• Gazing at the canyon's brilliant red sandstone 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

Havasu Canyon, a very large side canyon of the Grand Canyon, is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southwest. Known for high waterfalls, sparkling aquamarine pools, and a creek of spectacular blue green color, the Canyon has been home to the Havasupai for 700 years. Two miles below the town of Supai is a large campground with towering cottonwoods and the creek running right through the middle, 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!

women who are in good physical condition and looking for adventurous day-hikes in a spectacular location. The first hike is 10 miles from the rim to the campground: only the first 1.5 miles from the parking area are moderately steep (about 1000 ft. elevation change) and then the remainder of the hike to the campground is a very gradually downhill 8.5 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. Once at the campground the hiking options are somewhat limited and people looking for challenging hikes every day should look at trips with a 4 rating. Rating:  1  2  [3]  4  5

• one night at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn
  
• four nights of camping; composting toilets are available
• one night at Maswik Lodge on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

• experienced guides
• two nights motel lodging and four nights camping
• all meals from dinner Sunday to breakfast the following Saturday
• 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

Not included: airfare to Phoenix, alcoholic beverages (alcohol is not allowed in the Canyon), tour of Grand Canyon Caverns, guide gratuities

meet at the Phoenix airport (PHX) at 9 am on April 3

you can take a flight out after 7:30 PM on April 9

you can download the complete trip information here

As is true on any wilderness adventure, the final itinerary may be affected by weather, intervening events, group desires etc.

April 3 Our trip begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona when we meet you at the airport. We drive to Grand Canyon Caverns Inn - a remnant of Rte 66, it is a trip in itself. There is time to take a tour of Grand Canyon Caverns before our trip orientation for those who choose (some women love it, others find it corny- it is definitely a unique experience). We share a welcome dinner at the restaurant there and then finish our orientation, leaving time to repack bags before bed.

April 4: 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 5 and 7 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. Although we will not have it to ourselves, it is less visited this time of year and during the week.

April 5: Our hike today will be more laid back as we cross travertine dams to Inner Carbonate Canyon, explore the old mine there, stop to look at the wildflowers, and hike up to its abrupt end. This meandering side canyon has a very different feel from the previous day's hike into Havasu. This is a fairly short hike and we'll have lunch back at the campground. After lunch the afternoon is free for more hiking, swimming, visiting the village or enjoying some downtime.  Havasu Falls is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular parts of this very beautiful place, with great swimming, and the peace and beauty there make it a great place to hang out.

April 6: For those who relish an adventurous day-hike, one with 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 with wonderful pools for swimming. We eat lunch with time to explore before heading home. For those wanting a more laid back day there is the option of visiting the village of Supai or relaxing and swimming in Havasu Falls.

April 7: Today we hike along the top of Carbonate Canyon. This out and back hike along the top of the Canyon offers views of the campground,  the inside of the Canyon we hiked yesterday, and the plateau on the other side of the canyon walls. It is possible to follow it all the way back to the inner walls, where the original trail into the canyon was located. And best of all, we are unlikely to see other people on the trail. We will also be near where Navajo Falls was before it was destroyed by the flood last August so we can take a look at the recovery process.

April 8: On the final day of hiking we retrace our steps back up the canyon, stopping for lunch either on the way or once we get to the top. We drive to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in time to watch the sunset and have dinner at one of the restaurants there. This part of the Canyon is vast, much larger than the part we have been in. And while the views are spectacular, it lacks the intimacy of Havasu.

April 9: 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 plan to leave the Canyon at 1 pm after lunch (on your own) and arrive back in Phoenix by 6 p.m.  You can plan to fly out anytime after 7:30 pm.