with my wife. But instead, I only got one. So I backpacked it solo. Tina wasn't too upset since it's not fun hiking out of this place.
Anyway, the hike to Havasupai is fairly straightforward. Except that a lot of people underestimate it and regret it. It's maybe 11 miles and 2,000(ish) feet of elevation loss. Yeah, you can take a helicopter in (when they're running) and you can have the mules/horses carry in your pack. But that's no fun. So I carried all my stuff in.
Around 9 miles, you come to Supai villiage. It's another 2 miles to the campground, but you can restock at the store or eat at the cafe before continuing on. On the way to the campground, you first pass Fifty Foot Falls. Shortly downstream you will come to Navajo Falls. Both are beautiful, but it's not until just before the campground that you really get a taste for what you're in for. Shortly after crossing a bridge and seeing some Navajo taco stands, you'll come upon Havasu Falls. Havasu Falls is a 98 foot waterfall. And it is impressive. Here is where I usually forget about the crowds and how tired I am and just stand there in awe. Havasu Falls is a sight to behold.
But that's only the start of it. Right after Havasu Falls, you come to the campground. I want to say it's about a mile long. Here you look for a decent spot (first come first served.) Set down your gear and continue on. At the end of the campground is my favorite spot; Mooney Falls. Mooney Falls is impressive for a couple of reasons. First, it's the tallest falls in Havasupai. Second, the pathway to the bottom of Mooney Falls is sketchy. Very sketchy. The path proceeds down an impossibly steep cliff face, through two tunnels and then what appears to be a dead end. But here you pick up the ladders and chains to proceed on. On my first descent, I was going down with someone I met on the path. He looked at the chains and turned around. I've seen quite a few people do that. It's slick with spray from Mooney Falls, steep and...less than ADA compliant.
But if you make it to the bottom, it's worth it. Mooney Falls from the base is incredible.
And there's more. Continue downstream another 2 or 3 miles and you come to the last set of waterfalls; Beaver Falls. And the hike between Mooney and Beaver in itself is incredible. Plenty of swimming holes, small waterfalls and if you're lucky some big horned sheep.
For the really adventurous, you can continue downstream from Beaver Falls all the way to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. This is called the Confluence, where the teal blue water of Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River. (I didn't do this on this trip, but I have been before.)
And that's about it, if that weren't enough. On this particular trip, I wanted to take a helicopter out. It's not that I couldn't carry my stuff and hike out myself; it's an $80 (or so) cost to take a helicopter out of the Grand Canyon. Which is money well spent, even if just for the helicopter ride.
Unfortunately, someone heard that you were supposed to meet in front of the lodge for the helicopter. That is incorrect. You wait by the helicopter pad. Someone figured that out after a ton of us had waited in the wrong spot for hours. Instead of forming an orderly line, chaos ensued and everyone started shoving and arguing.
This isn't why I go into the wilderness, so I grabbed my backpack and hiked my way out. A slight annoyance on an otherwise incredible trip.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Silver Maple - We Are Giants
Music by Artlist:
Duke of Norfolk - Dylan Thomas Bitter Bitter
Will Van De Crommert - Back to Bach Cello Version
Tiko Tiko - Against All Odds
Ohad Ben Ari - Clair de Lune Debussy
SOURWAH - Its Going Down

[@danweiland]

I stayed at the havasupai campground in Sep 25 1994 when they were finishing the hotel. I saved a young boy around 11 years old from heat stoke about a half mile before the switch back to the top. I spotted him dragging his backpack when I was resting at the big rock of to the left of the trail. I gave him the last of my water a jolly rancher and some beef jerky. It took 15 or 20 minutes before I could comprehend what he was trying to say. Luckily I stashed 64 ozs. of water under the north side of a bush. When we got to the top his mom was screaming his name. I let her know he's coming up right now. Please contact me if you want I would like to see how you are doing. Love life

[@nak4651]

Thanks so much for posting. What a trip you had! I hiked this route as a Boy Scout some 60 years ago...They had a store in the village but nothing else....A can of Coke was, I believe $.50 or $1....it was so much more expensive than buying it at a regular store in the city. We played in the waters of Havasu Falls and swam to the "cave" behind the falls, all while not being molested by mosquitos. The water is mineralized, hence, no mosquitos! Heaven on earth. There was a huge rope swing below the mineral pools where the river again began its trip to the Colorado. Stayed at Havasu campground for 2 days and then hiked down to the Colorado. When we got close, we had to jump into the river and swim a very narrow and deep gorge filled with impossibly dark water before we reached some rocks overlooking the Colorado. The river was mean, muddy, and scary looking, and was moving quite fast, compared to the river entering it. You certainly didn't want to get stuck in the flow of the main river. We hiked back to our campsite at Havasu Falls, cleaned up, ate, and crashed. I think we left Havasu Campground around 3 a.m. It was summer and a full moon. I'll never forget the sight of that moon in the canyons hiking up to our bus. When we got to the bus, we all slept until we got to the first big city and everybody got hamburgers and french fries and chocolate shakes for lunch that day....the most delicious meal I ever had, up until that point. Good memories.

