What To Know About Havasu Falls Reopening On February 1
After nearly 3 full years of closure, Havasu Falls in Arizona will be reopening to the public on February 1.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting these famous falls, and who is eligible to visit right now:
Where Is Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is a remote waterfall located on Havasupai tribal lands in Arizona. It’s a popular place to visit on a trip to the Grand Canyon, and the waterfall is known for its stunning turquoise water and tiered pools.
Getting to Havasu Falls in Arizona is no easy feat. It’s a 4-hour drive from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Hualapai Hilltop. Then it’s a 10-mile hike to the waterfall itself.
Along the way, you’ll pass several other waterfalls and amazing scenery before reaching your final destination.
Visiting Havasu Falls is not a day trip, and you’re required to have a reservation at either the campground or Havasupai Lodge.
Why Did Havasu Falls Close?
The Havasupai tribe chose to suspend tourism in March 2020 at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and are just now reopening nearly 3 years later.
“With limited access to meaningful healthcare, closing the reservation was the best way to keep our community safe and healthy,” the tribal council stated. “We have remained closed to tourists since that time.”
Additionally, severe flooding destroyed several bridges and trails in the reservations in October 2022, causing the falls to remain closed.
However, after the long closure, Havasu Falls will be reopening once again on February 1.
Who Can Visit Havasu Falls?
Right now, only permit-holders who had reservations in 2022 will be able to visit Havasu Falls when it reopens.
The waterfall was supposed to reopen multiple times throughout 2022, which is why reservations were released, but the tribe continued to suspend tourism for the whole year instead.
Permit-holders who are not able to reschedule their trip will also have the option to sell their permits to the transfer list.
The only way to visit Havasu Falls in 2023 if you don’t already have a prior reservation is to check the Havasupai reservations website every day at 8 a.m. MST, when transferred passes may go on sale.
No new reservations are being taken for 2023, and information about obtaining 2024 permits has not yet been released.
Even if you can’t score a reservation for Havasu Falls this year, there are many other great places to visit in Northern Arizona.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is a difficult trek, and it’s also not cheap to visit.
Hiking permits for Havasu Falls cost $100 per person on Monday through Thursday and $125 per person on Friday through Sunday.
Additionally, reservations for the campground and Havasupai Lodge are currently only available for four-day, three-night stays.
The cost of a campsite is $395 per person and a stay at the Havasupai Lodge, which offers basic accommodations, is $1,980 per room.
What To Bring To Havasu Falls
If you’re lucky enough to score a permit for Havasu Falls, you’ll want to make sure that you pack accordingly.
First things first, there’s no drinking water available on the trail, so hikers are recommended to have at least a gallon of water with them. There is drinking water at the campsite and at Havasupai Lodge, but not for the duration of the 10-mile hike to get there.
You’ll also want to bring plenty of food, even if you’re staying at the lodge. There’s a restaurant and convenience store in Supai Village, but they are not always open.
Additionally, you’ll want to pack a bathing suit, water shoes, a towel, and camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) if you’re staying at the campsite.
