Havasupai

Day 1
May 5
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 12

Last night I left Oceanside about 6pm and headed to Temecula to pick up Beth. We had a couple very short stops for gas and to switch drivers. We made it to the trailhead about 1:30am on the 5th. The drive was actually not bad. Once we got to the last 60 miles we had to take it a little slower because of all the animals, elk, deer, jackrabbits, and cows! It was really cool and I wish we would have been able to get some pictures. We got parked and somewhat comfortable. I was able to sleep for a couple hours. The rest of the group found us about 5 and we got up and started to get ready with the sunrise.

I found Kathryn and woke her so she could get ready. We started on the trail about 5:30. The sunrise was beautiful! The trail was mostly downhill and very easy. I could tell my pack was a little heavier than normal (extra clothes, snacks, and drinks). We made it to the point to check in about 9:30am. We all had to pay here for the reservation entrance fee and camping fee. Our total for 3 nights was $100/ person. On the way to camp there was water flowing on the side of the trail. It was really neat to see. Then we came up on Little Navajo falls. It was really pretty and we stopped for a second to take it in before continuing to find camp. The next large waterfall was Havasu Falls! This was incredible! The water was so blue and like nothing I had ever seen before! Someone found a large camp area pretty close to the water and we set up camp. We changed into swimsuits.

We went to Havasu Falls and played in the water! It was very cold but there is no way to not enjoy it. I brought my DSLR camera and played around with taking pictures and found a couple little frogs. After a few hours we started to get hungry and decided we needed lunch and possibly a nap! When the three of us got back to camp almost everyone’s tents were gone! It was extremely windy and ours were still in place but they were not looking so great. We were told they relocated farther down the river to a spot a little more protected from the wind. We packed up and moved again. Gave us all a little more practice on getting our tents set up.

 Once we got set up again, we had lunch, filtered water, and rested for a bit. We saw some people walking back to their camps with fry bread and were excited to go try some! Kathryn and I shared one with honey and powdered sugar on it. It was amazing and it is a good thing it doesn’t look super easy to make. We were ready to explore a little more! We headed to Mooney Falls. I am not really sure what I was expecting but it seems like it kept getting better. It is a bit of an adventure to get to the bottom of the falls with ladders and chains. Everything was a bit damp and slick because of the waterfall. Once to the bottom we all went exploring around and I

played with my camera a bit. We stayed until the sunset over the fall and headed back up which was much easier than going down. I could see how this part would be a little scary but thankfully climbing helps with those fears. Once back at camp we cooked and all hung out around the table. I am really excited to explore tomorrow and hoping I can convince some people to go all the way to the Colorado River with me!






Day 2
May 6
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 16 (guessing)
Distance total = 28

Overall today was AMAZING!!!! I woke up pretty early and we all talked about our camp site. We were in a bit of a low area and the forecast had rain scheduled so we were a bit worried about water if it rained a decent amount. We were getting ready to head out on our hike for the day and found an amazing camping site. We went back and told the others and there we were moving again! Note for anyone going… hike pretty far into camp – at least past the second toilet before camping! The spots get more amazing as you go farther in. So after getting moved, it was a pretty late start to make it all the way to the Colorado but I really wanted to. We had 6, Kathrine, Ryan, Keven, Kim, Eric, and me, of our group headed out to at least make it to Beaver falls. It was a beautiful hike.

We didn’t stop at Mooney falls because we had just been there the night before and that saved some time. I was wearing running shoes and socks and everyone else was in some sort of hiking sandals. I went to Mooney Falls in my sandals the night before and didn’t really love walking that far in them so went with something I knew I was comfortable in. The hike to Beaver Falls wasn’t too challenging with a few river crossings that were a lot of fun. We decided to filter water and take a snack break at Beaver falls for a bit and everyone decided what they wanted to do. Two of our group decided to stay and enjoy the falls and we continued on to the Colorado. I am glad the others decided to go because I wanted to but didn’t really want to go alone. It was pretty flat to downhill most of the way with a few water crossings some up to my thighs. The water felt amazing each time we

had to cross and was a great way to cool off and enjoy the water! There was a ton of sharp brush we had to walk through and my legs were getting scratched quite a bit. Once to the Colorado it was really awesome to see the blue water meet the brown river. We sat here for a bit and had lunch and a break. We only saw a couple groups hiking from Beaver Falls to the Colorado and it was nice to be secluded for a bit in a very populated hiking area. The way back we made really good time and we were all super hungry! I mixed up my powered hummus and shared. I am really glad I found this mix. The only thing that could make this place better would be being able to sit around a campfire at night. It is pretty awesome to listen to the water flowing as you lay in your tent.

Day 3
May 7
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 8 (guessing)
Distance total = 36
I wanted to see the sunrise today but the weather wasn’t having it. I still got up before the sun would have been fully out so I could enjoy the falls without a lot of people. I walked up to Havasu Falls and admired it for a bit before continuing to Navajo Falls. It was pretty chilly morning with a little drizzle. I had my rain pants, down jacket, and rain jacket with me! I sat on a rock that I had to go through the water to get to and had my breakfast! I took a few pictures and enjoyed the time alone. It was really beautiful. I really enjoyed it. I went into the village and got a snack and soda for later and explored the area a little more.

There were already people lining up to get their flight out. There were a lot of horses getting ready to pick up gear and people. I took my time getting back to the Camp about the time everyone was getting up. Everyone was just hanging out today since it was a little colder and raining off and on. A group of us went exploring in one of the mines which was really cool. Beth and I went back to little Navajo Falls and followed it upstream to a larger fall. There was no one back there and it was really beautiful. On the way back to camp we stopped for Fry Bread! This stuff is way too good. I also got a nap in the hammock someone brought – which is an amazing idea because there are lots of perfect trees for them. This day was very relaxing.

Many people were planning on getting up at 4 to hike out to beat the heat and get home a little earlier so everyone was headed to bed pretty early. Even with colder weather and a little rain this place is incredible and I am already thinking of a way to make it back!







Day 4
May 8
Trailhead Distance today = 10
Distance total = 46

Today we got up about 6 and started packing up. I think our time spent in Havasupai was perfect! I am really glad that we hiked in super early on the first day and had almost the whole day to play and relax. If…WHEN… I do it again I will try for the same amount of days.

We got everything packed up, ate breakfast, and started walking. It was a little sad to say bye to this beautiful place. The hike out was a little more challenging than in. The rest of the group all left as we were getting out of our tents so they could beat the heat. We were pretty good until the real climb out of the canyon. It was starting to get hot and isn’t a very easy climb. I am glad my pack was much lighter. Once almost to the top of the trail I hear my name. I am really confused who would know me. It was 2 of the girls from our trip who were waiting on one their bags because she paid for the pack mule to bring their bag up as a Mother’s Day gift for herself! Kathryn and Beth were pretty close behind and we all celebrated that we made it to the top.

They really know how to get a little additional money by having fresh fruit, frozen drinks, ice cream, and snacks at the top! We got some watermelon that was amazing! Took a few final pictures and got ready to start our drive home. It wasn’t a bad drive. We stopped at Chipotle on the way home for a late lunch and I ate the whole bowl! It was delicious. I got home a little before 9pm. It was an incredible trip and I am excited to plan another trip for more friends and family!




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