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I am currently trying to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon (never been!), and while there I would like to make the hike to Havasu falls. Unfortunately, it is really hard - for me, at least - to find current information on how to do this; most of the articles/blogs about Havasu falls are almost ten years old!

So my questions are the following:

  1. What is a good time to visit the Grand Canyon? I would prefer to avoid "busy" season (though I'm sure the Grand Canyon is always busy).
  2. I will be traveling from NY; what is the best place to fly into / where should I stay to maximize the closeness / cost ratio?
  3. How do I get to Havasu falls? I want to do the 10 mile hike, but do I need a guide? If so, where can I procure one? If not, how will I know where I'm going?
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It's been a long time since I did Havasu falls but I can at least answer #3--no guides needed. The trail is obvious. Note that there is a 2,500' elevation change on the hike, this isn't a walk in the park!

Beware that considerable advance booking is required as there are limited accommodations. Doing it as a day trip isn't viable for most people.

The main airport is Phoenix, this is some hours away. Flagstaff is a couple hours closer, Kingman is also in the area. I can't address the economics of the options, it was always a road trip from Phoenix for me.

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  • When you say advanced booking, you mean for hotels in the area? Or do you have to "reserve" hiking the trail? I read on a couple of sites it's a $20 fee to actually enter the trail.
    – Steve D
    May 26, 2012 at 21:05
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    @SteveD: I'm not aware of any reserving on the trail itself but I was never the one to organize it. You do have to reserve campground space or hotel space. Just showing up you'll find them full.
    – Loren Pechtel
    May 26, 2012 at 22:25
  • OK, perfect! One more small question: when you say the "trail is obvious", does that mean from a specific point? I mean, I know next to nothing about the Grand Canyon. Are there multiple entrances/starting points?
    – Steve D
    May 26, 2012 at 22:47
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    @SteveD: I don't recall the trailhead situation but I think it's clear. You can't miss the trail itself, I've walked much of it at night by full moonlight alone when I was feeling miserable.
    – Loren Pechtel
    May 26, 2012 at 23:59

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