Category Archives: Southwest

The Extraordinary Experience of the Navajo Nation

Encompassing three states – Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah – and 27,000 square miles (17,544,500 acres), the Navajo Nation is the single largest Native American reservation in the United States. Yet, despite extraordinary natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and unique culture and traditions – Diné Bikéyah, or “Navajoland” – is often overlooked as one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Southwest.

Don’t make the same mistake. While it is impossible to experience everything the Navajo Nation has to offer in just one (or two) days, there is always something to do and somewhere to explore for those that love adventure, the outdoors and Native American culture.

The Story of the Navajo

Like many tribes of the Southwest, Navajos are believed to have migrated to the high Colorado plateau roughly 900 years ago, eventually settling in most of what is now northern Arizona, western New Mexico, southern Colorado and Utah. They gave their land the name of Diné tah, and called themselves Dine’, literally translated in their native Navajo language as “The People.”

The Navajo people have a long history of having to fight for their land and way of life since arriving in what is now known as the Four Corners. In the 19th century, they often fought the Spaniards from Mexico as well as the Pueblos. With the end of the Mexican-American War in February 1848, the United States annexed the territories where the Navajo lived.

Unfortunately, what followed was a terrible chapter in both Navajo and American history. Led by Col. Kit Carson, Navajo land was burned and animals were slaughtered, starving the Navajo people into submission. In the Spring of 1864, of the nearly 8,000 that were left, Navajo prisoners were forced to walk 300 miles to Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner, New Mexico – what is now known as “The Long Walk.”

Many Navajos did not survive the journey, including women and children. Many more died during their imprisonment. Only four years later were the Navajo allowed to return to their homeland with the signing of the Treaty of 1868. At the time, the Navajo reservation recognized by the United States government was limited to Fort Defiance, Chinle, Many Farms and Shiprock. However it has since expanded to what is now the largest Tribal reservation in the country.

Today, the capital of the Navajo Nation is Window Rock, Arizona, located about 25 miles northwest of Gallup, New Mexico. With much of the Navajo reservation considered a desert landscape, temperatures tend to be very high in the summer months, with monsoons sometimes bringing flash floods and dust storms. However, the weather during the rest of the year is mostly sunny – which makes most of the tourists planning trips to the Navajo Nation quite happy.

Who are the Dine`?

The Navajo people are a very spiritual people, many of whom still live by the traditions and customs that the Dine’ have practiced on their land for centuries. They have a deep connection to the land, which is considered sacred, and believe that the universe and all within it are harmonious with one another.

The Navajo believe that there exists the Holy People and the Earth People. The Earth People – such as the Dine – care for the land and seek to maintain balance and harmony, expressed by the word “hozho,” while the Holy People watch over them. The Dine’ elders believe their arrival on the earth is a part of the story of creation, passing through three different worlds before emerging into this world, The Fourth World, or Glittering World.

It is believed that centuries ago the Holy People taught the Diné the proper way to live, to treat one another, and treat Mother Earth as well as every living thing on it. The number four has been held sacred by the Holy People, as the number exists throughout Navajo culture. There were the first four clans. There are four sacred mountains in four different directions, Mt. Blanca to the east, Mt. Taylor to the south, San Francisco Peak to the west and Mt Hesperus to the north. The four directions are represented by four colors: White Shell represents the east, Turquoise the south, Yellow Abalone the west, and Jet Black the north.

Navajo religion emphasizes rituals to restore the harmony, balance and beauty of the universe when it is disrupted by death, tragedy (such as natural disasters), or other unnatural forces. Each ritual is inspired by the legends of the Dine and the Holy People, traveling through different worlds, the mountains, the sun and the moon.

The Natural Wonders of the Navajo Nation

Monument Valley

If you appreciate awe-inspiring natural landmarks and breathtaking views in every direction, it’s hard to go wrong once you set foot on the Navajo Nation.

One of the most famous of these landmarks is Monument Valley, widely considered the most photographed place on the face of the Earth.

