Supai, Arizona
Supai is an oasis in the middle of desert country on the Havasupai Nation reservation in Arizona. Home to a small village and fantastic waterfalls, Supai is a geological wonder and one of the most special and unique areas in the Grand Canyon region. Supai is a census-designated place (CDP) in Coconino County, Arizona, United States.
Situated deep within an inner gorge of the Grand Canyon, Supai has been home to the Havasupai Indians for many centuries. The village has a small cafe, lodge, post office, school, church, clinic, police station, and a general store.
Natural Attractions
Seasonal rainfall, melting snow and percolating water are drained by Cataract Creek which rises on Bill Williams Mountain and crosses the Coconino Plateau. The creek wanders across the high plains for about 50 miles before dipping down into the steep sided Cataract Canyon. Except for flash floods, Cataract Creek is usually a mere trickle until it reaches Havasu Springs where an underground river gushes forth to form Havasu Creek.
The waters plunge over Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls (100ft.), Mooney Falls (200ft.) on the way to the Colorado River about ten miles away from Supai Village. Water is especially precious in a dry and arid land and the Havasupai consider the source of this river to be a sacred place that is intimately associated with the legend of their origin.
Best Seasons to visit
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.
Access
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. Some hikers overnight at Hualapai Hilltop because it is more comfortable to start the trek in the cool, early morning hours. 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.
Vegetation
The sparse vegetation and dry, rocky soil at the trailhead give no hint of the lush canyon home of the Havasupai at the bottom of Havasu Canyon, 10 miles away. The trail drops steeply by a series of switchbacks into Hualapai Canyon for the first mile and then descends more gradually for a half mile to the bottom of the canyon. Its sheer, massive walls become narrow, blocking the sunlight and distorting the size of giant boulders along the path. Eventually the canyon widens and cottonwoods, willows, box elders, hackberry trees and wild grape vines diffuse the harsh sunlight of a mid-morning sun.
These are some important aspects of Supai village, which should be visited by all tourists interested in natural beauty and heritage.