Mooney Falls, Arizona
Mooney Falls is perhaps the tallest and most scenic of the five Havasupai waterfalls just west of the Grand Canyon National Park. The turquoise water of Havasu Creek pours nearly 200 feet off Mooney Falls, generating a roar that reverberates off the limestone rocks around the falls and resounds across the canyon. In addition to being breathtaking, this waterfall requires one to descend through abandoned mine passageways carved into the cliff face using chains and ladders in order to reach the tranquil pool at its foot.
Geography And Geology
Mooney Falls lies within Coconino County in the US state of Arizona. It is situated in the village of Supai, which forms a part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation located in the Havasu Canyon. To enter the Havasupai Indian Reservation, which is not a part of Grand Canyon National Park, one must purchase permission from the Havasupai Tribe. One may either fly in with a helicopter or hike a long, arduous path into the Grand Canyon to get to the Reservation. Havasupai is completely inaccessible by automobiles. The Colorado River and Havasupai Falls Campground are both 8 miles and 0.5 miles, respectively, from Mooney Falls. The largest waterfall along Havasu Creek in Havasu Canyon is Mooney Falls. It is a magnificent waterfall that plunges 200 feet into a large pool. The plentiful travertine limestone that has been and is continually developing in this Grand Canyon area over the last few million years is the source of the stunning blue-green water, magnificent waterfalls, and well-known swimming spots of Havasu Canyon.
Brief History
In 1879, farmer and prospector Daniel W. Mooney traveled to the Grand Canyon in pursuit of wealth. He was from Williamson Valley, Arizona. Mooney and four others made one of the oldest mining claims in Havasu Canyon when they discovered lead and silver in the canyon's depths. Unfortunately, the miners had trouble recovering the valuable metals, so the group looked for more resources farther downstream. However, a 196-foot waterfall and its nearby cliff acted as a significant obstacle between the men and their alleged wealth at the time. Mooney revealed a plan to rappel down the vertical wall after failing to descend via climbing. Mooney, a veteran sailor, was comfortable enough with his understanding and skill with ropes to jump in. Mooney and his companions lowered him to the bottom of the waterfall on January 20, 1880, after Mooney slung a rope from the top. The facts are disputed by historical accounts: either the rope was too short, or it snapped under Mooney's weight. Daniel W. Mooney lost contact with the rope in some way, falling around 100 feet to his death. In his honor, the waterfall became known as Mooney Falls.
How To Reach Mooney Falls
Without taking a helicopter into Supai Village, getting to Mooney Falls is no walk in the park. It is a ten-mile climb one way to get to the viewpoint of the fall's spectacular cascade from the trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop. Reaching the tip of Mooney is a singular experience, even after crossing many other well-known waterfalls along the way, such as the 115-foot Havasu Falls. To finish the terrifying descent of the nearby cliff face and arrive at the base of the falls is an experience that combines fear, excitement, and fulfillment. This journey cannot be completed as a day hike; rather, one must spend the night on the Indian reserve. Therefore, permission is required to get entry to the Havasupai property. The Havasu Falls trailhead is near the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, where the trek begins. It takes around 10 miles of hiking from the trailhead to reach the campground, where one may set up a tent for the night. The Mooney Falls trail begins at the campsite, which is half a mile away from the falls. It takes a semi-technical downclimb utilizing bolts, ladders, and chains to get to the bottom of Mooney Falls.
The most challenging waterfall to access is undoubtedly Mooney Falls, which requires hikers to descend down a dangerous route dug by miners into the side of the canyon rock at the turn of the 20th century. However, it is certainly worth it. The water's vibrant color, the falls' magnificent height, and the whole hike experience make it an exceptional adventure that one will never forget.
