The Havasupai Reservation is home to the Havasupai Indians whose ancestors settled these lands thousand of years ago. They were able to cultivate soils at the bottom of the gorge as agriculturists and lived on what they grew, hunted and fished along the Colorado River which carved the Grand Canyon. Besides the tranquility of being amidst the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon area, the allure is the series of four turquoise and emerald green waterfalls that together form this amazing oasis. Each waterfall is uniquely spectacular and all are within just a few miles of Supai. They include Havasu Falls, Navajo Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls.

The Havasu Creek

Havasu Creek starts out above the canyon wall as a small trickle of snow run-off and rain water. This water meanders on the plains above the canyon for about 50 miles until it enters Cataract Canyon. It is fed by springs, have a high mineral content and carbonate precipitate that account for the cascading falls, pools and natural travertine dams.

Towering cottonwood trees, grapevines and other flora create the lush foliage that accents the waterfalls. The creek is well-known for its blue-green color and distinct travertine formations. The water temperatures are a relatively constant 70 degrees F throughout the year making swimming and lounging beneath the falls a pleasure that is unimaginable. The creek runs through the village of Supai, and it ultimately flows into the Colorado River. The Natives call it the “Big Waters”.

Navajo Falls

Navajo Falls is the first prominent waterfall in the canyon. They are named after an old Supai chief. It is located 1.25 miles from Supai and is accessed from a trail located on the left side of the main trail. On the left side of the main trail a side trail cuts back down to the creek. Dropping 75 ft, several branches span across, spilling into spectacular travertine pools below.

Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is the most spectacular of the four falls and is the main attraction. Havasu Falls is sometimes called “Havasupai Falls” and plunges 100 feet into a natural amphitheatre carved out of the red cliffs. Twin falls mist the entire area and spill into dozens of pools and secondary falls that cascade over small natural travertine dams.

The falls are ever changing due to their high mineral content of travertine, which is responsible for the breathtaking color of the water and countless pools at their bases. Havasu Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world and is simply an incredible paradise.

Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is the third main waterfall in the canyon. It is named after D. W. “James” Mooney, a miner, who in 1882 decided to mine the area near Havasu Falls for minerals. Twice as high as Havasu, Mooney was called Mother of the Water falls by the Havasupai. Only a small percentage of visitors make it to the bottom of Mooney.

As you explore this unique area and climb its sandstone cliffs, use extreme caution. There are a series of narrow caves, wet and slippery rocks, makeshift climbing ladders, iron hooks and rusted chains carved into the cliffs. At the bottom of the Mooney Fall you will find a very large pool area.

Beaver Fall

Beaver Falls is the fourth set of falls, although many claim that it is not a waterfall, but merely a set of small falls that are located close to each other. The falls are located approximately 6 miles downstream of Supai. Beaver Falls is about three miles down the trail from Mooney Falls.

The rustic trail crosses the creek several times before reaching the falls. Beaver Falls is a elegant series of shorter falls located at the conflux of Beaver and Havasu Canyons. This is a tranquil and very isolated spot on the creek before making its way to flow into the Colorado River.

These are some of the most admired aspects of the Havasupai Indian Reservation’s natural beauty.

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