Havasupai is a small isolated tribe of the Yuman stock who occupy Cataract canyon of the Rio Colorado in North West Arizona. The Havasupai tribe is the smallest Indian Nation in America totaling about 600 people. They have inhabited this land for more than 800 years. The Havasupai reservation was established in 1880 and gradually increased in 1975. This tribe is known for its wonderful location, amazing cultural life and beautiful art and crafts.

Best time to go
April to May and September to November are best for a visit to Havasu Canyon because the climate is moderate on the rim as well as on the canyon floor. These months also avoid the heat and crowds of summer.

Getting there
There are no roads to Supai Village so visitors arrive by horse or on foot. The trail begins at Hualapai Hilltop which is a parking area with no facilities. The nearest towns are Peach Springs and Seligman which are both located on Highway 66 about 68 and 90 miles respectively from Hualapai Hilltop. From Highway 66, take Route 18 north for approximately 60 miles to the trailhead.

Important Planning Tips

1. All hikers must obtain advance approval from the Havasupai Tourist enterprise before starting into the canyon. In addition, advanced reservations and a 50% deposit are required for the lodge and the campground. On arrival at Supai Village, visitors register and pay an entrance fee.
2. All financial transactions require cash except the Camping Enterprise and the lodge where MasterCard, Visa, traveler’s checks and money orders are accepted. The entrance fee is $20 per person and the camping fee is $10 per person nightly. Horses are available for rent to carry packs or riders.
3. You should bring comfortable clothing, swim suit, sturdy walking shoes, brimmed hat, insect repellent, sun block, camera and lots of film. Ground fires are prohibited so a gas stove is necessary for those who plan to cook.
4. Be sure to pick up any provisions that you may need on Highway 66. There are no service stations or stores along the way. Supplies are limited and expensive at the small general store in Supai Village. It is recommended that you fill your car up with gas and carry at least 2 liters of water per person for the trek to Supai Village.
5. Plan to send postcards to your friends. The post office is the only one in the U.S. that is still served by pack train and your mail will bear a special postmark attesting to this.
6. Bring an adequate supply of food, especially if you cannot tolerate fried foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be limited.
7. A visit to the small museum in Supai Village is worthwhile. For a leisurely trip to the waterfalls, plan to spend at least 2 nights in the village.
8. While visiting this area be respectful of people’s privacy as well as their fences.
9. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the Havasupai Cafe near the lodge. Picnic tables, campgrounds, a lodge, general store, and post office are found in the village.
10. Alcohol, drugs, weapons and pets are not allowed in the canyon area.

These are some very essential planning tips that you must follow while visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

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