There’s a Hidden Oasis in the Arizona Desert

Enjoy the majestic beauty as you hike past each falls on your journey into the campground. Let the mist hit your face and experience these remote falls by climbing in or swimming in them.

After hiking for 10 miles you will pass this incredible site right before camp. Havasu Falls, at an approximate drop of 98 feet, is by far one site that you will want to visit often while in Supai. Sit on a log nearby to take it all in, wade in the water to soak sore hiking muscles, or jump into one of the many nearby mini-falls to create memories. These falls are wonderful to spend the day at and the smaller surrounding mini-falls give so many options for swimming. Sit at the picnic table which is planted in the middle of the knee-high turquoise water where the mist still hits your face.

Once you pass Havasu Falls, you’ll enter the campground area. This extensive campground gives you numerous options for camping. You can pitch your tent near the freshwater spigot, bathrooms, or right next to the turquoise stream. Or simply bring a hammock and sleep over a small fall or stream. These unique and artistic bridges are water crossings and can be found throughout the campground areas. (Just beware of loose boards or missing planks). Then again, does it really matter if you fall into the refreshing waters and float in this turquoise stream?

Some night photography is definitely in order when in Supai, Arizona—there’s nothing like experiencing these gorgeous falls after dark as the stars shine brightly into the canyon. Set up a tripod and take some long exposure shots and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a light trail or shooting star in one of your photos. Headlamps can be worn to hike to Havasu Falls at night from the campground and will be your best option to walk the trails throughout the campgrounds too.

Hike towards Mooney Falls on day two, a marvel to see and experience. These 200-foot falls are massive and have a trail/ladders to climb down to the bottom. First, maneuver through a cave-like tunnel, and then hold on to wet and muddy chains as you climb down several wide plank ladders. Scaling Mooney Falls is quite tricky but an incredible adventure all the same. Bring rubber gloves so you can grip the wet chains well and secure yourself as you scale these falls on various ladders that are almost connected. Stand in the mist once you reach the bottom and look up at what you just accomplished. Enjoy the view of the falls from ground level and also as you make the climb back up to the campground before dark.

Once you have scaled Mooney Falls you can continue on to Beaver Falls. This 8-mile round trip journey will take you through cacti gardens and wild fields, and in between rock formations. You will also travel by foot across the river three to four times (thigh-high water, so bring your water shoes) and up and down several inclines. There are many gorgeous smaller falls on the way and the water is incredible to walk through. The multiple river crossings will give you a chance to cool off in the heat and stand in wonder as you gaze at the sparkling waterfalls all around you.

Spend your afternoon swimming in Beaver Falls before your return trip back to the campground. Have a snack nearby and make sure you stay hydrated. The views are spectacular as you hike near and around Beaver Falls. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep and other wildlife in this natural oasis. Rattlesnakes can also be found occasionally on the trails or even ringtail cats might lurk in the distance. Look and listen for wildlife as you proceed to Beaver Falls.

Spotlights can be used to “paint the waterfall” as the sun begins to set. This will highlight the beauty of the falls as you are still able to capture the night stars. Or just rest your feet and take in the sound of splashing water while eating one of the Havasupai specialties that the Supai Village or campground offers. You will not regret having a Fry Bread Taco, Fry Bread Burger, or Fry Bread with powdered sugar! These fry bread stands are open occasionally at the campsite and truly hit the spot. Watch them make the fry bread in front of you and grab a frozen Gatorade to accompany the delicious meal.

There are a few different ways one can float in this stream. Either climb down the bank or enter just upstream at a mini-waterfall in Havasu Falls. Float near the ducks and let the stream carry down to your campsite. A once in a lifetime experience for sure! Make sure you get a good night sleep before beginning your 10-mile journey out of the canyon before daybreak (beat the heat and wear your headlamps). That last mile and a half of switchbacks is exhausting and should be done before the sun is beating down on you. This adventure is one you will hold dearly for a lifetime.