Havasu Falls Grand Canyon

Havasu Falls
Grand Canyon
Oct 27 – 29, 2016!
“The glories and the
beauties of form, color,
and sound unite in the
Grand Canyon – forms
unrivaled even by the
mountains, colors tha tvie
with sunsets, and sounds
that span the diapason
from tempest to tinkling
raindrop, from cataract to
bubbling fountain.”
- John Wesley Powell.
www.shapinwithsunita.com
650-243-1750
sunita@shapinwithsunita.com
Havasu Falls!
Introduction
Havasu Falls is without doubt one of the most beautiful
places on the planet. The enchanting turquoise waters of
the creek and the breathtaking waterfalls of the canyon
are a tropical paradise, and a true anomaly in the desert
Southwest. In addition to stunning beauty, Havasu also
offers a cultural experience as the ancestral home of the
Havasupai, which means “People of the Blue-Green
Water.” Today, approximately 500 Supai live at the
bottom of the canyon in Supai Village, where they
support themselves through tribal- run enterprises
focused mostly on tourism.
Day 1
Shuttle to Hualapai Hilltop: 3.5-hour drive from
Flagstaff Mileage: 10 milesElevation Loss: 2,400
feetThe trail from the Hualapai Hilltop offers the only
land access to Supai Village so entry is by one of two
means: hiking or flying in on a helicopter. Most guests
hike both in and out, but many choose to fly. For those
who choose to hike you’ll enjoy the luxury of a daypack
only as we hire pack horses to carry the bulk of our gear.
The trail descends steeply through a series of
switchbacks before leveling off in a beautiful red
sandstone canyon. After 4.5 miles we arrive at the
junction with Cataract Canyon and Havasu Creek. From
here we’ll follow the creek 2 miles to the village of
Supai, and then another 2 miles to the campground. En
route we pass three of the five major waterfalls: Rock
Falls, Fifty Foot Falls, and Havasu Falls (cover photo).
The rest of the day is available for photographing and
enjoying Havasu Falls.
Your accommodations at the Havasu campground
include picnic tables, spring water, and port-o-let
potties. Many sites are located next to the water under
the arching branches of cottonwood trees; perfect for our
tents or falling asleep under the stars.
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Day 2
Mileage: 7 miles (optional day
hiking)Elevation Change: 500 feetDay 2
will be spent exploring the stunning
waterfalls that make Havasu a worldrenown destination. Shortly after departing
camp we’ll encounter a 50-foot down
climb which must be negotiated with care.
Rebar has been driven into the rock and
strung with chain for purchase in the more
difficult sections, and two ladders are
bolted to the rock for assistance. Your
guide will assist each person through this
section. We’ll then head downstream to
Mooney Falls which is perhaps the most
magnificent of all of them at 200-feet tall.
Continuing downstream another 2.5 miles
to Beaver Falls, the canyon becomes
increasingly dramatic with small waterfalls
cascading under ash and cottonwood trees.
The richness of this riparian oasis creates
valuable grazing habitat for bighorn sheep,
frequently seen en route to Beaver Falls.
We’ll enjoy lunch at Beaver Falls before
we return to camp.
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Day 4
Mileage: 5+ miles (optional day
hiking)Elevation Change: 300
feetAfter sleeping in and enjoying a
filling breakfast we’ll have the rest of
the day to explore and enjoy Rock Falls
and Fifty Foot Falls. They are less
visited but equally as stunning as
Havasu Falls with wonderful swimming
holes. We’ll be back in camp midafternoon to relax and prepare for the
next day’s hike out.
Mileage: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 3.5-hour drive
Variation... this route is often done
in three days. For a 3- day itinerary the
second day will be spent as described
here. We’ll hike out to the Hualapai
Hilltop on the third day and will have
the option of stopping briefly at Rock
Falls and Fifty Foot Falls.
Trip Itinerary Note... all trips are
subject to itinerary changes based on a
variety of circumstances, including, but
not limited to permit availability,
extreme weather, and forest fires. The
price and duration of a trip will never
change once you’re registered.
Payments are not refundable based on
itinerary changes, only on cancellations.
Note on Helicopters...
Some guests choose to fly in and
out of Havasu on the tribal
helicopter which operates
Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, &
Mondays (or from October 16 March 14 just on Fridays &
Sundays). Priority is given to tribal
members and you are not
guaranteed a spot. Thus if you
choose this option it is critical that
you are still prepared to hike in as
necessary. Cost is $85 1-way and is
not included in the cost of your trip.
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Day 3
from Hualapai Hilltop A hike back
through the Supai Village to the
Hualapai Hilltop concludes our journey.
It is a time for reflection. The 3.5-hour
drive to Flagstaff will pass in a stream
of memories as you relax and enjoy
Northern Arizonabyline
scenery before
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arriving at your hotel.
Trip Details
Trip type: mule-assisted camping
Difficulty: 2 (moderate)
Length: 3 or 4 days
Mileage: 20 (plus optional day hiking)
Group size: maximum 12, including
guide(s)
Pack weight: 5-10 pounds
Meeting time & place: 5 p.m. the day
before the trip start date at the Little
America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona
Trip conclusion: approximately 5:00 p.m.
on the last day
Trip fees include: transportation, park
entrance fees, permits, group gear, food
(breakfast day 1 through lunch on last day),
professional guide
Trip fees exclude: airfare, trip insurance,
hotels, alcohol (alcohol is prohibited and
banned by the tribe), and services not
specified
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Travel, Transportation, Meeting & Lodging
Travel
Arrival & Departure Dates
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of the trips. We will plan on
arriving on time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day
after getting back from the field.
Gateway Cities: Phoenix or Flagstaff, Arizona.
Havasu trips originate in Flagstaff, Arizona. We will fly into Phoenix and we will rent a shuttle
to Flagstaff. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
What Is Provide
Group Gear
We provide top-of-the-line backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camp pillows, sleeping pads, trekking
poles, stoves, cookware, and personal bowls, cups, and utensils.
Food
We provide a diversity of foods containing the necessary nutrition for sustained energy output.
Meals are made from staples that travel well in the backcountry - rice, pastas, lentils, beans,
couscous, oatmeal, granola, etc. Meals are also supplemented with trail foods such as crackers,
cheese, granola, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, and energy drink mixes.
We accommodate vegetarian diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. Special dietary
requests may require an additional fee or other arrangements.
Training
The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely dependent on the shape you’re in.
The physical demands of hiking the canyon are in sharp contrast to those found in mountain
climbing or hiking on relatively flat terrain. The first part of your hike will be a knee-jarring
descent, and the climb out will come when your legs are most tired.
We cannot stress enough that the fitter you are the more fun you’ll have. A combination of
cardiovascular fitness, strength in all muscle groups and flexibility will help ensure an enjoyable
experience. As such, we recommend you prepare for your trip with a moderate training program
focused on walking and hiking, ideally in hilly terrain.
Important note: Always consult with your physician before commencing with a workout
program.
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