In summer 2019 we took our 4th trip in the southwest and this one was really special. As a matter of fact, we were lucky enough to get permits for camping in Supai during 3 nights. In this hike report there will be 2 different hikes with the first one being the trailhead to Havasu campground and the second from there to Beaver falls.

 

BEFORE GOING:​

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• You have to get permits prior to arrive as you will be controlled even before the trailhead parking lot. Getting the permits is not really complicated but you have to be lucky and perseverant. There's only one way to get them and all the informations are on this page.

• Trailhead to Campground (and back up): Start early! Not only this hike is quite long in distance, but it can take some time to find the path and is really exposed to the sun.  Stay alert if starting your hike by night, make sure you have headlights and watch out for scorpions (also mountain lions apparently, make some noise). Bring:  plenty of water (4L/person), this is total wilderness and there's no river on the way to the campground, you need to be self-sufficient.

• Campground: As the minimum length of stay is set to 3 nights, make sure to have food, clothes (don't forget your bathing suit) and gear (tent, hammock, ratsack) etc. Don't hesitate to contact me for a more detailed list or informations on the gear I took. The most important is to try keep it simple and thus have a lighter backpack. Finally, there's a small market in Supai where you will find some basics (chips, candies, drinks) but situated more than 3km from the campground.

• As always: Check the weather and have a good preparation both wether it is at a physical or equipment level.

• Finally, I will suggest to do it on your own. There are possibilities to take an helicopter ride or mules carrying your bag, but I don't think it's the right way to do it as it's totally feasible by foot. Yes this will require some exercise and preparation but you will be even more proud!  

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WHEN TO GO?​

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We did this in August and it was really hot during the day so we started both hikes up and down at 3 a.m.  Once in the evergreen Supai and near the campground the temperature was perfect especially during the night. Nevertheless, try to find some shadow to install your tent and stay close to the water spring.

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I've read some reports about people going during winter or fall and apparently it's possible at almost any season.

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N.B. : We had a GPS watch but as we were down in a canyon it didn't manage the change of altitude so well by sometimes putting us on the top of the canyon. I don't have precisely the time we did for each portion of the trail so I'll try to approximate, hence the hike description will not be precise. 

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START - HUALAPAI HILLTOP

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The Hualapai Hilltop is situated 60 km from Peach Springs' Road 66 (approximately 1h15). We decided to arrive at sunset and sleep some time in our car before to start hike around 3 a.m. so as to avoid heat. If you're staying there please be respectful to other hikers and try not to flash your headlight in their cars and make as little noise as possible. 

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This report will be made on the way down to Supai so think about it in reverse for the way back up More elevation gain for example, means more time.

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I sadly don't have precise indications about the time for each portion of the trail but the first half hour is the steepest one (important for your way back, you don't want to hike these laces in full sun). Then you will have approximately 2 hours of a pretty easy stroll between at first open canyon walls that are closing little by little. This part is beautiful with a changing landscape, especially if you woke up early and walk with the sunrise light. 

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