Monument Valley Tribal Park, known by the Navajo as Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii or “Valley of the Rocks,” was created by the Navajo Tribal Council in 1958 and encompasses nearly 92,000 acres. No matter where you stand in the park, the view has to be seen to be believed. Sandstone towers spread out as far as the eye can see, reaching heights as high as 1,000 feet and surrounded by naturally eroded rocks, mesas, buttes and other structures carved out over the millennia.

Geologists say that the plateau that is Monument Valley was once a ravine. Over the course of millions of years, layers of sediment that eroded from the mountains settled and cemented in the basin while pressure from beneath the surface created the towers you see today. Natural erosion of the surfaces of plateau over that time, flash foods and wind erosion mostly, also created the unique natural colors and layers that make the park a must-add to any photographer’s or nature lover’s bucket list.

Unsurprisingly, this incredible natural wonder has served as a backdrop for several movies, including the John Wayne classics Stagecoach and The Searchers. Fans of the world famous photographer Ansel Adams will recognize Monument Valley in his work as well.

Antelope Canyon

We’ve written extensively about the world famous canyon known as Antelope Canyon – otherwise known as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, approximately 7.5 miles in length, with two points of entry – known as Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Slot canyons are canyons that are significantly deeper than they are wide, formed from the erosion of water flowing vertically through the sandstone with tremendous force – usually the result of flash flooding.

To most English-speaking tourists, Upper Antelope Canyon is simply called “The Crack” but the Navajo know it as Tsé bighánílíní or “the place where water runs through rocks.” Upper Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon entrance with approximately 120-foot-high walls and a quarter of a mile long. Of the two slot canyon entryways, it is the more popular tourist attraction simply because there are no steep ladders to climb (the entrance is above ground) or narrow passageways to navigate. Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for the beams of sunlight that cascade down into the canyon when the sun is at its highest point.

Lower Antelope Canyon has been given the English nickname “The Corkscrew” while the Navajo term referencing it is “Hazdistazí” for “spiral rock arches.” It is a shallower V-shaped canyon that is so narrow along the surface that it is actually barely visible until the visitor is practically standing on top of the entrance.

Lower Antelope Canyon is more difficult to access, as one has to climb down ladders to get to the bottom. However, once the visitor reaches the bottom, the views in every direction are simply extraordinary, and have provided the inspiration for countless photos and screensavers for decades. The sweeping, sprawling carvings throughout the ancient Navajo sandstone, which get their signature fiery color from iron oxide, reflect from the sunlight at almost any angle, at any time of day.

Today, both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are two of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the Southwest, with over a million visitors every year.

Canyon de Chelly

One of the most culturally significant national parks in the United States, Canyon de Chelly National Monument is considered to be the longest continually inhabited land by Native people in North America. Puebloans (Anasazi) have farmed and hunted these sacred lands dating as far back as 5,000 years ago, as well as the Hopi who grew peach orchards near the cliffs. Navajo have inhabited the area for an estimated 400 years and around 40 Navajo families still do to this day.

Canyon de Chelly can easily become an all-day adventure for tourists. It is 26 miles of cliffs – (ranging between 30 and 1200 feet) – monuments, Anasazi ruins as well as modern Navajo homes. There are countless geologic formations with tremendous cultural and spiritual significance, along with the breathtaking mountain and desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. For those who love to explore history and culture, the canyon contains extraordinary ancient architecture and artifacts, and is home to one of the largest concentrations of pictographs and petroglyphs in North America.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument was established as a national park in 1931 by President Herbert Hoobver to preserve its rich archaeological heritage, built over the course of thousands of years of human habitation. The National Park Service, Navajo Nation, and canyon community work together to manage park resources and preserve the sacred land and archaeological treasures. The name Chelly is a Spanish take on the Navajo word Tséyi’, which means “canyon.” It is one of the most visited national parks in America.

There are several ways to visit the park. Official Navajo guides offer hiking or horseback tours, while some even offer four wheeling excursions. It simply depends on the amount of time you wish to spend in the canyon. There is also a “shake and bake” tour offered by Thunderbird Lodge where visitors tour the canyon on a flatbed truck with a Navajo guide explaining the meaning and history behind the cliff art and ruins.

