When you visit Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, you’ll likely want to get there as quickly as possible.
The trail is long and hard and gets longer if you don’t have a reservation at the campground. Luckily, there are many ways to reach Havasu Falls without having to hike it yourself!
| Key Takeaways from “How to Get to Havasu Falls Without Hiking” |
|---|
| Plan carefully to ensure a smooth trip |
| Research transportation options in advance |
| Get up-to-date information on permits and regulations |
| Pack appropriately for the weather and terrain |
| Consider guided tours or helicopter rides |
| Respect the natural environment and local culture |
| Train physically in advance for a challenging hike |
| Stay hydrated and practice good trail etiquette |
Airplane
If you’d rather not hike or drive to Havasu Falls, there’s an easier way. You can fly into the Grand Canyon Airport, located about three hours from Havasu Falls.
If you’re flying into Las Vegas, it takes about two hours to get there by car and then take a shuttle from Hualapai Hilltop.
The airport is located just outside of Peach Springs, Arizona (you’ll cross over the Colorado River on your way).
Planning a hiking trip requires strategic packing to ensure you have everything you need. Check out our tips on how to pack a hiking backpack for expert advice on packing essentials, organizing your backpack, and optimizing its weight and balance.
Helicopter
If you don’t want to hike or ride a horse, the next best option is a helicopter. A flight will cost about $200-$300 per person for a 15-minute ride that takes you directly to the bottom of Havasu Canyon.
Helicopters are available from Hualapai Hilltop and require reservations in advance, so make sure to book your flight as soon as possible.
You can also get lucky with walk-up availability if there’s room on an existing flight (this happens more often than not).
Mule
The Havasupai mule is the only way to get to Havasu Falls and back. Mules can carry up to 50 pounds in their pack, so it’s not uncommon for you and your gear to weigh more than the mule itself.
The maximum amount of people per mule is two, which means that if you have a group of four or more people and want to go on your own mule, they will need multiple animals.
You are allowed up to four people on each mule but only two can ride at any given time as this is how they were designed by nature and man alike.
If you want five or six people riding together then you would have one person walking while everyone else rides.
This type of arrangement works out well if everyone has their own gear and doesn’t mind walking alongside each other while enjoying the scenery along the way instead of just sitting around waiting until they reach their destination at Havasu Falls!
Just remember though: don’t try riding without holding onto anything–even on flat land–or else risk falling off (which could lead into an injury).
Dressing appropriately is key to make the most out of your hiking trip. Check out our guide on how to dress for hiking to learn more about the right clothing, footwear, and accessories according to the terrain and weather forecast, for a comfortable and safe hiking experience.
Horseback
One of the most popular ways to get to Havasu Falls is by horseback. There are no hiking trails leading directly there, so you’ll need to ride your way in.
The best place to begin is at the Hilltop (the first stop on this itinerary), where you can rent horses for $100 per day or $50 for children under 12 years old. Seniors over 65 years old pay just $30 per day!
Hitchhike
Hitchhiking is a safe way to get to Havasu Falls if you are willing to put a little effort into it.
If you hitchhike, you’ll save money and have more authentic experiences with people in the area. This can be a great way to make new friends from all over the world!
You will have time for conversation with your driver, so ask them about their lives or tell them about yours. It’s fun that way!
Starting out can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, anyone can get started with hiking. Check out our article on getting started with hiking for tips on finding the right trail, preparing for your first trip, and joining hiking communities.
Heli-Hike
Heli-hiking is a great way to get to Havasupai Falls without hiking. Heli-hiking is a popular way to get to Havasu Falls without hiking. Heli-hiking is a fast way to get to Havasu Falls without hiking.
Train
If you want to get to Havasu Falls without hiking, the train is a good option for families with children, people who are not physically fit, and people who do not have time to hike.
The train will take you from the town of Supai Village (which is 3 miles from Havasupai Falls) all the way to the bottom of Havasu Canyon where there are campgrounds and restaurants.
The train ride takes about an hour each way and costs $15 per person round trip. A round-trip ticket on Amtrak costs about $14 so if you have kids or old parents with you then this would be cheaper than renting a car!
Ticks can not only be a nuisance but can also transmit serious diseases. Check out our guide on how to avoid ticks while hiking for information on tick habits, preventative measures, and tips on removing ticks safely.
Boat
You can take a boat down the Colorado River to Havasu Falls. To do this, you’ll need to make reservations at least one day in advance.
The park service will call you when it’s time for you to pick up your boat and supplies; they’ll also provide directions on how to get there from Lake Havasu City (the nearest town), as well as any other necessary information about what you should bring with you on your trip.
To get to Havasu Falls via helicopter or plane, fly into Hualapai Hilltop Airport (LNY) near Peach Springs, Arizona and then rent an SUV in Kingman so that you can drive down through the desert plains towards Lake Havasu City.