[@JerryArizona]

You're welcome. Havasupai is always an adventure. Would've loved to have seen it back then.....

[@carolleimbach6407]

The color of the water is so beautiful. Thank you for taking us here. ❤

[@azureowl682]

Wow, your filming is just beautiful. Thx so much for those nice prolonged shots & not much quick edits; really does the place justice. Have always daydreamed of making it there and this was vivid. Many thanks!

[@zaria5785]

Could Not stop staring at the falls, wildflowers, bighorn sheep, the calcified minerals hanging beside the falls and caught myself repeatedly saying “God is Great”. ❤ Breathtaking!

[@lutherrimorin7148]

Wow, such a magical place. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@TheDieselApartment]

The "old man rant" screen and beaver blooper sent me. 🤣 Thanks for the beautiful video and the laughs.

[@JerryArizona]

I definitely had to cut out the old man rant.....I may have been a little frustrated. On the plus side, I hike really fast when I'm angry.

[@Classic_DM]

Awesome journey, video, and story. Hard work and effort appreciated!

[@alisondailey3834]

Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap ~ and... standing ovation!!! So many great shots from so many angles. Hey Jerreeey - your night shot turned out just lovely; and you needed your sleep. Havasupai!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! This is such a special place. Already want to go back.

[@nathyr2282]

Wow, thank you for sharing your videos. Breathtaking views! Love it! ❤

[@hectorsantana5461]

Wow 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 All Great !!!! 🏅 And Havasupai too of course .

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Never cease to disappoint, always amazing shots and production. 💯🔥👁️

[@Ramphastos333]

The hike and descents to Mooney and Beaver: what I loved most (besides the reward of the falls) is the total lack of guardrails, barriers, etc. Just a warning sign to go at your own risk, and maybe a token rope strung between a couple bent poles. If these areas were under NPS management, there'd no doubt be a Disney-esque overkill of protective metal crap all over the place. The Havasupai? "Go and don't be stupid." Love it. Great footage, Jerry of a beautiful place. I was there years ago, I believe there had been some severe flooding since then, so it's good to see it's still a magical oasis.

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

I will never take that hike. I love seeing the waterfalls. Thanks for sharing.

[@sheahill3340]

This is absolutely stunning and the climb is terrifying.

[@faithmosio7551]

Yes! Thank you! No one talks about the hike!!!❤

[@firedog451]

Hey Jerry! Did they hike in the late 70s with my wife. We had never been to the canyon and we were young. Back then 30 folks were allowed down. We visited the rim visitor center and we saw the photos of the Mooney Falls. The girl at the visitor center said reservations are required far in advance but after a brief discussion she called and we found out we could go down on a cancellation. It was July and we rented gear and headed down. It was spectacular as always. On departure day we slept in instead of leaving at 4 Am as others did. We started our hike out around 10 and hiked in the heat. It rose to about 110 in no time. Before the last ascent my wife went into heat exhaustion. I put both packs on, front and back and pushed forward. We ran out of water and she went into heat stroke. I continued to the top and brought back down soda where she had collapsed to try and help her. She was lucky to live as was I for not being prepared. It set the tone for all other hikes I have done. Being prepared could save one’s life. We’re both lucky to be here after bad decisions from that experience. This is the short version to say the least. Crazy thing was back then is we went down there on a whim never being anywhere near the Grand Canyon before in our lives being beach kids. Got a quick lesson that lasted a lifetime about hiking! Thanks Jerry again for a great video! Always a fan

[@JerryArizona]

Wow. Yeah, that hike out is no joke. I was kinda concerned because I didn't really bring water to hike out; I figured I'd take a chopper. Bought two Gatorades at the store and headed out way too late (maybe 9:30.) But it was much cooler. Maybe a high of 80. Can't imagine in 110 degree weather! Glad you got out.

[@richardbeee]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@greathands746]

I really enjoy your videos because you do a good job of portraying not only the beauty of the places but also the effort it takes to reach them. Keep it real!