You don’t have to plan too far ahead for one of these options. Some Navajo guides will be available in the visitors center or in the parking lot, waiting to be hired.

There are also a number of free ranger-led programs, which includes guided hikes into the canyons. These are available between Memorial Day and Labor Day every year, and are increasingly popular among tourists.

However, one of the best ways to experience Canyon de Chelly is from one of two scenic rim drives, the North Rim Drive and the South Rim Drive, each involving a 30 mile round trip from the visitor center. It won’t feel like 30 miles, simply because the scenery is so incredible, especially in the mornings as the sun rises, and there are several overlooks where you can park and take it all in. Some overlooks have official trails you can hike – accompanied by a guide of course – to explore the natural and historic wonders up close.

The 10 overlooks of Canyon de Chelly

For those that love to take a scenic drive, there are (officially) ten overlooks for visitors to stop and enjoy along the way. Seven are along the South Rim Drive while the other three are along the North Rim. All overlooks are either right next to the road or not far from it, and stopping at all ten shouldn’t take more than four hours without feeling rushed.

All the overlooks are worth your time, but some stand out more than others. The South Rim Drive is more popular among tourists simply because of the incredible natural beauty and scenic views. However, the North Rim Drive is better suited for those that have an interest in Navajo history and ancient structures or ruins.

For example, on the North Rim there is the Ledge Ruin Overlook, which as the name implies, features the Ledge Ruin – a remnant of the Pueblos that lived there nearly 1,000 years ago.

There is also the Antelope House Overlook, which features ancient ruins and wall art after a quarter mile hike over rimrock. The antelope paintings along the cliffs, which gives the ruins their name, are truly fascinating and well preserved.

On the South Rim, there is Junction Overlook, where Canyon del Muerto joins Canyon de Chelly. There are two sets of ruins visible, near the foot of the north rim walls – Junction Ruin, and First Ruin. Also two Anasazi villages are visible from the overlook.

The next stop from Junction Overlook is White House Overlook, which – again as you might have guessed – allows you to see the White House Ruin, the largest ruin in the canyon. What makes this overlook special is it is the only opportunity to hike into Canyon de Chelly without hiring a guide – a 600 foot journey right to the White House Ruins which – again – date back nearly a 1000 years. Outside of this one trail, access to the floor of Canyon de Chelly is prohibited unless accompanied by an official guide or tour.

And of course there is the Spider Rock Overlook — which at an elevation of 7,000 feet – offers the most breathtaking view of all the overlooks. From here, you look out over the junction of Canyon de Chelly and Monument Canyon. An 800 foot monument known as Spider Rock can also be seen with two free-standing towers forming a natural monument. Spider Rock is the spiritual and geographic center of the Navajo. It is where Navajo tradition says is the home of the Spider Woman, the constant helper and protector of humans. And who legend says taught the Dine the arts of weaving and agriculture.

Legend also says that Spider Woman would let down her web- ladder and capture misbehaving Navajo children, and carry up to her home to eat them. The Dine children often were told stories about how the top of Spider Rock was white from the sun-bleached bones of those children, which not surprisingly stopped many Dine children from misbehaving.

Other attractions within the Navajo Nation

If breathtaking slot canyons, soaring cliffs and amazing ancient ruins aren’t enough for you, there’s always more traditional tourist attractions that are increasingly more popular among visitors.

The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Tuba City, AZ is a terrific way to gain a better understanding of the history of the Dine throughout the centuries. The Navajo Code Talkers Museum is also a fun, interactive way to learn about the Navajo code talkers who served with the U.S. Marines during World War II. The Code Talkers helped US forces communicate while protecting their operational plans from the enemy by creating a code based on the Navajo language. The Navajo Code Talkers participated in every major Marine operation in the Pacific theater, giving the Marines a critical advantage throughout the war. The museum displays photos, transcripts, gear and equipment used by the Code Talkers throughout WWII.