It’s possible that there might be some hiking involved if the trail isn’t passable by car it all depends on how much rain has fallen recently but thankfully there are plenty of signs along the way pointing out where various trails go so that hikers can stay safe while exploring this beautiful landscape!
Swim the Colorado River (not recommended)
The Colorado River is a pretty wild place. You can expect to encounter strong currents, unpredictable rapids and the potential for injury if you choose to swim or drift down this part of the river.
If you’re willing to disregard all that and bypass Havasu Falls altogether in order to save yourself some time, then by all means go ahead! Just be prepared with emergency supplies and know your limits (and those of your traveling companions).
Hiking can be a strenuous activity that requires physical preparedness. Check out our pro tips on how to train for hiking to learn more about the best exercises and training regimens to improve your endurance, strength, and overall health for your next hiking trip.
Bicycle to Havasu Falls (Not recommended)
- You can take your bike to Havasu Falls, but it’s not recommended.
- The terrain is too rugged for a bicycle and there are no bike trails. You will have to carry your bike over many rocks and logs on the way to Havasu Falls.
- You’ll need plenty of water, food, or money for restaurants in Supai.
Reasons Why Bicycling to Havasu Falls is Not Recommended
| # | Reasons |
|---|---|
| 1 | The terrain is challenging and unsuitable for most bicycles. |
| 2 | The road is rocky, narrow, and has sharp turns. |
| 3 | There are no designated bike racks or storage areas. |
| 4 | The hike to the falls requires a permit, which cannot be obtained while biking. |
| 5 | The bike ride can be dangerous due to traffic, weather, or wildlife. |
| 6 | Biking to the falls is against the regulations set by the Havasupai Tribe. |
| 7 | The hike back to the top of the canyon can be strenuous and time-consuming. |
Kayak to Havasu Falls (Not Recommended)
A kayak trip is not recommended. The river is cold and the rapids are dangerous. There are many hazards to avoid along the way, including submerged rocks, submerged trees and other hazards. You might get lost or be unable to find your way back if you don’t know what you are doing.
Reasons Why Kayaking to Havasu Falls is Not Recommended
| # | Reasons |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Colorado River leading to Havasu Falls has dangerous rapids and currents. |
| 2 | The river is subject to flash floods and unpredictable weather conditions. |
| 3 | The water temperature can be very cold, even during peak season. |
| 4 | The river has submerged rocks, trees, and other hazards that pose a risk to kayakers. |
| 5 | The route is lengthy and can be challenging even for experienced kayakers. |
| 6 | Kayaking to Havasu Falls is against the regulations set by the Havasupai Tribe. |
| 7 | There are no designated kayak launching or storage areas near Havasu Falls. |
Conclusion
To get to Havasu Falls without hiking, you can choose from many different transportation options.
These include airplane, helicopter, mule train ride (or horse), hitchhike, heli-hike with a private guide or group tour, train ride along the Grand Canyon Railway, boat trip on the Colorado River down to Lake Powell where you’ll take another seaplane ride upriver.
We also have a list of ATV and bicycle tours if you prefer not to drive your own vehicle but still would like to see both sides of the canyon from above ground level!
Further Reading
A Guide on Planning a Havasu Falls Hike – REI provides a guide with tips on how to plan, prepare, and enjoy a trip to Havasu Falls.
How to Get to Havasu Falls – 10Best shares tips on how to get to Havasu Falls, including routes and ground transportation options.
Havasu Falls – Everything you need to know – TravelinUSA covers everything you need to know to plan and enjoy a trip to Havasu Falls, including logistics, permits, and hiking tips.
FAQs
What is the best way to reach Havasu Falls?
There are two common ways to reach Havasu Falls: hiking and helicopter. Hiking is the most popular and cost-effective option, but requires advance permits, a good physical condition, and a long hike. Helicopter tours are also available, but they can be expensive and weather-dependent.
How do I get camping permits for Havasu Falls?
To camp at Havasu Falls, you need a permit issued by the Havasupai Tribe. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book well in advance. The tribe has its own reservation system and permits are usually released in February for the upcoming year.
What should I pack for a Havasu Falls trip?
What to pack for a Havasu Falls trip depends on several factors, such as the season, the length of your trip, and your hiking experience. As a general rule, you should pack lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a reliable water filtration system, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Avoid packing bulky or disposable items and pack out everything you bring.
Can I swim in the falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed in the Havasu Falls pools. However, the water can be cold and the currents strong, so it’s recommended to swim with caution and respect for other swimmers. Lifeguards are not available, so exercise personal responsibility.
How difficult is the Havasu Falls hike?
The Havasu Falls hike can be a challenging trek, particularly for inexperienced hikers or those not in good physical condition. The trail is steep, rocky, and has several switchbacks, requiring good balance and endurance. The hike takes around 10 miles round-trip, and descending and ascending with a backpack can be tiring. It’s recommended to train in advance and hike at a moderate pace.
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