Havasupai Trail

No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.

The Havasupai Trail is a 20.7-mile out-and-back route located in Arizona that descends into one of the Grand Canyon's most remote and scenic side canyons. With 2,264 feet of elevation gain, the trail offers a challenging trek through high desert terrain before dropping into lush canyon bottomlands. The journey requires advance permits and typically involves a multi-day backpacking trip, making it a destination for experienced hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty away from main park corridors. The trail provides access to the Havasupai community and their reservation lands, featuring distinctive turquoise-colored waterfalls and pools that have made this destination notable among backcountry hikers. The out-and-back format means hikers retrace their route on the return journey. Proper preparation, including permit acquisition well in advance and understanding water availability and weather conditions, is essential for this backcountry experience. This trail is suited for hikers comfortable with remote terrain and self-sufficiency in the wilderness.