[@walkitoffarizona887]

Nothing dirtier than The Crack at Wet beaver wilderness haha ! I had no idea there were that many waterfalls down there ! Thx Jerry ! Always love to see the bees on the flowers !

[@patdewald9516]

Love your style, Jerry. Love your choice of locations. Amazing cinematography. Entertaining dialogue. Your videos ease the pain of an old broad with regret for not having discovered Southern Utah before it was tooo late to explore it.😔.

[@oldboater]

Jerry, you really know how to make an interesting & beautiful video.

[@stanmakowski1985]

Spectacular! Thanks for taking us on this trip!!

[@hooperbloop7625]

That was a good one. Great video work. thanks for taking us along.

[@michaelyates3424]

"hard feelings department" and "old man rant", been there - done that. Glad you got a good night shot of the falls. Wow those falls were epic. It was cool you got to experience it when the water was moving that fast. Mexican food is always a good ending. Thanks again

[@ettaplace6716]

Man I miss macayos here in Tucson !!! 😢it’s the best …😊

[@JerryArizona]

Right? You'd never think a chain could be good, but it is.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Wow, what scenery. And the Bighorn Sheep were awesome.

[@Kevin702]

All your videos are awesome. Loved every minute of this one. Keep it up my friend!

[@gregorya.miller4828]

Love these videos. Makes me want to move to Arizona.

[@JerryArizona]

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

[@quitajohnson7640]

We’re full! Visit and leave😂😂 jk jk!!!

[@joansidor3409]

I love your videos. This was spectacular. Thanks... Joan

[@teekay3375]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video! Thank you so much!

[@yaniragarcia6634]

Wow! What a paradise..❤

[@vennilaramyesh]

One of my dreams list, not sure when I would be lucky. Fantastic views, as always thanks Jerry for all you do....😊

[@LeslieHiles-mn9fg]

Carry fresh oranges instant Energy for the Hike back up....😂 Good friend Jody and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit

[@heathday7360]

Amazing!!! That is one beautiful place!!Thanks for the video!

[@nathanriggs1125]

I’ve watched 5 seconds and have to comment. That picture of the waterfall at night with the stars is spectacular. K…now back to the regularly scheduled awesomeness.

[@JerryArizona]

I'm already planning to go back so I can finally get a longer one. Not sure when I'd need to be there for it though since I was there one night until 11PM and got there at 2:30AM another night and there were night photographers both times. But I'll figure it out.

[@nathanriggs1125]

I look forward to seeing that. What’s really amazing is how much better the weather is when Clint doesn’t go along. Lol

[@photog1529]

I was there a few years back on a photography excursion and was able to take in all the falls. If I remember correctly, the following year had some bad storms which basically wiped out the existing Navajo Falls (at the time); the redirected flows created a 'new' Navajo Falls if memory serves me. The climb down to Mooney Falls is well worth the effort.

[@artisticwife4889]

"Get to the choppa!" I'm sorry. I really need to see the Old Guy Rant. LOL Falls were beautiful!

[@JerryArizona]

Oh, that rant would definitely get me into trouble. We'll just say I was unhappy. But I hike really fast when I'm angry, so it wasn't all bad.

[@ms.penguin6252]

I want to go to havasupai with the man I love. Havasu falls. I love your channel. Subscribed.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! Hardest part are the permits. You can check online each morning around 8AM AZ time for cancellations. Best of luck.

[@lynnlavollay]

This is the best representation of a visit I have seen. My group went Feb 29-Mar 3, 2020. What a beautiful and captivating demonstration of what it is to be at Havasupai. Thank you for investing so much time in making this amazing clip.

[@lynnlavollay]

For those of you wondering if it is worth the trip: YES! And, it was my first backpacking trip...and camping trip, though I spent a night in a tent in Joshua Tree to test out my equipment. You can do it. Just get great shoes and socks.

[@rickyrice7376]

Loved your video! Thank you for sharing this. I like ur style, "Mexican Food" and a margarita!!

[@TodHegstrom]

Thank you so much for the video. Brought back great memories. Especially the "shutes and ladders" into and out of Mooney Falls. Excellent videography!!!

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Has been on my bucket list for years! Thanks for sharing 🥾🏔🇨🇦❤️

[@climbjt]

Beyond words

[@Vanessa-VIPB]

Spectacular

[@juliojimenez-juanz6751]

Nice video brother. One of these days I will make it down there. 😃

[@GallandsAcrossTheLands]

Amazing, thanks for showing us

[@katgrrl77]

Stunning, thanks for sharing

[@veronicagrinstein1021]

Thanks for the video. Beautiful!

[@mlkriz1925]

Thanks for taking us along on your amazing hike/journey !

