"The week in the canyon is still very much with me. This is clearly going to be a trip that changes perspective and lives on in the head and heart." Linda W, Berkeley, CA
Highlights:
- Gazing at the canyon's beautiful sand stone cliffs juxtaposed with the blue-green color of the water
- Swimming in pools by Havasu and Navajo Falls in 80 degree weather
- Learning about the area's geology and the Havasupai who have lived here for over 700 years
- Hiking a variety of trails, including an exciting (and optional) descent of Mooney Falls
- Visiting the Grand Canyon Caverns and other remnants of Route 66
- Having your gear transported by horse or mule so you only need to carry a daypack
High waterfalls, sparkling pools, a creek of spectacular blue green color-this describes Havasu Creek as it runs through Havasu Canyon and into the Colorado River. The Creek and Canyon provide a marvelous home for our five day stay. If you want to spend time in the most magnificent side canyon of the Grand Canyon, and not have to carry a backpack, come join us!
This trip is for: women who are in good physical condition and looking for adventurous day-hikes in a spectacular location. The hike to the campground is a mostly flat 10 miles; the trail varies between dirt and uneven streambed. No hiking or camping experience is necessary, although those who have never hiked may find the trail tiring.
Accommodations:
- one night at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn (worth the trip!)
- four nights of camping; port-a-potties are available
- one night at Maswik Lodge on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Maximum group size: 13
Trip price: $1324 - $1415 (there is a $50 deduction for registration prior to 12/4/08 and 3% of the trip fee if the balance is paid by check). $300 deposit.
Trip price includes:
- experienced guides
- three nights motel lodging and four nights camping
- all meals from dinner Sunday to dinner the following Saturday, except for one lunch
- round-trip transportation from Phoenix to Havasu Canyon
- packhorses for carrying up to 25 pounds of personal gear
- campground entry and permits
- group camping and cooking equipment
Trip starts: arrive at the Phoenix airport by 9 am on April 5
Trip ends: you can take a flight out after 6 PM on April 11
More information-These have not been updated for 2009 so check back for the most recent versions; we do not anticipate significant changes packing list, notes on packing list, and general information (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For pictures from previous trips, click here. To look at a web site that was put together by one of our participants, click here
To learn more about Havasu Canyon and see some great pictures, visit here
Register for this trip or Contact us for more information
Itinerary
As is true on any wilderness adventure, the final itinerary may be affected by weather, intervening events, group desires etc.
April 5: Our trip begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona when we pick you up at the airport. We drive to Grand Canyon Caverns Inn - a remnant of Rte 66, it's a trip in itself. There is time to take the highly recommended tour of Grand Canyon Caverns before our trip orientation. We'll share a welcome dinner at the restaurant there and then finish our orientation, leaving time to repack bags before bed.
April 6: We get up early this morning, leaving after breakfast for an hour drive to Hualapai Hilltop. After handing our duffel bags to the able Havasupai for horse or mule transport, we descend into the canyon. This hike is 10 miles, taking between 4 and 6 hours, and ending at the campground that will be home for the next four nights. The campground is in a beautiful location - tall green cottonwoods, towering red rock walls, a stream of the most unusual blue-green color running through it. It's not hard to understand why it's often called Shangri La.
April 7: Our hike today will be more laid back as we visit Navajo Falls, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular parts of this very beautiful place. Swimming there is the best in the Canyon and the peace and beauty there make it a great place to hang out for those who choose not to swim. After lunch at Havasu Falls the afternoon is free for more hiking, swimming, visiting the village or enjoying some downtime.
April 8: For those who relish an adventurous day-hike, one with frequent stream crossings, some rock scrambling, and walking along ledges, we will descend the Mooney Falls path and then follow Havasu Creek 3 - 4 miles towards Beaver Falls. This part of the creek offers a secluded setting wonderful pools for swimming. We'll eat lunch with time to explore before heading home. For those wanting a more laid back day there is the option of hiking along the top of Carbonate Canyon, visiting the village of Supai, or relaxing and swimming in Havasu Falls.
April 9: Today we'll cross travertine dams to Inner Carbonate Canyon, explore the old mine there, stop to look at the wildflowers, and hike up to it's abrupt end. This is a fairly short but spectacular hike and we'll have lunch back at the campground. Depending on both the weather and our energy levels, there is another lovely out and back hike along the top of Carbonate Canyon that gives another perspective.
April 10: On the final day of hiking we retrace our steps back up the canyon. We’ll arrive at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in time to watch the sunset and possibly attend one of the ranger talks if we have the energy. This part of the Canyon is vast, much larger than the part we've been in. And while the views are spectacular, it lacks the intimacy of Havasu.
April 11: This morning is free to explore the South Rim as you choose. You might get up early to watch the sun rise, check out the Visitor Center, sleep in, go for a morning hike on Bright Angel trail, or take the bus to some of the different viewpoints overlooking the canyon. We'll plan to leave the Canyon after lunch (on your own) and arrive back in Phoenix by 6 p.m. so you can plan to fly out anytime after 7:30 pm. If you want to spend the night in Phoenix, we'll be happy to make hotel reservations.
Register for this trip or contact us for more information
