Join us for our second annual backpacking trip to Havasu Falls from October 16-19 with trip leader Canyon!
Havasu Canyon is home to the remote Indian Village of the Havasupai Tribe. The beautiful blue-green waters flow through this magical oasis, cascading over 5 major waterfalls and collecting in natural swimming pools. The water remains a comfortable 70 degrees year round.
On Sunday night, we will tailgate and camp at the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead in order to get a head start on Friday morning. We will hike 10 miles from the edge of the canyon to our campground. After setting up our tents, we will spend the afternoon resting our legs at Havasu Falls.
On Tuesday, we will hiker deeper into the canyon to explore Mooney and Beaver Falls, climbing down a rock face wall and wading through the blue-green river. Finally, we will get an early start on Wednesday morning to hike out of the canyon to Hualapai Hilltop and meet up for lunch at a local restaurant before heading home.
Beginner and experienced backpackers welcome. This “bucket list” adventure will sell out quickly, so register today!
Trip Type: Backpacking
Trip Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Trip Leader: Canyon
Trip Highlights
- Explore Havasupai, one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
- Learn the skills you need to backpack confidently in the wilderness, including how to properly pack your bag!
- Professional photographers will capture the best moments all weekend long!
Ticket Includes
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Entrance fee, campsite fee, environmental fee
- Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified Trip Leader
- Guide assistant to help facilitate group hikes and meals
- Leave No Trace Instruction
Extras
- If you’re traveling or don’t have camping gear, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Gear Rentals to reserve your backpack, sleeping bag or sleeping pad. Convenient gear rentals are also available from our partner Adventure 16.
Itinerary
Sunday: Drive to Grand Canyon. Dinner and camp at Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot.
Monday: Begin 10-mi hike down 2,400-ft elevation loss to the campground at 4 a.m. to avoid hot temperatures on the exposed trail. Cool off at Fifty Foot Falls and Navajo Falls. Check in at village office. Drop bags at Havasu Falls campground. Hang out at Havasu Falls.
Tuesday: Hike to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, about 7-mi RT.
Wednesday: 10-mi hike out with 2,400-ft elevation gain.
Total Distance: 27+ miles
* Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.
What to Expect
Accommodations
We made advanced reservations in February to stay at Havasu Falls campground.
What to Bring
Backpackers should bring their own tent, sleeping bag and equipment.
Meals are provided. Natural spring water is available at the campground. We recommend bringing at least 3L of water for the hike down. Fresh coffee will be served each morning. We practice Leave No Trace to enjoy the environment responsibly, so make sure to bring your own mess kit and reusable water bottle. We also recommend bringing water shoes and a dry bag to explore the waterfalls.
Check out our complete guide to Plan Your Trip to Havasu Falls. You will receive a customized packing list after registration.
Photographers, bring your camera, tripod, extra battery and memory card. Don’t forget to bring a dry bag to protect your equipment during waterfall hikes!
How to Prepare
Don’t know anyone going on the trip? No problem! We offer a community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors. After you register, you will receive a Welcome Kit through email, which includes introductions to your fellow campers, a detailed packing list, itinerary, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip. We are available to answers all questions and guide first-time campers every step of the way.
Transportation
We will help facilitate carpools for the group from Los Angeles to Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. Allow 8 hours drive time.
If you are flying, the nearest airports are Flagstaff & Las Vegas (3-4 hour drive) or Phoenix (5-6 hour drive). You will need to find transportation from the airport to Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.
Health & Safety
We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures guides hold Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.
On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk on the trail by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.
Other Important Stuff
Every camper must sign a Acknowledgement of Risks, Media Release and “Leave It Better” Pledge. Click each link to review and print at your convenience. For other questions, check out our FAQ or email [email protected].
Become an Official Member
Once you register for your first event, you will become an official club member and receive 10% off future events. Member pricing for this event is $445.50.
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