[@steveelliott1160]

Great Video Jerry!

[@lauragriffith4857]

Awesome video Jerry! Thank you for sharing!

[@AlanDayley]

Great shots and sharing! Thank you.

[@gaylepolovitch1951]

Wonderful adventure, thank you❤❤❤❤

[@Yeswecanoutdoors]

Bucket list for me!!!! I need to go!

[@conniel5461]

O M G. So fab thanks Jerry

[@williewestendorf868]

Great vid all the way around!!! Really enjoyed it.

[@terrivermillion8763]

WOW! 💜 your vids.

[@debborich]

Man, watching this made me seriously homesick. A few changes since 2019, still beautiful.

[@mikeunlocked]

Great video as always, adding Havasupai to my list.

[@tonics7121]

So much beauty. So much...nature.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Wow, awesome waterfalls. Thank you for sharing

[@jocelyngordon9346]

Best video yet, Mr. Arizona!

[@kalsworld2347]

Stunning. You did amazing capturing the beauty of this place. I hope it remains like this for a long time.

[@pappysproductions]

Wow. Can't wait to watch this!!!

[@milesreed]

Amazing!

[@JerryArizona]

Havasupai never disappoints.

[@JourneyToEarth]

Awesome video. Two thumbs up. Keep up the good work.

[@rlands5134fd]

Spectacular👌👍

[@westcoastislander6699]

Absolutely wonderful! I remember as a kid looking at copies of Arizona Highways magazine with pictures of the falls and the terraces at Havasupi and being mesmerized. Have always wanted to do this trip but haven't make it...yet. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@michaelhopwood1179]

Magical - thank you for sharing. Remarkably restorative just watching - must have been incredible in person.

[@BigJohnLew]

Wow. This was a great video. Appreciate all the details. Especially capturing all the falls with spectacular angles! This just moved up higher on my bucket list!

[@lostinthewilderness4242]

This could be your best paced vid yet. Looking forward to the next one. Great job

[@DyanEsoap]

So beautiful, thanks for taking us along! Carbs are life, definitely tacos and those margaritas look delicious!

[@jxreilly]

Transcendental, Jerry. Love Debussy's Clair de Lune too. You keep my Bucket List full.

[@stevebruton4248]

That’s comforting to see the rung missing from the ladder going down to Beaver. Hope I’m not hanging onto the next one to go😂

[@JerryArizona]

The ladders definitely needed some help. But they did the trick.

[@narwhal004]

I'm early in watching this, and I remember someone asking on FB how many times do they need to camp in their back yard to be "used to it"... not thinking how difficult backpacking the grand canyon would be (their ultimate goal). hahaha

[@JerryArizona]

Haha! Yeah, I've seen people dragging wheeled suitcases down there. My own step son did it as a first time and thought he was going to die. Definitely something you want to practice for.

[@AnnJSundayDrives]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful place again. This is a bucket list item for me that I'll most likely not be able to achieve, so it is great to at least be able to see it through your videos. Take care.

[@genjub533]

This was beautiful and reminded me of so many memories. I camped a week there with my boyscout troop 18years ago and it's so good to see the place has been perfectly preserved. Everything was as I remembered it and you guys did such a good job capturing the essence of this place. And the all you can eat reward at the end of a long hike/camping trip is always the best 😂

[@petemarron6677]

I hiked down the bright angel years ago when I was nine, you didn't need a permit then. Oh yeah,then I hiked back up

[@rickkrebsbach9278]

This is by far one of your best videos! Thanks for all the work you put into making it! Next time you're up in my neck of the woods... (New Paria Subdivision... near The Wave, Buckskin Gulch, South Coyote Buttes, 30 miles north of Page, AZ / Lake Powell etc.) let me know. I will cook up some carne asada tacos and make some 'real' margaritas for you and Tina.

[@eltlbit]

Omg, just beautiful thanks Jerry for sharing such a magical place. The color of the water, breathtaking. Also so good to see Tina, you know us gals from Fl ❤ Tina 😊 Much ❤🤗🤗🤗 for both of you take care...can’t wait for more videos

[@breemcbride8988]

You are such an inspiring YT creator, the videos are so well made and locations are incredible! Very cool to watch and be inspired! Thank you! Can’t wait to see your channel grow and grow and grow!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the vids.

[@SeatonBrownFineArt]

This is an exceptional video.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you!

[@macimages4215]

Wouldn’t life be better if people thought of others just for a second! Sometimes they just need someone to set an example. You just creating another entry to our bucket list…thanks!

