Havasupai Indian Reservation, Supai, Arizona, United States
Havasu Falls, Arizona
A waterfall on Havasupai tribal land, reached by a trail from Hualapai Hilltop
- 188,077 acres of canyon landHavasupai Reservation
- 8 miles on footHualapai Hilltop to Supai Village
- $455 per person for 3 nights2026 campground permit
Overview
Havasu Falls lies within Havasupai tribal lands. Supai is a census-designated place in Coconino County, Arizona, and it sits within the Grand Canyon on the valley floor. The Havasupai Reservation was established in 1880 and substantially enlarged in 1975. The falls are located at 36°15′18″N, 112°41′52″W, which is 36.255 latitude and -112.697778 longitude in decimal degrees.
Location and key measures
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Havasupai Reservation area | 188,077 acres of canyon land |
| Drainage basin of Havasu Creek | about 3,000 square miles |
| Havasu Falls coordinates | 36.255 latitude and -112.697778 longitude, in decimal degrees |
| Main chute cliff height | 90 to 100 feet |
| Elevation at Hualapai Hilltop trailhead | 5,200 feet |
The 188,077 acres is canyon land on the reservation. The Hualapai Hilltop trailhead sits at 5,200 feet, and the walk from there to Supai Village covers 8 miles. Havasu Creek's drainage basin is about 3,000 square miles.
Why visit
Havasu Falls drops over one main chute, which is a vertical cliff. The tribal permit site gives the water temperature as approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year. The guidance says warmer months suit time in the water. The official suggested itinerary places the lower waterfalls, Havasu, Mooney and Beaver, on day 2 of the trip.
Permits and bookings
A reservation is needed by all hikers and campers, and a day trip on foot is not permitted. A campground permit for 2026 is $455 per person and covers a 3-night term. One campground booking can hold up to 12 permits. Helicopter seats cannot be reserved in advance and go to whoever arrives first.
Services, access and wildlife
The route is steep, rocky and remote, and it has no wheelchair-accessible paths. At Hualapai Hilltop the spaces are limited, and overflow parking runs along the access road. Bears are absent from Supai, although smaller animals will go after food and trash. The campground has no electricity.
When to go
The stated timing centers on two periods: a monsoon season with floods, and cooler months that the tribe describes as suited to hiking and exploring.
Best time to visit
Best time to visitMonsoon season and flooding
The entrance permit rules place the monsoon season from June to September, and they note that floods can happen at any time of year. A separate summary gives the summer monsoon as July through September, with an increased chance of rain and flash flooding. Tourists were evacuated from Supai on August 17 and 18, 2008, in flooding of Havasu Creek.
Cooler months and daily timing
The guidance is to plan hikes in and out for early morning, when it is cooler, and warmer months are the ones that suit time in the water.
How to get there
The turnoff from Route 66 onto Indian Road 18 is about 5 miles west of Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn. From that turnoff, the road runs about 60 miles to the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, and the trail from there to Supai Village covers 8 miles. Indian Road 18 is paved, and the tribe advises at least 1.5 hours for the drive to the trailhead.
Getting there
Getting thereRoad and trail distances
| Segment or service | Figure |
|---|---|
| Route 66 turnoff to Hualapai Hilltop trailhead on Indian Road 18 | about 60 miles |
| Hualapai Hilltop trailhead to Supai Village on foot | 8 miles |
| Gas stations in Peach Springs and Seligman, from the trailhead | about 70 to 90 miles |
| Time advised for the drive on Indian Road 18 | at least 1.5 hours |
| Closest electric vehicle charging station | Kingman, Arizona |
The gas station figures are measured from the trailhead.
Where to stay
The nearest town with services, including gas, food and water, is Peach Springs. Hualapai Hilltop offers none of those services.
Where to stay
Where to stayLodge and campground
Lodge rooms with two queen beds, covered by a lodge permit, hold up to four adults. Inside the designated campground area, a tent may be pitched at any spot. Camping is allowed only in designated areas, and campground sites are assigned first-come, first-served.
A refund of 50% of the permit fee applies to cancellations made at least 90 days before the permit start date, and the early access fee sits outside that refund.
Common questions
Is day hiking into Havasupai allowed?
No. A day hike in is not permitted, and all hikers and campers need a reservation.
How long is a Havasupai booking?
Bookings run 4 days and 3 nights.
How far is the walk from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village?
The walk covers 8 miles of trail.
Can helicopter seats be reserved?
No. Seats are first-come, first-served and cannot be booked ahead.
What does the 2026 campground permit cost?
The fee is $455 per person for a 3-night term.
When does the monsoon season run?
According to the entrance permit rules, the monsoon runs June through September, and floods are possible at any time of year.
Is parking available at Hualapai Hilltop?
Spaces there are limited, and overflow parking is provided along the access road.
How much of the permit fee is refunded on cancellation?
A 50% refund of the permit fee applies to cancellations made at least 90 days before the permit start date, with the early access fee excluded.
Related pages
Sources
- Homepage - Havasupai Reservations
- FAQs - Havasupai Reservations
- Havasu Falls
- Supai, Arizona
- About Supai
- Havasu Creek
- What is the best time of year to visit? – Havasupai Reservation Support
- Havasupai Entrance Permit Rules and Regulations - Havasupai Reservations
- Havasupai Tribe Reservation - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)