Last updated on July 27th, 2022 at 01:56 pm
As part of my world travel dream, I have traveled to a place that left me speechless–a place so breathtakingly beautiful, that I am choosing to portray it in pictures rather than a long story because my words simply will not do it justice.
The place That left me “wordless” is Havasupai Falls at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Many people will make it to the Grand Canyon in their lifetime to marvel at its carved canyon beauty. Fewer people will hike in the Grand Canyon. And an even fewer percentage of people will venture to the far west side of the Grand Canyon to endure the 10-mile hike into the Havasupai tribe’s reservation village at the bottom.
I want to tell you that it’s worth it. (If you aren’t up for the hike, you can take donkeys, horses, or a helicopter down to the bottom and back up).
While the Havasupai Reservation is home to about 400 tribe residents, Havasupai Falls, as the area is commonly referred to, is home to five distinct waterfall areas. These crystal blue, cascading waters cut through the middle of the rusted red canyon walls as if a piece of tropical rainforest was misplaced in the Arizona desert.
It’s incredibly stunning. Of course, no pictures will ever do this place justice, so think about checking it out for yourself, if you’re looking for a challenge, yet rewarding–and probably the best–way to see America’s natural masterpiece, the Grand Canyon.
For more information on the area, camping, directions, the Havasupai tribe, and taking a donkey or helicopter there, check out the Havasupai Tribe website.
Images of my hiking trip to Havasupai Falls
What to know Before you go to Havasupai Falls
• There is no day-hiking allowed.
• You must obtain a permit before going. (This can take around six months)
• Upon arrival, you must check in at the Havasupai Village.
• The hike to the campground is 10 miles; only the 1.5 miles are steep switchbacks. The rest is flat.
• The terrain varies from rocky to slightly sandy, so know that hiking through sand will take more out of you physically.
• You will share the trail with many donkeys and horses. Animals have the right away, and they won’t slow down for you.
On my three-day camping trip, I hiked 26 miles total. It didn’t feel like it when I was immersed in paradise. With that, I managed to knock an item off my world travel dream bucket list!
Katie Eigel
Katie Eigel is a world traveler and self-proclaimed Wine-Geek-In-Training who spends her days writing for various travel and wine publications.
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