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, it was kinda crazy. I tried to reason with them; like hey, OK, you people who want to go first even though you got here last but went to the right spot, go ahead. Let's just start the list after those people. Seemed like a good compromise. But instead everyone decided to bum rush and push everyone aside. It was a mess. But in retrospect, I'm happy I hiked out. So worth it and I'm not gonna let a little thing like that spoil my experience.

[@teeant6922]

Wow awesome video, soundtrack and post production. I just just learned of HF. Haven't hiked for a while but this no simple hike. This calls for some conditioning until the next permit season. Totally worth the pain and effort!!! Can't wait!

[@JerryArizona]

Pro-Tip - Check the website each morning (I think at 8AM AZ time). They have cancellations that go up then. And definitely want to get out and train before this one.

[@1Gwhite]

Awesome Footage 💯💯

[@josh.explores]

We've been trying to go here for years. Super jealous right now. Great video! 👍🏻

[@JerryArizona]

Check the cancellations every morning, 8AM sharp.

[@jamesikwon]

It was so cool seeing you on your hike out. Big fan. Great video as usual. Stay healthy Jerry - James

[@JerryArizona]

Wait, you saw me hiking out?

[@curleyscrewzin5622]

We are beginner hikers and would love to visit Havasupai. The water is beautiful.

[@bmwman63]

Very cool! Some gnarly hiking! That wooden ladder looked a little sketchy with the nails hanging half out. Thanks for making the video Sir. Definitely a bucket list item,...with a team of sherpas to check all the ladders.

[@JerryArizona]

I am 99% confident the ladders are not OSHA compliant. But they did the trick. You just gotta try and not think about it.

[@moniluv7974]

Absolutley amazing video ! I would love to do this hike but definitely need to prepare . Thank you for sharing

[@JerryArizona]

Hardest part is the permits. I definitely recommend looking into those as well as joining the Facebook group. Lots of good info there too.

[@joseiturbide4175]

Planning to go this weekend 😎

[@JerryArizona]

Hope you got there any had a great time.

[@joseiturbide4175]

@@JerryArizona haha super hot

[@rogerjensen6537]

Love your hikes and videos. Went down a couple years ago. Reservations a year in advance. Got there and it rained camp ground flooded. Waterfalls mud and Moody and Beaver falls were closed. So enjoyed your hike to see what we missed

[@JerryArizona]

Sorry the weather didn't work out for you. Such a bummer. Hopefully you get to go back.

[@shawnnimmer8170]

Those Big horn sheep shots are GOLD! How awesome. I went in 2005 before the floods changed Navajo falls (and before instagram). Would love to go see it now!

[@JerryArizona]

I can't believe how close they came. I didn't figure I'd see any, and here comes a bunch right down the trail. They didn't care that people were there at all.

[@desert-walker]

I plan on going back soon. Great place😊 great video.

[@JerryArizona]

If you haven't, go to their website and check out their new 'lottery' system. I guess they have an early lottery this year opening 1/5. Not sure how well it works, but I just got an e mail about it. Every little trick helps for permits here.

[@martinforrester8249]

What a special place. I wasn't able to visit, tried to book a site from Kingman but all lines were down because of flash floods Sept 1997. Next best thing is to follow you Jerry. Oldtimer Englishman no longer able to travel like I used to.

[@walternowak9984]

Grest video! Salt Trail next, PLEASE!!!!

[@JerryArizona]

Been on the list for a while now, just never panned out. It WILL happen though.

[@BaryNusz]

Every time I watch your videos, I have an overwhelming urge to go eat Mexican food!!!

[@JerryArizona]

I have that feeling all the time.

[@JSees]

We had the horse guides carry our packs down and back. That was in 1989 and it was $40. For both our packs going down down! It was a slog getting back up in the sun, but the packs were light on that side of the trip. This was when there were 5 pools at the bottom of that first falls, same color but more picturesque. Great trip , such amazing scenery.

[@Don-md6wn]

Wow, just spectacular. I've seen pictures of a couple of the waterfalls, but I didn't realize that many. Nor did I realize how pretty the hike was. I have never backpacked so likely will never do this hike, but it sure is tempting. I'm a waterfall junkie who has photographed hundreds of them, but these are the most beautiful collection of falls I've seen in one area.

[@tytraveling917]

You don’t need to backpack. There is a lodge down there you can book. You can also take the chopper up and down. So technically, you could visit and do minimal hiking.

[@JerryArizona]

Try backpacking! I love it. Start with something easy and work up from there. It's honestly not that bad. And like the other commenter said, there are ways around it. You can also have them take your packs in and out with the horses.