Paradise on Earth — Havasupai Falls
**ALL photos below were captured with my camera or a cellphone and/or provided by others**
Havasu Falls
This is not going to be a “HOW TO GO TO HAVASUPAI” kind of post. That will come later, but I am willing to respond to any questions!
This trip blew my mind! The recent expedition to Havasupai, nestled 3,000ft deep within the majestic expanse of the Grand Canyon, provided an exhilarating experience. This hidden gem, known as a waterfall oasis, is situated within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The indigenous tribe residing in this enchanting village are named after their sacred land – Ha (representing water), vasu (symbolizing blue), and pai (referring to people). The arduous yet rewarding 10-mile hike into Havasupai is met with a beautiful village, which oversees the management of the campground, hiking trails, and permits. The opportunity to secure a permit through the lottery system grants fortunate individuals four days and three nights to explore the beauty of this enchanting sanctuary. Havasupai's beauty is one of the planet's most breathtaking destinations, a sentiment that was reaffirmed by my own awe-struck eyes as they captured the natural wonders of this paradise. The sight was truly nothing short of mesmerizing! It brought peace like no other!
This may be controversial, but I am glad the access to this place it’s not easy and very limited, otherwise, people would’ve made a resort out of it by now. It’s amazing the tribe allow US visitors to enjoy their sacred land and waterfalls!
(Prefix: I’m the single friend whose friends are always inviting on trips because I can, and I have the flexibility to do it.) I am always open to spur-of-the-moment travels due to my flexible-life-schedule. The “genesis” of this particular journey began back in January, when a message from my dear friend, Leslie, stirred excitement only the mountains can cause. In her text, she explained she had secured permits for a hike to "Havasupai Falls" in beautiful Arizona. I soon realized that this was the very place that I had been saving reels-of-must-visit on Instagram. Without hesitation, I responded to Leslie's text, "Sign me up!", eager to begin this adventure.
Day one:
Cavern Inn
On March 16th, our journey to Havasupai commenced as we flew into DFW from Arkansas, only to be met with an unforeseen delay of nearly eight hours. Determined, we made the airport our temporary home for the night, prepared with our backpacking gear that enabled us to “enjoy” the unexpected delay. Following a restless night, we finally boarded our flight to Las Vegas, marking the commencement of our long-awaited adventure. Upon arrival, we got our rental vehicle, enjoyed breakfast at a nearby Cracker Barrel, and made essential pit stops at REI and Walmart to stock up on last-minute supplies. Shortly after, we embarked on our journey, leaving the cityscape behind as the mountains appeared ahead, giving us a glimpse of the extraordinary experiences that awaited us in our adventure in the wilderness.
Our journey led us to our initial destination, the Caverns Inn in Peach Springs, AZ, along the iconic Route 66. The drive on this scenic route offered many beautiful glimpses of Arizona's landscapes. Upon our arrival at Caverns Inn, we were greeted by cool vintage signs, Route 66 signs, classic vintage vehicles, and towering dinosaur figures.
Due to our lengthy drive, Leslie and I opted to experience a dining experience at the on-site restaurant within Caverns Inn. Operating exclusively for lunch and dinner service, the modest menu features classic American meals such as burgers and wings. We settled in for a delicious meal, with me treating myself to a burger, fries, and a refreshing drink, at a total of $19.00. The Inn provides a one mile walking trail to this restaurant, but we chose to drive.
Once Leslie dropped me off at my room, I began to repack my backpack. I had been awake for almost 40 hours and I was a ‘tired-dawg’…
Day two:
Wake up call
In the predawn hours of 4:00 A.M., my alarm went off, loudly-announcing the start of our journey into the Grand Canyon. I pushed myself out of bed and jumped in the shower. Suddenly, at 5 A.M., I heard knocks on my door accompanied with excited-chants from Leslie. I open the door to find her standing there - pants, a Carhart beanie, gloves, and a puffy jacket - ready to tackle a winter storm. I, on the other hand, was found in short tiger-striped shorts, a crossfit t-shirt, and a hat, battling the freezing temperatures we had that morning. My reasoning behind this choice was simple: I preferred to endure a brief period of discomfort, rather than pausing to shed layers, plus, I hate taking off my pack. As we set out with 25-40lbs of gear on our backs, the brisk air slapped my face.
Hiking Down the Canyon
Once we arrived at Hilltop we took a few photos and we excitedly started our 10mi hike down the canyon through switchbacks until the trail flattened.
Blessings in Disguise
As Leslie and I trekked through the terrain, maybe 6-miles into our hike, we stumbled upon a lovely couple sitting against a rock, capturing a moment with a selfie. It was here when we first met Tyler and Emili. If you know me, I engaged in a conversation with them, they revealed that they were commemorating their one-year anniversary in the stunning Grand Canyon.
I offered to take a photograph of them with my camera, a gesture that resonated with gratitude from Tyler and Emili. Our paths would cross again further along the trail and even at our campsite.
Tyler and Emili DePriest
Before you get to camp, you will walk through Havasupai Village, this is where the Havasupai tribe live. We respected the tribe's traditions and guidelines by refraining from capturing any photos or videos within the village. (and wearing a mask if people are still doing that)
Soon after the village we started getting glimpses of ALL the waterfalls we would be seeing and swimming in!
