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For the second year in a row, my trip to Havasupai included a trek down to the confluence of the Havasu Creek and the Colorado River. And for the second year, hiking to the Confluence at Havasupai was the most dramatic part of my backpacking trip.

Let me start off right away by saying I’m just sharing my experience and not looking for anything other than that… My first time hiking to the Confluence at Havasupai last year my girl Liz sprained her ankle & I ran out of water. Rookie move. Bring filter straws. And for a complete Havasupai packing list see this post.

So this year, determined not to run out of water or break any ankles, Austin and I ventured out on this epic 18 mile RT hike from Mooney Falls to the Confluence of the Havasu Creek & the Colorado River.

Right in front of me in this picture it gets deep and the current is swift. I swam through, against the current quickly while holding my gopro out of the water, nbd. I’m a swimmer. (I swim multiple times a week, I’ve swam 4 miles across a lake, completed an ironman 70.3, etc) Austin followed with a dry bag & our phones.

We took pictures and then helped this group take their bags through to prevent their stuff from getting wet. As we are handing off the bags the group is coming through & it turns out one of them couldn’t swim. A girl probably my age. They call out for help & I dolphined over & grabbed her out of the current to where we could stand.

I barely thought anything of what happened until I was thanked by the group for the 20th time and Austin described to me the terror in this girl’s eyes before I snatched her. So grateful I was there, right where I needed to be, at the right time. Havasupai requires a permit. This wasn’t our original planned dates, but there we were.

Plenty of things in life might not go as planned but I trust I’m exactly where I need to be.

About the Hike:

A few details about the hike. Havasupai requires a permit. Hiking to the Confluence at Havasupai also requires a permit. The only way you could get to the Confluence without one would be to take part in a rafting trip. The RT total distance from Mooney Falls was just under 18 miles. And you definitely need lots of water (and filter straws) + snacks. The hike has many river crossings and it would be impossible to complete without at least getting your feet wet. Keens/Chacos or some sort of hiking sandal are definitely ideal. I used Neoprene socks this year to prevent blisters. If you are making the trip to Havasupai, going to the Confluence is totally worth it. Start early. Getting down Mooney Falls gets more crowded the later in the day you leave and they recommend not leaving the Beaver Falls area after 11am.

When is the Best Time to Hike to the Havasupai?

The best time to hike to the Confluence at Havasu Creek and the Colorado River in Havasu Canyon, commonly referred to as the “Havasupai Confluence,” is during the spring or fall.

Here are the considerations for each season:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a popular time to hike to the Havasupai Confluence. The weather is usually mild, and the waterfalls are flowing at their maximum due to snowmelt.

Also, temperatures are comfortable for hiking, and the lush, green surroundings create a stunning backdrop for your adventure. Just be prepared for chilly nights in March and early April.

Fall (September to November): Fall is another great season for hiking to the Confluence. The temperatures are pleasant, and the summer crowds are gone.

Also, the waterfalls remain active, though they might be slightly less robust than in the spring.
Moreover, the autumn foliage adds extra beauty to the canyon.

If you can, try to avoid hiking to the Confluence during the summer months (June to August) since temperatures are extremely high, making the journey dangerous due to the potential for dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Havasupai Tribe closes the area to tourists in December, January, and February due to the cold weather.

But, before starting on your hike, check with the Havasupai Tribe for the latest permit information, trail conditions, and seasonal closures/restrictions.

Hiking Distance to Reach the Confluence

The hike to the confluence from the Havasupai Falls Campground is approximately 18 miles round trip.

Starting from the campground’s end near Mooney Falls, you’ll cover a 3-mile stretch that concludes at Beaver Falls.

From Beaver Falls, it’s another five-plus miles to reach the confluence with the Colorado River. Just be aware that exact mileage may vary as the trail meanders and isn’t well-defined in certain areas.

Where Can I Find the Confluence?

The Confluence is where Havasu Creek meets the Colorado River and sits at river mile 157.

It is a remote and stunning natural area located within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

It is also the meeting point of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River, offering breathtaking beauty with its turquoise waters and stunning landscapes. This pristine area is totally inaccessible by car, requiring a hike or rafting trip to assess it.

The hike to the Confluence typically begins from the Havasupai Falls Campground, involving a challenging trek through the canyon’s picturesque terrain.

Tips and Tricks for Hiking Havasupai

Hiking to Havasupai is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you through the red rock canyons of northern Arizona, leading to the famous turquoise waterfalls of Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls.

