Havasupai means the people of “green and blue water”. Havasupai’s have inhabited the Grand Canyon and the rest of the north central Arizona for over thousand years. They are considered nomads, as they used to spend the summer and spring months in the canyon farming, while spending the winter and fall months on the plateau hunting.

Havasupai Indian Reservation is the most remote of the many Indian lands in Arizona. The territory has only one village, Supai, located 8 miles beyond the end of the road on the floor of red-walled Havasu Canyon, and 4 miles from the Colorado River. Havasu is one of the longest tributaries on the south side of the Grand Canyon and runs through the center of the reservation which extends about 6 miles at either side.

This Tribal area is very famous for its richly colored waters and its awe-inspiring waterfalls, both of which have made this small community become a bustling tourist hub that attracts thousands of people every year.

The Tribe is governed by a seven member Tribal Council democratically elected by the people. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is the entity charged with law enforcement and protection for the Tribe, while the Indian Health Service clinic provides health care and emergency services. The Tribe is the largest employer of tribe members, which runs Federal programs for the tribe members. Other members often work as packers or workers for tourist ventures, or work at the lodge, tourist offices and the cafe.

The Havasupai Indian reservation includes 188,077 acres of Canyon lands and broken plateaus adjoining the western edge of the Grand Canyon’s south rim. The reservation was established in 1880 and gradually increased in 1975.The Havasupai tribe is known for its location, traditional cultural life and wonderful arts and crafts activities.

The main attraction of this area for visitors is Havasu Creek, a year round stream with unusual aquamarine water that flows by the village and descends another 1,400 feet passing over five waterfalls, the highest being Mooney Falls with a drop of 200 feet. Tourism is this tribe’s main source of income. Nearly 12,000 visitors hike or horse ride into the canyon to stay at the village’s lodge or campgrounds near the Havasu falls.

The campsite is of the primitive area, with picnic tables, pit toilets and spring water for drinking; all stays must be reserved in advance. No campfires, pets, firearms or alcohol are permitted anywhere on the reservation, and only Hualapai and lower Havasu canyons are open to hiking; all other areas require special permission.

So, if you really want to enjoy an adventurous and interesting vacation then Havasupai Indian Reservation would surely fulfill your dreams.

Tags: adventurous and interesting vacation, Canyon lands, havasupai indian reservation