Hiking To Havasupai? Top 10 Questions Answered!

We recently had an amazing adventure in Supai, Arizona when we visited the Havasupai Reservation. The incredible waterfalls there (Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Navajo Falls, and 50 Foot Falls), along with the beautiful blue-green colors of Havasu Creek, make this wonderful place a must for just about any hiker! You'll need to be in decent shape as a typical visit here (on average during a 3 night/4 day stay) will include a lot of miles hiking (depending on how many sights you want to see).
Since we returned from our visit (in mid-February, 2023), we've had a lot of questions from other hikers. In this video we're going to answer 10 questions we've received that relate to what to bring, where to camp, where to go, and other issues.
One thing specific to 2023 to keep in mind: there are NO NEW PERMITS available this year. There will be new permits available next year, but if you want to visit in 2023 you'll need to obtain a permit through the TRANSFER BOARD (visit www.havasupaireservations.com for more details).
1. How much water will I need to bring with me? (:43)
2. Are there any rules while in the campground or when hiking? (1:22)
3. How much room is there for camping? What are the best spots? (1:44)
4. Can anyone do the Mooney Falls climb? (2:13)
5. What is the process to check in to hike to Supai? (2:51)
6. Do the cafe and general store accept credit cards? (3:22)
7. How much is the helicopter and what is the process to sign up? (3:57)
8. How much does it cost for a mule to haul my pack? (4:32)
9. Are you allowed to have a campfire? (5:05)
10. How many miles can I expect to hike while I'm there? (5:33)
You can also visit the Havasupai Tribe's official website for more information: www.theofficialhavasupaitribe... (there is more detailed information available regarding the cost for mules, limitations, etc.).
We hope this short video helps to address some basic questions and sets your mind at ease for your upcoming visit! Please visit us at www.cupcakeandcornbread.com for fun and adventure!

[@ervinslens]

Breathtaking scenery my friend. This looks and sounds so powerful! Brilliantly executed 🔥

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Thanks a lot!

[@michellejohnson9741]

Wow, we are so excited to see

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

It is amazing!

[@nelsonsoaresusa]

All excellent questions.

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@vs123]

Wow very beautiful water falls

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Yes they are!

[@wrxs1781]

Great video, and you seem to have covered most of the bases. Also when you were at Hvasupai it was presumably of season.

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

They reopened the campground (and visits) on Feb. 1 this year after being closed for several years. We were fortunate to get permits so quickly, so we just took the first available. It was a little chilly, but not too bad - I'm sure it's even more beautiful in the spring!

[@srivenkat3142]

Wow, the falls are amazing. I see that everyone is carrying a hiking stick, is it a must ? I hv been to the narrows, yes that hike needs a stick. But not sure about this.

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

I don't think you "need" a stick unless you have certain limitations (bad knees, older, etc.). It definitely helped Cupcake on the hike down, though!

[@srivenkat3142]

@@CupcakeandCornbread ok Thank u

[@Amotleymind]

Thanks for this information! Great footage too! 😍 Do you feel like you needed leg gaiters for snake protection while hiking?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

I'm sure going into Spring and Summer you'll probably need extra protection, especially hiking from Mooney to Beaver Falls, but we didn't use any - it was still pretty cold when we were there.

[@tfeltonscake]

Hi! Thanks for the awesome and informative videos! I’m wondering are there helicopter rides everyday or only on certain days?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

It's not every day - from what I recall it's about 4 days a week. We were there Thursday through Sunday and I know the helicopter didn't fly on Saturday. You can contact the tribe and I'm sure they'll be able to give more information! I'm pretty sure their website is www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com - thanks for stopping by!

[@onthetrail6523]

Great video. This is definitely a bucket list location for us. The water color is amazing ❤️

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

It really is beautiful!

[@MayaQuinnisHappity]

Thanks for the video! Heading up next week and noticed the sign posted in the cafe mentioned no hiking to the confluence at this time. I couldn’t find anything online from the tribe or other hikers regarding this - any insight? Is this outdated? I know there was some new flooding this weekend as well, so you may not have any better idea than I!

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

We were there in early February and we saw several people passing us when we were at Beaver Falls heading to the confluence. With all the flooding there recently I'm sure it's a concern - I saw where several people had to be rescued! Hope the weather improves and you're able to hike down - it will be amazing!

[@richie5930]

Thank You great video… just wandering if end of may will be too hot to go here ?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

I've heard it can get very hot, but I'd go back then if I had the chance! There is ample shade in the campground (assuming the recent/ongoing flood doesn't do too much damage) and the towering canyon walls prevent the suns rays from reaching the canyon floor in a lot of spots. I'm sure the hike in and out will be a challenge, but it will be worth it. You'll have free access to plenty of water at Fern Spring, so stay hydrated and have fun!

[@o0opatricia]

Hi! I’m curious as what you used to store food? New to camping and don’t want to buy a bear canister or anyhting fancy. Thanks!

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

We didn't bring anything other than a few ziploc bags to store most of our food, then kept them in Cupcake's backpack. I've heard you might have to watch out for "critters" in the Spring onward, but we were there in early February and didn't have any issues. A bear canister seems extreme (for Havasupai), but you can probably check REI, BassPro Shops, etc., to see what's available - it certainly wouldn't hurt to have options! Thanks for stopping by!

[@lisathrush1767]

Are there any bathroom facilities on the trail into/out of the canyon?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Nothing on the trail - you'll have a vault toilet at hilltop, but no "actual" facilities until you get to town. You'll have several basic bathrooms in the campground, but like I said, "basic".

[@fabiolamorales1128]

Hi, thanks for the video, just a question, when it's the best time to visit this place?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Depends - we visited in early February of this year and it was still cold at night, but there weren't too many people. It gets very hot in the summer, plus it seems they get a lot more visitors then too. If you're able to go, regardless of the time of year, go - the place is magical and you'll have an amazing time!

[@fabiolamorales1128]

@@CupcakeandCornbread oh my goodness thank you for replying. God bless, I really digging about this and planning to go 😊

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

Have fun!

[@shiverthespinemusic621]

Hi, how's the road to Havasupai now. It's been 30 years since I took it. Is it paved now? Is 4 wheel drive needed? Thank you

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

The road to Hilltop is paved, but then you hike down the 8+ miles to Supai. The paved road has some wear, but it wasn’t too bad!

[@JuicyIsland]

Did you need a canister for food to avoid critters?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

We didn't have any issues, but it's my understanding they're more common in the Spring - we were there in early February and it was still pretty cold.

[@JuicyIsland]

@@CupcakeandCornbread awesome thank you😊

[@brittnilynn0]

Did you have to wear a mask while in the village? I believe the current rules say you have to, so wondering if they enforce that?

[@CupcakeandCornbread]

It was "suggested" when we were there, but no one (tribe members included) wore them. We did wear gaiters while walking through the village, but it was also pretty cold (so we didn't mind it a bit). Keep in mind this was in February of this year, so I don't know if anything has changed.

[@alkaholic2166]

Some good alternatives to all the political b.s. on

[@janetfowler8634]

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOOD DO NOT USE THE MULES.... don't be lazy people. They ABUSE the hell out of the horses/mules -do your research