There are also great campsites in Navajo land, such as the Bowl Canyon Navajo Recreation Area, which includes Camp Asááyi. Camp Asááyi, pronounced (Ah-saa-yeh), provides outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing and camping. Asááyi Lake is a 36-acre Alpine lake located approximately 1/2 mile west of the camp.

Finally, there are countless other monuments, such as Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park & Veteran’s Memorial, a red sandstone arch in the Navajo capital of Window Rock. There’s also plenty of places to buy traditional Navajo crafts and art, such as the Hubbell Trading Post, a National Historic Site and the oldest operating Trading Post on the Navajo Nation. Hubbell Trading Post has been selling goods and Native American Art since 1878.

Things to remember before you visit

Every visitor to the Navajo Nation requires a permit to enter. Most tourists – who are simply hiking or camping – must purchase a Backcountry Permit before visiting the parks. Visitors who are planning on commercial filming and photography in Navajo Tribal Parks are required to request a commercial film or photography permit.

Many Navajo tour operators include the cost of the permit with their ticket, but be sure to check with the operator to make sure.

Visitors are allowed to bring their own cameras – including smartphones – but when photographing Navajo residents and their property their permission is required and a gratuity is expected. Again, commercial photography requires a permit and the use of any kind of drone is not allowed.

The Navajo people are some of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet. However, it is important to learn a little about Navajo culture and traditions before you visit. For example, Navajos traditionally believe in maintaining personal space, and therefore do not usually do not hug or embrace someone upon greeting them. They also largely prefer not to be touched, even if the touching is meant as a compliment, such as holding jewelry they are wearing or touching their hair. If you feel compelled to do anything that may impede on personal space, always ask permission first, and don’t be offended if permission is not given. It is simply not their way.

Above all, the Navajo Nation is considered a sovereign nation and their laws are to be respected as they are strictly enforced. Climbing on the rocks and monuments is prohibited, as are any alcohol or drug use on Navajo land. As with visiting any Tribal land, leave the land as you found it and refrain from any vandalism or theft of artifacts. If you come across an artifact, notify your Tribal guide immediately.

And one last thing to remember before you book your trip: The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time (DST-Mountain/Denver), even though the state of Arizona does not. Essentially what this means is that beginning in March and ending November, the Navajo Nation is one hour ahead of Arizona. In other words if you are staying in a hotel in Arizona off the Navajo reservation, you will gain an hour when you enter the Navajo Nation. So plan accordingly.

When is the best time to come to the Navajo Nation?

Visitors come to the Navajo Nation year round, and more and more tourists are discovering all the Navajo offers. As tourism has increased – except for the Covid-19 years of 2020 and 2021 – so has the Navajo tourism economy. As such, you should be able to visit any time of year and still enjoy the services of professional and knowledgeable tour guides, and great accommodations.

Peak season lasts from May 1 until September 30, which is when the weather is sunniest.If you plan on arriving during the summer, it’s best to do most of the physical exertions (hiking, biking etc) in the morning before it gets too hot in the afternoon, when temperatures can often reach the triple digits. Autumn weather is considered more ideal, with sunny days in the 90’s and cool nights. If you want to arrive early and stay late, peak season might be the time for you.

However, the off-season is actually a great time to visit the Navajo Nation as well, as there are fewer crowds. The views in the canyon are genuinely surreal when dusted with a layer of snow, or when the sun reflects off of frost. You can also take advantage of lower hotel rates and airfare during the off season.

In other words, you can’t really go wrong planning a trip to the Diné Bikéyah. And once you visit, you’ll certainly never forget it.

A Hidden Treasure Within One of the The Seven Wonders of the World – Havasu Falls

"The Havasupai Tribe is the only tribe that still lives within the Grand Canyon"

In 2021, over 4.5 million tourists visited the Grand Canyon, cementing the park’s status as one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the world. Yet, just 35 miles west of Grand Canyon Village, lies a quiet slice of nature many believe to be among the most beautiful areas in the world. While not as famous as the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World, it may be just as extraordinary, and growing in popularity. Even if it is not easy to get to.

