Havasu Falls

Havasu Creek is a stream in the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States, and Colorado River’s second-largest tributary. The creek begins above the canyon and flows through the Cataract Canyon and Supai Village before joining the Colorado River. It is famous for its blue-green waters and several waterfalls along its path, including Navajo, Fiftyfoot, Lower Navajo, Havasu, Mooney, and Beavers. The Havasu Falls is located about 2.4 kilometers from Supai Village and is the third waterfall in the Grand Canyon. It is also the most popular and visited falls in the canyon because of the natural pool. Havasu Falls was known as Bridal Veil Fall before the 1910 flood.

Location

The Havasu Falls is an iconic waterfall in the Grand Canyon located 2.4 kilometers from Supai in Lake Havasu City. The waterfall is situated within the Havasupai Indian Reservation and on the land belonging to the Havasupai Tribe. The tribe occupies 761.12 sq. km of land in the southwestern part of Grand Canyon. The reservation's nearest settlement is Peach Spring that is located about 103 kilometers to the southwest of Hualapai Hilltop.  The Havasupai Falls Compound is approximately 16 kilometers from Hualapai Hilltop and 0.8 kilometers south of Mooney Falls. There is however no road linking Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village and the waterfall. Instead, those who wish to visit the Havasu Falls from Lake Havasu City will have to hike the 16-km-long trail passing through the Supai Village.

Geography

Havasu Falls is the most famous of the five Havasupai Falls. It is the third waterfall in the Canyon after Navajo and Fifty Foot Falls. The waterfall comprises one main water drop plunging 27-30 meters off the orange cliff into a blue-orange pool. Havasupai, the name of the native Indian tribes occupying the Supai village and the surrounding area, translates to “people of the blue-green waters.” The water feeding the Havasu Falls contains high magnesium and calcium carbonate concentration, creating the blue-green color in the pool. The blue-green water contrasts the red-orange rocks behind it, creating an iconic scenic beauty unlike the other waterfalls in the canyon. Although the Havasu Falls is located in a desert region, it is surrounded by lush green vegetation. The waterfall also experiences flash floods, which changes its appearance several times. Sometimes, the water flows as a sheet, and other times as series of streams, creating multiple drops. However, the water currently flows as a single stream from a notch that first appeared in 1910 after the floods.

Recreation

Havasu Falls is the most visited waterfall of the five Havasupai Falls because of the many recreational opportunities it offers. The trailhead leading to the waterfall passes through some scenic places in the canyon area. However, the trail is rocky and rugged and may be uncomfortable to walk on. There are picnic sites and tables adjacent to the creek accessible from the pool's edges. Swimming and camping holes are available, though camping spaces are limited and one has to book in advance before arrival. Swimming behind the water drop is possible and leads to a small rock hole behind the fall. However, one needs to be careful while swimming so as not to drown in the pool.