Creek coming from 50’ and Navajo Falls.
As we descended down the hill, the sound of rushing water grew louder, letting us know our approach to the breathtaking sight of Havasu Falls - the first waterwall you will see soon after Navajo Falls. Unbeknownst to us, we found ourselves walking side by side with this natural wonder as you can see in the video below!
Camp
If I’m being honest, I wanted to set up our tents on the first campgrounds we saw. But Leslie encouraged me to walk farther and find a better spot. I’m glad she did! We had the best spot as you can see below! (If you are planning a trip to Havasupai, keep walking to the end of the campground area or until you get to the last bathroom, perhaps 200’ from Mooney Falls. You will find the best spots to camp!)
After we set up camp and replenished our hydration packs we were free to explore and hike! Once down in the valley there are several hikes that will give you beautiful sights of blue waterfalls. Immediately after dropping our heavy packs Les and I hiked back to the top of Havasu Falls to get us some Indian Fry Bread/Indian Tacos! We were hungry!!
A group of ladies from the village have a small stand at the top of Havasu Falls. This is where they sell their famous fry bread/Indian Tacos! CASH ONLY.
Day Three:
Mooney Falls
On this day we set out to explore Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. At the top of Mooney Falls we met another sweet and lovable couple, the Churches, Grafton and Madison (@Mtn.Goals). We chatted for a few minutes about our day-plans and they mentioned they were going to attempt to hike to the Confluence (8-9 mi from our campground). (Remember Tyler and Emili from earlier?)The night before, Tyler and Emili had mentioned they would be attempting to hike to the Confluence as well. On this morning we gave the Churches specific descriptions of Tyler and Emili in case they would run into them, and wished them luck!
Grafton and Madison Church! A sweet-lovable couple. Our new friends!
After settling into our campground and our first night, we discovered that Mooney Falls was a few hundred feet away. Towering at 90 feet, this majestic waterfall offered an epic adventure as we prepared to descend down a rock tunnel, navigate a series of wooden ladders, and brave the chains that would lead us to the creek below where the waterfall cascaded into the creek.
Once down below, we changed into our water shoes, ready to enjoy the cool, refreshing waters that awaited us. Finding a picnic table nearby, we sat down to enjoy a snack while admiring Mooney Falls and its powerful cascades in front of us.
Hike to Beaver Falls
Views to Beaver Falls
A couple things: I slipped and fell twice during this short travesty from Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls. One of those times I fell into a water-hole. All-the-way-in. My fourth baptism — one I’ll always cherish! Needless to say, I was very happy to be back at the top!
Since we had not heard from Tyler and Emily, we decided to find the Churches’ campground and ask if they had seen our friends, Tyler and Emili. To our surprise, they met each other at the Confluence and they hiked back together. Great!! That night we all met at the Churches’ campground and had dinner! We got to interact with each other, we talked, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other better!
Day Four:
The Havasu SIX!
The night before we had invited our NEW friends over to our campground for breakfast. We also found out it was Emili’s birthday on this day! Soon after eating breakfast (and singing happy birthday to Emili) we planned our last full day and we decided we wanted to spend it together! We hiked up to the village for some lunch at their Cafe and amazing views. Soon after lunch we started our hike back down to swim at 50ft Falls. At 50ft Falls we took photos and laughed a whole lot! Not too far from 50ft Falls you will find Navajo Falls, which I think this is a small version of 50ft Falls! We also decided to spend the rest of our evening at Havasu Falls and swim! It was truly AN AMAZING TIME!
Back at camp, we all met at the Churches’ campground and shared one last supper. On this night we knew we had made friends FOR LIFE, and even though it may be months, perhaps years until we see each other again, we knew the bond we had created in just a few days was going to be engraved in our hearts forever! We talked about the highlights, we talked about how God orchestrated this trip purposely for us to meet, and we also prayed. We also encouraged each other..and without they knowing, they encouraged me and my weary soul...
Following our evening meal, we opted to go on a stroll to Mooney Falls. Envision this captivating scene: the moon radiating its luminous glow, illuminating the night sky adorned with twinkling stars, serving as a reminder of our existence and how small we are! While enjoying the luminosity of the moonlight, we discovered the capabilities of our smartphones in capturing nighttime photographs. Enjoy the following photo-dump from this day!
Day Five:
The Final “See You Later”
On our last day I didn’t capture any of our day. My words fall short in capturing the profound beauty and magic we had experienced. I have come to realize that this place goes beyond photos; it demands to be felt and lived. As a photographer I’ve tried to use my platforms to give you the same experience but I realized it will not be possible. You have to experience Havasupai!
Upon learning of the village's provision for helicopter rides, the thought of soaring above the canyon beckoned to us, and we embarked on this last experience within the village. Soon after our flight, we all met at at Road Kill, nestled along the iconic Route 66. Post-lunch, we took one last group photograph against the backdrop of the historic 66 sign, wherein heartfelt farewells were exchanged before we parted ways. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later...
MAY WE NEVER FORGET THE AWE OF WITNESSING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME
The Havasu Six
