Wondrous waterfalls plunge over sheer rock walls in the Grand Canyon homeland of the Havasupai Indians.
Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Navajo Falls — surrounded by sublime Canyon scenery — draw visitors from around the world to the remote Havasupai Reservation.
Getting there is half the fun — and a bit of a challenge.
No vehicle roads lead to the village of Supai deep in the Canyon. That means most visitors hike in or ride horses on an eight-mile trail from the Canyon Rim — and trek an additional two miles to reach campgrounds.
Access to Supai also is available by commercial helicopter.
The setting
Don't be surprised if you blurt out the word "paradise" when you get your first glimpse of Havasu Canyon in the heart of the reservation. You won't be the first so smitten.
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Etched into exquisite Canyon terrain about midway between the Rim and the Colorado River, the area is a Southwestern Shangri-La of cascading water, travertine pools and tree-shaded expanses along Havasu Creek.
Supai, the center of tribal life for the 350 or more Havasupai who live in the Canyon, is a destination for up to 30,000 visitors a year, according to tribal officials. A tourist office, lodge, cafe and general store in Supai afford visitors an opportunity to interact with members of the tribe.
Making that cultural connection can be a good way to learn a little about the proud people who make the Canyon their home.
"The Havasupai for centuries have taken on the calling from Mother Earth as guardians of the Grand Canyon," says tribal spokesman Lawrence Carson. "The Grand Canyon is the womb of life. Here, the Havasupai preserve the ways of the ancient people."
The way there
To reach the area from Tucson, take Interstate 10 northwest to Phoenix and then follow Interstate 17 or other routes north to Interstate 40. Go west on I-40 to Seligman and continue west on Historic Route 66 to Indian Road 18. Follow that road northeast about 65 miles to a trailhead at Hualapai Hilltop.
Hikers, backpackers and horseback riders follow an eight-mile trail from the hilltop to Supai. Arrangements for horses must be made in advance through the tribal tourist office at 1-928-448-2121. From Supai, a trail continues about two miles to the waterfalls and campgrounds.
For information on helicopter flights, call Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters at 1-800-528-2418 or Airwest Helicopters at 1-623-516-2790.
