Havasupai Frequently Asked Questions

Your target destination from any direction is Peach Springs, AZ, a good place to crash the night before and typically where you pickup your final permits.  From there, take Indian Road 18 to the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead; it takes awhile.  Don't arrive there with an empty gas tank as there are few local refueling options, so best to refuel before you leave the interstate leg of your trip.

The specifics from various starting points:

. . . . from Phoenix

There are several different routes from Phoenix; the "best" for traffic considerations could depend on time of day, day of the week, and weather factors.  There's lot to potentially see on the way up, so that could influence your route as well.  Generally, it's going to be you getting to I-40 in northern Arizona either via Flagstaff, Williams, or around Kingman, and then to exit 121 at Seligman.  From there, it's Highway 66 to Peach Springs

If you fly into Phoenix to start your trip, you can pickup rental gear or backpacking supplies at our store, about 10 minutes from the airport.

. . . . from Las Vegas

From Las Vegas, take US93 down to Kingman and then Highway 66 to Peach Springs.  We can ship a Havasupai-specific rental gear package or any needed individual rental item or supplies for pickup in Vegas or Kingman.  If flying into Vegas, we can have gear waiting for you at your hotel or at a Fedex pickup point there before you head toward Kingman.  If time is short, we can ship to Kingman for pickupas well.  

. . . . from California

Depending on your location in California, the trip varies, but most will want to get to I-40 headed East.  Exit at Kingman and take Highway 66 to Peach Springs.  We can get your gear needs met by shipping to your home, or if flying into LAX for example, we can ship to your first night's lodging facility or a Fedex pickup point.  

How long is the trail to Havasupai?

The hike to the Supai village is about 8 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead and then another 2 miles or so to the general campground area.  total elevation change is about 2500 feet, and most of that is in the first couple of miles.  It is quite a bit less strenous than trails going down into the canyon on the National Park trails.  However long it takes you get down, figure a couple hours more to get out.  You will want to get a pre-dawn start coming out in the hot months.

What should I take to Havasupai?

Everyone should hike their own hike, as they say.  But here are some items commonly considered:

• Your permit and identification, some cash, credit card and insurance card
• Backpack around 60L size give or take is enough for most backpackers.  Hiking poles make teh trip much easier.  
• Shelter - tent, layers, sun hat, rain gear, swim wear etc as appropriate for the weather
• Sleeping gear - for most that's a sleeping bag and mattress pad• 
• Lighting - headlamp or lantern with fresh batteries
• Food, water - have at least 2-3 liters on you to start the trip down, and then figure 2-3000 calories a day for most average-sized hikers.  Make sure it is a wide variety of snacks and meals to avoid burnout on any one food source.  Take a "rat sack" for food protections against small critters and ravens, etc
• Three pairs of socks, quality hiking shoes and some type of water shoe/sandal for around camp and in the water
• First aid kit, sunscreen, personal prescriptions
• A backpacking chair is a practical "luxury" item that isn't too heavy for a relatively short trip like this
• Bandanas, paracord, duct tape, hand sanitizer, multi-tool (or at least a pocket knife)  are all handy to have on a backpacking trip
• Light hiking gloves might be useful for handling the chains around some of the falls trails

How do you pronounce Havasupai?

It is pronounced “ha-va-SOO-pie” (rhymes with "pie").

What makes the water in Havasupai blue?

The striking blue-green color of the water is mostly attributable to high levels of calcium carbonate, which reflects sunlight and gives the water its famous turquoise hue.

What are the reservation periods for Havasupai?

There are sometimes early sign-up periods on a limited basis, but typically reservations open in early February and sell out quickly for the year.  There are restrictions on independent transfers of the permits and there are no refunds.  The tribe does operate a secondary market transfer system if you cannot attend.

How much does it cost to go to Havasupai?

Permit fees at last reporting are more than $450 per person for a 3-night stay at camp.  Check the official Havasupai Reservations website for the latest fees.  Budget typically $20-$30 for food per day, plus your transportation and any lodging costs getting there.

Where should I stay before my hike into Havasupai?

Most hikers want to get a fairly early start on the first day of their trip, so that may mean staying relatively close by the evening before.  Options include:

• Peach Springs, AZ - closest town with a couple of lodging options
• Seligman, AZ - near I-40 coming in from the East
• Kingman, AZ - near I-40 coming in from the West 

We rent and sell tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, mattress pads, hiking poles, water containers, and supplies to hundreds of Havasupai visitors every year - anything you might need for a fantastic trek down to the campground and the many nearby beautiful waterfalls. 

You can pick up gear from our retail store in Tempe (about 10 minutes from the Phoenix airport), or we can ship direct to your home or for pickup along your way to the trail head - usually a motel or a convenient nearby carrier facility. We've sent a lot of gear to motels in Peach Springs or off of I-40, as examples, that are popular stopovers for those headed down the trail the next day.  When you're done with the gear, just drop back off at our store or a nearby carrier's location with the provided prepaid return label.

To get started, click on the "Rentals" tab above to check out all the different types of camping and backpacking gear we offer for rent. Whether you're backpacking down the trail; having your gear "muled " down for you; or even helicoptering in, we can get you outfitted from head to toe. Select either a package or order gear a la carte to fill in any gaps in your group, or just give us a call at 480-348-8917 (9-5 weekdays; 10-4 Saturdays; 12-4 Sunday, AZ time) to discuss your needs for one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world!