Hiking to the Confluence at Havasupai
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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.
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.
Andrea Cannon is a pharmacist, triathlete, gratitude practicer, and avid traveler. For both business and pleasure, she has taken more than 250 flights yearly for the past 3 years. In addition to being a travel hacking enthusiast, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband (Austin) and dog (Dex). You can connect with her via her blog www.beaUTAHfulworld.com or on Instagram @andreafcannon .