One of the most popular and under-the-radar hiking adventures you can have in the American Southwest is a trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to a beautiful oasis called Havasupai.
“Going down there is a pretty magical experience,” says Arizona Outback Adventures‘ Chris Anderson. “You get to play, you get to swim and you really get to feel like an explorer and adventurer and you get to find this magical place at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.”
If you’re planning on going down to Havasupai there are a few things you need to know before putting your boots on.
1. It is very remote
It’s about a four and a half hour drive from Phoenix and about a four hour drive from Las Vegas. The trailhead is an hour from the nearest hotel or gas station.
2. You’ll need a permit
You can’t just show up. The land belongs to the Havasupai Tribe, meaning People of the Blue Green Water. Reservations can be made on their website, but you will have to make reservations well ahead of your trip as they book solid months in advance.
3. It’s a Hike
It’s a 10 mile hike and it’s pretty challenging. AOA has a great guide to hiking the trail to Havasupai where they offer the following smelly and useful tidbit: When in doubt, follow the horse droppings!
4. The Camping is Amazing but Simple
There are really nice restrooms and clean drinking water available, but other than that there’s not too many amenities. You get to pick a spot, be by the creek and simply enjoy yourself.
5. Guided Trips are Available
If all of the planning and logistics just seems overwhelming that’s where a guided trip really makes sense. Guides will plan, pack and cook all the meals for the trip, taking away some of the stresses of the trip while allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
All you have to do is show up with a great attitude and have a great time.
For more information on some of the great outdoor adventures that await at the bottom of the Grand Canyon visit Arizona Outback Adventures.
