// SIGHT TO SEE
HAVASU FALLS , ARIZONA
This Arizona landmark is worth every step of the trek through the arid , terracotta landscape , says Karen Worrall
At 115ft high , the dramatic Havasu Falls in Arizona is the most popular of five waterfalls situated in a gorge off the Grand Canyon . To reach the falls , begin your trek at an elevation of 5,200ft at Hualapai Hilltop in the 185,000-acre Hualapai Indian Reservation , and descend some 2,400ft , either by foot or on horseback .
The first mile and a half of the descent is the toughest . This steepest point takes hikers about 1,000ft down to the dry creek bed , then on through a gradual decline for about six miles until reaching Havasupai Creek . The remote village of Supai , where about 450 tribal members live , houses the tribe ’ s lodge , a cafe , a trading post and general store for supplies . Permits , which must be secured prior to arrival , are needed from this point on . From here , the trail follows the creek for two miles , with a few small waterfalls to whet the appetite before reaching the main attraction .
If you ’ re visiting in summer , the best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon , or even at night to avoid the blistering temperatures , but the most comfortable time to visit is spring and fall . March and April have pleasant temperatures of about 65F to 75F , while October and November are similar . The cool mists of the cascading falls and nearby verdant vegetation contrast with the surrounding parched wilderness and make it well worth the strenuous hike .
THE ESSENTIALS Trips must be planned in advance as the Havasupai Tribal Council releases only 350 permits a day , which cover three nights ’ camping . The closest airport is either Phoenix or Las Vegas .
DID YOU KNOW ?
THE WORD HAVASUPAI TRANSLATES AS ‘ PEOPLE OF THE BLUE-GREEN WATERS .’ THE HAVASUPAI TRIBE IS INTIMATELY CONNECTED TO THE WATER AND LAND . image : awl images
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