Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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information on Grand Canyon West, contact Destination Grand Canyon ( & 877/716-
9378 or 702/878-9378; www.destinationgrandcanyon.com).
HAVASU CANYON
Deep within the red sandstone walls of Havasu Canyon, a lush green riparian forest
flanks the waters of a crystal-clear stream and waterfalls cascade into pools of turquoise
water. The setting is spectacular and the colors are otherworldly, which is why Havasu
Canyon is so popular with adventurous travelers. This canyon is the home of the Havasu-
pai tribe, whose name not surprisingly means “people of the blue-green waters.” For
centuries, the Havasupai have called this idyllic desert oasis home. The waterfalls are the
main attraction here, and most people are content to go for a dip in the cool waters, sun
themselves on the sand, and gaze for hours at the turquoise waters.
Unfortunately, in August 2008, a massive flood roared through the canyon, gouging
out a new creek channel that now completely bypasses one of the former waterfalls. The
canyon was closed to the public for more than 8 months after the flood due to extensive
damage to trails and bridges. However, floods have occurred here before, and the canyon
is relatively quick to hide the scars caused by flooding.
The Havasupai entry fee is $35 per person to visit Havasu Canyon, and everyone
entering the canyon is required to register at the tourist office in the village of Supai.
Because it's a long walk to the campground, be sure you have a confirmed reservation
before setting out from Hualapai Hilltop. It's good to make reservations as far in advance
as possible, especially for holiday weekends.
If you plan to hike down into the canyon, start early to avoid the heat of the day. The
hike is beautiful, but it's 10 miles to the campground. The steepest part of the trail is the
first mile or so from Hualapai Hilltop. After this section, it's relatively flat.
Through Havasupai Tourist Enterprises ( & 928/448-2121 or 928/448-2141; www.
havasupaitribe.com), you can hire a horse to carry you or your gear down into the canyon
from Hualapai Hilltop. Horse rental costs $70 to $94 each way. Many people who hike
in decide that it's worth the money to ride out, or at least have their backpacks carried
out. Be sure to confirm your horse reservation a day before driving to Hualapai Hilltop.
Sometimes no horses are available, and it's a long drive back to the nearest town. There
are also pack mules that will carry your gear into and out of the canyon.
If you'd like to hike into Havasu Canyon with a guide, Arizona Outback Adventures,
16447 N. 91st St., Ste. 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 ( & 866/455-1601 or 480/945-2881;
www.azoutbackadventures.com), leads 2- to 5-day hikes into Havasu Canyon and
charges $1,297 to $1,748 per person. Discovery Treks, 28248 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. B1,
no. 414, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 ( & 888/256-8731; www.discoverytreks.com), offers
similar 3-day trips for $895 to $1,165 per person.
GRAND CANYON WEST
Located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation on the south side of the Colorado River,
Grand Canyon West ( & 877/716-9378 or 702/878-9378; www.destinationgrand
canyon.com) overlooks the little-visited west end of Grand Canyon National Park.
Although the view is not as spectacular as at either the South Rim or the North Rim,
Grand Canyon West is noteworthy for one thing: It is one of the only places where you
can legally take a helicopter ride down into the canyon. This is possible because the
helicopters operate on land that is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation. The tours are
operated by Papillon Helicopters ( & 888/635-7272 or 702/736-7243; www.papillon.
com), which charges $135 to $204 per person for a quick trip to the bottom of the
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