Havasu (Cataract) Canyon is considered a true paradise on Earth, with four immaculate waterfalls, crystal clear water, travertine columns and breathtaking views in every direction. It is one of the most photographed places in the world. It is also the home of the Havasupai Indian Tribe, one of eleven Native American tribes that are traditionally affiliated with the Grand Canyon National Park and the only Native American tribe that still lives below the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Who are the Havasupai?

The Havasupai Tribe has called the Grand Canyon home for centuries, dating back as far as 1300 AD.  Tribal members call themselves the Havasu Baaja, or “the People of the Blue Green Waters” and have long been the guardians of the Grand Canyon.

The Havasupai currently live in Supai Village, the most remote community in the lower 48 states, 2,000 feet below the Grand Canyon’s rim.  Supai is eight miles from the nearest road and has no vehicles of any kind in the community.  It is accessible only by helicopter, on foot or by mule.  Yes, mule.  In fact, Supai is the only place in the United States where the mail is still delivered by mule train.

"The trail to Supai Village can be travelled on foot or horseback"

For most of their existence, the Havasupai people were spread out far along the Grand Canyon South Rim, hunting for food on the plateau shelf while also being skilled in agriculture and growing crops along the riparian banks in the canyon itself. Where they live now in Supai village was considered their summer home. However in 1919, the US federal government created the Grand Canyon National Park and relocated the tribe to a reservation of just 518 acres – five miles wide and twelve miles long.

Havasupai translates to “people of the blue green water” in the tribe’s native language

In the 1970’s Congress restored much of their original land to the Havasupai – 188,077 acres in all – which makes up their reservation today.

The land on the reservation is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world. Largely a plateau – like much of the Grand Canyon near the Colorado river – the land is home to hidden, awe-inspiring canyons, gentle rolling slopes, and Kaibab Limestone. Some of the more well-known and highly photographed geographic features include The Great Thumb, Long Mesa, and Tenderfoot Mesa, along the Coconino Plateau at the south end of the reservation.

The Havasupai still remained largely isolated from the outside world, but now rely on tourism for their economy and well being. Animals are often seen freely roaming the area, there is no Wi-fi or broadband, and there is limited basic housing needs like plumbing and electricity. The last known population was 639 members at an average age of 25.

100% of their population, all 629 people, still speak their native Yuman language.

What makes Havasu Canyon so special?

It is nearly impossible to describe the natural wonder of the Havasupai reservation. Even pictures and videos do not do it justice, you have to see it yourself, with your own eyes.

Havasu Canyon is home to dozens of natural water pools, countless cottonwood trees, flowers and plant life of seemingly every variety – not to mention natural wildlife.  But what makes this place so special, and keeps tourists from the world over coming back year after year, are the most magnificent waterfalls known in North America.

Once you leave Supai Village, the first waterfall you encounter is Navajo Falls, about a half mile from the campground.  It is roughly 70 feet high, however it used to be called “50 Foot Falls” prior to a massive flash flood about 80 years ago that buried the waterfall in sediment.  In August 2008 there was another incredible flash flood which reshaped the entire Havasu Canyon.  The flood was so violent it carved out entirely new waterways and created two new waterfalls, including the “new” Navajo Falls upstream where 50 Foot Falls once was,

Little Navajo Falls is the other waterfall created by the August 2008 flood.  It lies just downstream of Navajo Falls, and is about 30 feet high. It plunges into a gorgeous little swimming hole that is becoming more and more popular among the more adventurous tourists.

"The world famous Havasu Falls"

The most recognizable waterfall is Havasu Falls, located roughly half a mile past Navajo Falls. This waterfall is around 90 feet tall and plunges into a beachfront swimming hole surrounded by cottonwood trees that is one of the most photographed and popular in all of the Southwest.

Just like Navajo and Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls was largely formed thanks to an incredibly violent and powerful flash flood over a century ago. In those days, the flowing water fell over a 200 foot cliff that was spread out fairly wide. However the flash flood destroyed most of that cliff, and channeled the water into a much more narrow waterfall that to this day is among the most beautiful and awe-inspiring anywhere in North America.

