Ask anyone who's done it and they will tell you that hiking Havasupai Falls is one of the most amazing and memorable experiences imaginable. The last time i hiked to Havasu Falls, I quickly sat down and compiled a list of tips and things I learned and now I will share my list with you :). If this is your first time, here are some great tips and tricks to ensure the best experience possible!
- Bring quality water shoes if you plan to hike to Beaver Falls / The confluence
- Temps at the campground are about 8-10 degrees warmer than in the village of Supai
- Bring cash for Fry Bread and Food in the Village. Trust Me!!
- Bring Moleskin - Walking 12+ miles with full pack weight can lead to blisters
- Injinji socks are also great to layer under regular socks for blister prevention
- The best campgrounds are across the creek, and then toward Mooney Falls
- The best bridge to cross the creek is just past the 3rd restrooms on the left.
- There are tons of fuel canisters people leave so no need to bring extra fuel; one full canister should suffice for most situations
- No need for a tent stake hammer - the ground is easy to drive stakes into
- Try walking barefoot to build up callouses for a few weeks before the trip. It is hard on your feet.
- Good footwear and socks are essential - again, bring moleskin!
- Consider having pack taken down by the mule train to save your feet if you plan to hike a lot during your stay after the 12 mile hike in
- Do not hang packs or anything with food from trees as the plentiful mice that live in the trees at campsites will easily get into your backpack or chew thru Ziplock bags and find your food. Make sure to hang them on clotheslines and USE A RATSACK!
- Using a OPSAK (smell proof bag) for food storage is also really smart
- The water at fern spring is awesome! A filter bag is nice to have if you plan to hike to Beaver Falls or the confluence and want to pack less weight, but if you are filtering from Fern Springs at the campgrounds, you can forego a water filter.
- Bring a lightweight daypack to pack into your backpacking rig for day hikes
- Wake up early to beat the sun on your hike in ,and hike out; we woke up at 4:30am and left at 5:30am in November and it was perfect. I would leave an hour or 2 earlier in warmer months.
- It took 4:45 out and 5 hours in..go figure! Leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the trail and try your best to beat the sun!
I hope this list is helpful and please don't hesitate to reach out if we can ever answer in question you may have. Our mission is to help others enjoy the magic of outdoor adventures.
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