But this is no quiet walk through the woods. Rather, this is a remote, physically demanding trek with strict regulations.

So, if you’re planning to visit this incredible place, here are some essential tips and tricks for a safe, smooth, and unforgettable experience.

1. Permits Are Mandatory and Hard to Come By

You must make a reservation to hike to Havasupai. Basically, permits are released annually, usually in early February, and they sell out within minutes.

To secure one, create an account at HavasupaiReservations.com well in advance and log in before the permit release date.

It’s also worth noting that permits are only issued for multi-day trips that usually last for four days and three nights. However, transfers are possible via the official reservation system if your plans change.

2. Prepare for a Strenuous Hike

This hike is 10 miles one way and 20 miles round trip, with little to no shade and lots of elevation change. As a result, you must train in advance before attempting this hike. Be sure to prepare for an intense, long-distance hike that includes carrying a significant amount of weight.

After all, the trail descends 2,000 feet into the canyon below, making the climb back out a tough uphill climb. Additionally, summer temperatures can soar to well over 100°F. So, be sure to avoid hiking during the heat of the day if you visit at this time of year.

3. Pack Smart and Light

You’ll be carrying your gear into the canyon by yourself, unless you pay for a mule or helicopter. FYI, both must be arranged in advance and have limitations.

So, when packing, be sure to pack light and smart. Must-haves include a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You can also use hydration bladders and should plan to carry at least 3 liters of water. Food should also be non-perishable, light, and calorie-dense so that you can easily recharge after a long day of hiking.

Other essentials include a headlamp, a first aid kit, and a water filtration device. This way you can easily refill your water bladder from the natural spring at the campground.

4. Start Hiking Early

If you don’t want to start sweating to death during your hike, then it’s best to start hiking before sunrise. After all, there’s no shade along most of the trail, and the afternoon heat can be brutal, if not downright dangerous.

Additionally, there’s no water source until the village of Supai, which is about 8 miles in. So, be sure to have plenty of water and pace yourself so that you don’t get too tired too quickly.

5. Respect the Land and the People Who Live Here

The trail and waterfalls here actually sit on Havasupai tribal land. So, it is important that visitors \respect local customs, rules, and the environment. As a result, no alcohol, drugs, drones, or loud music are allowed at any point along this hike. It’s also important to stay on marked trails and to leave wth everything that you brought with you, trash included. It’s also worth noting that you should not enter or photograph areas that are designated as either private or sacred.

6. Visit All the Waterfalls

The iconic Havasu Falls is just the beginning of your visit, since Mooney Falls is located about a half-mile from the campground. However, visiting this beautiful spot means a steep descent down a cliffside using chains and ladders.

Beaver Falls is also awesome and is located another 3 miles past Mooney. Visiting this spot is more challenging, but is worthwhile if you have plenty of hiking experience.

Finally, cool off at the smaller Fifty Foot Falls and Navajo Falls that lie just before the campground. Enjoy all that the area has to offer and make the most of your visit.

7. Remember that the Weather Can Be Dangerous

Flash floods are a serious risk during the monsoon season, which typically starts in July and ends in September. Therefore, always check the forecast and be aware of changing conditions.

Hiking to the Confluence at Havasupai FAQs

How Long is the Supai hike?

The Havasupai Hike clocks in at roughly 25 miles round trip, starting from the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot. You’ll cover an initial 8 miles from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Lodge, which is a pivotal spot where your permits will be checked at the Tourist Check-in Office in Supai Village.

How Far is the Hike to the Waterfall from Lake Havasu?

The hike to Havasu Falls from Lake Havasu involves traveling to the trailhead, which takes about four to five hours by road. It’s then a 10-mile hike to the stunning Havasu Falls within the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Why is Havasu Creek so Blue?

The creek’s renowned blue color and unique travertine formations are the result of the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. Over time, this mineral has built up in the limestone lining of the creek. This material then intensifies and reflects the vibrant blue color of the water.

What is the Closest City to Havasu Falls?

The Havasupai Reservation is situated in Coconino County, right at the southwest corner of Grand Canyon National Park. For those looking to get there, you’ll want to make your way to Peach Springs, which happens to be the closest residential area.

It’s about 64 miles southwest of Hualapai Hilltop and is a popular starting point for many Havasupai adventures.

Are you headed to Havasupai and are you planning to head to the Confluence? Let me know in the comments!

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