The Havasupai Tribe refers to themselves as the “People of the Blue Green Water”
The trail down to Havasu Falls begins at Hualapai Hilltop which overlooks Hualapai Canyon. The canyon rim sits 5,200 feet, nearly one mile, above the canyon floor. After 8 miles of hiking, you are rewarded with one of the most iconic waterfalls in North America, Havasu Falls. These falls are known for its milky blue or turquoise water, which is formed from the rich calcium sediments being carried in the water. Havasu Creek is a tributary to the Colorado River and is one of the most celebrated side canyons of the Grand Canyon.
Hualapai Canyon is found within the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. The Havasupai Tribe refers to themselves as the “People of the Blue Green Water”. The tribe is a federally recognized Native American tribe that has lived in and around the Grand Canyon since time immemorial. The reservation spans some 188,077 acres of canyon land. The Havasu Baaja people have lived in Supai, Arizona for over 1,000 years. Supai is situated at the end of the 8 mile trek down from the canyon rim.
If you visit the Havasupai Reservation, you should know that the Tribe has its own, laws, policies, customer, regulations, rules, and way of life. You need to adhere to their regulations, and if you stray from them, your permit can be revoked immediately. Packing out everything that you pack in is essential to maintaining the beauty of this canyon. With a one mile ascent and an eight mile journey, you can imagine that it’s quite difficult to remove any waste that ends up here. Most new items come into the canyon via helicopter or mule train.
The waters of Havasu Creek have sustained the land around it providing nourishment for crops of corn, squash, and beans amidst a desert landscape.
Most new items come into the canyon via helicopter or mule train
Did you know?
- To get to Hualapai Canyon, you’ll turn off Route 66 onto Indian Road 18 and drive until the road ends.
- The Havasupai Reservation was formed in 1880 and enlarged in 1975.
- The United States Postal Service operates within the canyon. They bring in packages and mail via mule train!
- Permits are required for all visitors. Historically, permits for the year open on February 1st. Lots of people enjoy visiting the canyon, so be sure to sign up as soon as you are able.
0 Comments