About a mile past Havasu Falls is perhaps the most awe-inspiring, yet dangerous, waterfall – Mooney Falls. The trail leading down to it is very narrow, and can be slippery or have several obstructions. To get to the bottom of the 200 foot waterfall you will literally have to scale a cliff using repelling equipment or chains, and make your way through a hazardous tunnel cut through the side of the canyon wall by miners over 120 years ago, followed by slowly descending a ladder that looks like it’s been there for decades.

The Havasupai tribe refers to this waterfall as the “Mother of the Waters,” and they consider it their most sacred waterfall. It is also the most tragic. Mooney Falls is named after American prospector Daniel Mooney fell to his death in 1880 trying to lower himself down to the bottom of the falls shortly after discovering it. Almost exactly 100 years later, after the federal government seized the waterfall from the Havasupai for Grand Canyon National Park, a private company attempted to build a hydro-electric plant on it. But before the plant could be constructed, a flash flood destroyed the plant and machinery, resulting in a total loss and bankruptcy for the company. Congress would return the waterfall to the Havasupai not long after.

“On travel sites and message boards, the words “bucket list” often appear in people’s reviews of the falls.” – Arizona Republic

But once you make it down there is an extraordinary 15 foot deep swimming hole. Many tourists consider this watering hole the highlight of their trip (no doubt in part due to the adventure in getting down to it). This popularity naturally can lead to some overcrowding during peak times. Due to it being mostly shaded, the waters can also feel a little colder than the other swimming holes. So, as always, come prepared.

Finally, last but not least, there is Beaver Falls, easily the most unique waterfall of the canyon. Unlike the others, you do not hear loud, crashing noises emanating from water falling hundreds of feet into shallow pools. Instead, there are several small cascades gently rolling down Havasu Creek into crystal blue and turquoise waters, colors caused by the natural minerals dissolved in the water.

Beaver Falls is – of course – difficult to get to, but also well worth the trek. Once you leave Mooney Falls, you continue along the trail hugging the western canyon wall. On this trail you’ll see more ladders leading up into the cliffs. But as your guide will tell you, don’t climb them out of respect for the Havasupai, as they lead to a historic burial site.

Located a full three miles from Havasu Canyon, you will need comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water to make the journey. You’ll also find three creek crossings as you head to Beaver Falls, so be sure to also bring along water shoes.

If you are feeling particularly vigorous and adventurous you may continue the hike all the way to the Colorado River, a full eight miles from the campsite. However, this is not recommended as the route is unmarked and outside of the reservation. So no one will be available to help you should you get hurt or get lost. A flash flood would almost certainly be deadly. So best to stay with your group, and within the Havasupai reservation.

Getting started

The best way to reach the Havasupai tribe is by heading down the historic US Route 66, onto Indian Route 18, a somewhat bumpy, 64 mile road to Hualapai Hilltop. From the Hilltop parking lot there is an eight mile trail to Supai Village (there are no roads leading to the village) and roughly two to three more miles to camping and the waterfalls (depending on how many you wish to see).

The first couple miles from Hualapai Hilltop, marching down the Havasu Falls Trail into the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is fairly difficult. There are switchbacks that change in elevation by 1,800 feet. However the next six miles to Supai are relatively flat. The entire eight mile trail to the village may be traveled either on foot or horse, and pack mules may be available as well.

If that much physical activity isn’t for you, there is helicopter travel available through Airwest Helicopters. There are no reservations allowed for the helicopter, it is first come first served prior to 10am, and Havasupai tribal members have priority. Cost is around $85 per person. But if you manage to secure a seat on the helicopter, it takes just 15 minutes to get to Supai Village.

The Havasupai Falls Hike may be the most breathtaking hike in the Southwest

Otherwise, it is highly recommended that you prepare yourself for a long and arduous hike. Be smart, try not to hike midday in the hot summer months. Don’t try hiking it at night where you could easily get lost without anyone around to help find you.

"Be prepared for a lot of hiking, climbing, and - if you wish - swimming"

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. There are no drinking water stations along the way. So be sure to bring a minimum of one or two gallons of water – more if temperatures reach triple digits. Try hiking in the early morning when temperatures are lower, ideally starting around sunrise.  Shade is your friend.  If you find yourself feeling exhausted, and see a nice shaded area – use it, and take a break.

