Guest Author - Jill Florio

If you have the time for the 3-day trip down to Havasupai, Valentine’s would be an ideal time to make the journey. The scenery below Mooney and Havasu Falls are more Carribean than Sonoran, with crystaline white cascades, sparkling turquoise rimstone pools and thunderous 200-foot falls. An ideal honeymoon spot!


Mooney Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation
(long, moderate, last 1/2 mile is strenuous)

Take Interstate 40 from Flagstaff to Seligman and follow Old Route 66 past the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn. Turn left at the signed Hualapai Hilltop road (Indian Route 18).

While the hike is lengthy (11 miles), the trail down Havasu Canyon is fairly level, with the only major elevation loss along the first and last miles. This dusty trail is well-marked and passes through the village of Supai, 8 miles into the canyon. There are two small markets here for supplies, a café, the lodge and a post office, and lots of children, mules and dogs.

Hike 2 more miles to Havasu Falls for some ultra-tropical swimming action, and continue the last mile (past the campground) down the thrilling cable descent to twin-streamed Mooney Falls.

Mule rides to Supai Village are available, as an adventurous alternative to hiking. Camping and lodging is by reservation only. Call the Havasupai tribes’ offices at 928-448-2120. Keep calling until someone answers the phone: the Havasupai will not return messages. Or click to http://www.touristoffice@havasupaitribe.com.