• 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

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 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 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 mostly flat 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. Rating:  1  2  [3]  4  5

• 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

• 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

arrive at the Phoenix airport (PHX) by 9 am on April 4

you can take a flight out after 7:30 PM on April 10

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 4 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 is a trip in itself. There is time to take the highly recommended tour of Grand Canyon Caverns before our trip orientation. We share a welcome dinner at the restaurant there and then finish our orientation, leaving time to repack bags before bed.

April 5: 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 6: 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 it's abrupt end. This is a fairly short but spectacular 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 7: 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 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 8: Today we hike along the top of Carbonate Canyon. This is a lovely out and back hike along the top of the Canyon with views of the campground and the inside of the Canyon that gives another perspective. It is possible to follow it all the way back to the inner walls. 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 9: On the final day of hiking we retrace our steps back up the canyon. We 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 have been in. And while the views are spectacular, it lacks the intimacy of Havasu.

April 10: 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 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.