Know your limits. You do not have to be in peak physical condition to complete the adventure, but if you are injured or recovering from injury it may be best to postpone your trip until you are back to 100%.  If you are overweight, be sure to pace yourself and take breaks if you need them.

And of course, be mindful of other guests, particularly during “peak” times – mid-morning on weekends – and let others that are moving faster than you pass through. If you have a fear of heights, try to avoid these peak times and talk to your guide before descending down the cliffs.

What you need before you visit

First and foremost, all visitors to the Havasupai reservation must obtain a permit before entering. To prevent overcrowding, the Havasupai limit the number of daily permits issued.

Secondly, you’ll need to decide on your accommodations. Many tourists prefer to stay at the Havasupai Lodge, aka “the Lodge” in Supai Village. The lodge has all the amenities you will find in a contemporary hotel room, including Wi-Fi. However, there are only 24 rooms available and they tend to book very quickly.

At last check, Lodge rates run between $145 to $440 per night for a two or four-person room, plus a $110 entrance and environmental fee per person. These fees also include your permits and taxes. All visits require at least a one-night reservation. Keep in mind that tourism to the Havasupai reservation has been suspended since March of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. All fees and rates may change once tourism is allowed to resume.

For those visitors who would rather stay on the campgrounds, they are located on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls.  There are no assigned campsites, it is simply first come, first serve as far as finding your camping spot within the designated areas.  Camping anywhere else besides the designated campgrounds is strictly prohibited.

For campers, be sure to bring the usual camping necessities: a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, toilet paper and other supplies.  You may bring a stove.  However, as with any outdoor camping, be sure that any food you bring is secure, otherwise you may invite some unwanted wildlife onto your campsite.

"Supai Village, the capital of the Havasupai Reservation"

There is drinking water available in the village and at the campsites or you can bring a strong filtration system and drink from the river. Composting toilets are also available.

For visitors who don’t particularly care for “roughing it”, there is a cafe near the Lodge that is excellent, and a village store that carries basic necessities and some souvenir items. Keep in mind that these businesses have been essentially shuttered since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic over two years ago, so supplies may be limited and staffing may be short. So please be kind to those trying to help you, and be patient.

Overall, there are enough campsites to host as many as 300 campers per night, and cost $25 (plus 10% tax) per person, per night (at last check). All campground reservations are for exactly three nights and four days. If you are looking for a longer or shorter stay, make your reservation at the Lodge instead. All payments are due at the time of booking, and only one credit card is allowed per group. Payments are non-refundable and permit reservations are non-transferable.

“(Havasupai Lodge) has fairly spartan accommodations—each room has two double beds and a bathroom—but you won’t mind much when you see the natural beauty surrounding you,” – Fodor’s

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, all reservations for the campground had to be made online at HavasupaiReservations.com, while all reservations to the Lodge had to be made by phone ((928) 448-2111). Again, once the Havasupai reservation re-opens to tourists, PLEASE be patient and understanding, as Tribal employees have not been working with visitors for over two years, since the very beginning of the pandemic. Many tribal operators and employees will be new or in training. If no one answers your call, just keep trying. The same goes for emails and other communications.

As for things to bring on your trip, most are common sense. Bring a hat, sunscreen and snacks (but please keep the litter with you until it can be disposed of). A first aid kit is highly recommended, as are things such as a flashlight, whistle and compass in case you get lost or need help. Above all else – HYDRATE. Bring a minimum of one gallon of water, but the more water the better.

For your visit to the famous swimming holes, bring a bathing suit, water shoes and a towel. Remember you are allowed to bring a camera to photograph the waterfalls and canyons. But out of respect for local customs, please refrain from photographing Havasupai Tribal members or structures themselves.

When to go and for how long

Havasu Canyon is open to visitors all year round, however, peak tourist season is May through September.  Weekends are often much busier, so it is recommended that you visit during the weekday if possible.

Monsoon season in Arizona begins in mid-July and can go as long as mid-September, when flash flood dangers are at their highest.  However, peak tourism season tends to have the most sunshine and warmest weather for swimming.  Spring and Fall months still have warm air temperatures but might have colder water to swim in.

"All of the waterfalls in Havasu Canyon are spectacular. Don't stop at just one"

Winter months (December through February) can sometimes be very frigid, and has been known to see severe hailstorms and even blizzards. Seeing the waterfalls during the winter months can be quite extraordinary, but only adventurous tourists willing to brave potential ice and snow should even consider going during this time – even if you are staying at the Lodge.

The average tourist stays between two and three nights. This gives them enough time to visit all the waterfalls and natural beauty of the area without feeling rushed. Also, one to two days worth of food, water and supplies is about the most many tourists are willing to lug along with them for this adventure.

Be prepared

If you take away only one thing from this article, let it be this: While visiting the Havasupai reservation is an extraordinary experience – it is not for the faint of heart. And it can be dangerous for anyone who has not both physically and mentally prepared themselves prior to arrival.

As noted previously, the trek to the village is long and grueling. Some parts of the hike can be treacherous, and can result in injury if you are wearing inappropriate footwear (something without a strong grip), are not paying attention to where you are going, or do not bring enough water.

Make sure you bring plenty of water, and take a rest in the shade if you start to feel symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion

Again, do not hike at night and avoid hiking midday when temperatures exceed triple digits. Sometimes temperatures can reach as high as 115 degrees, and this summer could see more heat records broken. Always hydrate, and be aware and seek help if you are showing signs of dehydration (headache, dizziness, confusion). Of course, NEVER hike alone. Always make sure someone knows where you are at all times.

"Visitors travel at their own risk. So be smart and know your limits"

As noted previously, there have been numerous, dangerous flash floods that have reshaped the landscape over the decades. Should you find yourself in the middle of a flood, get to high ground immediately and wait for help.

Once you enter the canyon, there is no cellular service. There is no emergency assistance if you are injured. In fact, if you are unable to walk due to your injuries it could take several hours to get you out of the canyon and to a medical facility. On top of that, you will be responsible for the full cost of any rescue efforts.

Please respect the land and those who protect it

The Havasupai tribe generously opens their homeland to visitors from all over the world, allowing them to experience the area’s extraordinary beauty and spirituality. But it is very important to keep in mind that Tribal members consider the land to be sacred, and that anyone visiting should be mindful and respectful of the land and those that reside there.

The land is fragile and easily desecrated, even by those who don’t mean to. Do not leave any trash, stay on the trails and do not attempt to take stones, plants, wood or other natural materials with you as a souvenir. And of course, any vandalism, such as carvings or drawings, is strictly prohibited and could result in arrest.

"Reservations often sell out quickly. It's not hard to see why"

The Havasupai tribe considers themselves the guardians of their land, and view all the natural wonders as sacred to them. The tribe also adheres to the culture, traditions and heritage that have guided them for centuries. Considering the Havasupai are your gracious hosts while you are visiting, their costumes and beliefs should be respected. That means leaving any alcohol or drugs behind, no loud or disruptive behavior – which includes playing loud music – and no profanity. Also, the use of drones are prohibited, as are firearms of any kind. All luggage and vehicles are subject to search for prohibited items when entering the Havasupai Reservation.

To the Havasupai, the water is sacred, flowing not only across the land but through each tribal member

While the actual Tribal members are friendly, it is important to keep in mind that traditions dictate that no photographs of the Havasupai people or Havasupai property, including the buildings in Supai, are allowed at any time. Please be mindful of this, and respect their wishes.

This is the home of the Havasupai, their sacred land, which they are welcoming you to. So by all means have fun, enjoy the trails and waterfalls, and take lots of pictures of their incredible natural beauty. The tribe simply asks that you respect their land and their culture while you do so.

NOTE: All Havasupai tourism has been suspended since March 2020. It is not currently known when tourism will resume, however it is possible limited tourism will resume on June 1, 2022.