Students Trek Into the Heart of the Grand Canyon
Tucked deep in the Grand Canyon, Havasu Creek has been home to the Havasupai Tribe for over 1,000 years. Originally known as the Havasu Baaja, the Havasupai Tribe, which translates to “Hava” (blue sky) “su” (water) “pai” (people), resides in an area that features turquoise blue waters, towering waterfalls and dramatic canyon walls. It is no wonder that this paradise has become a bucket-list destination for hikers, adventurers and nature lovers alike.
This past October, Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy students Carly McNiece and Emma Hoskins set off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the area. Though it was unlike any traditional backpacking trip they had taken before, it was every bit as rewarding – rich in both natural beauty and cultural experience.
From the logistical hurdles to the surreal landscape, everything about the trip was a testament to the resilience of the Havasupai people and the raw beauty of the desert oasis they call home.
The Journey Begins: A Desert Oasis Awaits
The group was fortunate to secure pre-season lottery dates for their preferred time, making the trip even more special. Their timing was everything — Havasupai had recently recovered from a massive flash flood that had closed the area earlier in the year. By the time the group arrived in early October, locals had managed to reopen the trailhead and accept visitors again.
The hike was long—11.5 miles to be exact—covering varied terrain along the base of a canyon with the dry desert landscape gradually giving way to lush green vegetation as they approached the village of Supai.
McNiece said, “There’s something magical about hiking into a place like this; you feel the passage of time in the layers of rock, imagining what the land looked like thousands of years ago. And then, without warning, you round a bend and suddenly find yourself entering an oasis.”
The contrast was stark. After eight miles of desert terrain, they arrived at the small village of Supai, which boasted an unexpected burst of greenery with water, trees, birds, and even horses, surrounding them.
A Perfect Campsite by Mooney Falls
After a long day of hiking, the group set up camp and sank into their sleeping bags, taking in the peaceful sounds of the canyon around them. The group's campsite was a mere 200 feet from Mooney Falls, allowing them to drift off to sleep under the soothing roar of the falls in the distance. Waking up the next morning, they were treated to a spectacular view of the turquoise waters, easily accessible from their campsite. “The beauty of the area, combined with a delicious breakfast and perfect morning weather, made for one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring starts to any day I’ve experienced,” McNiece noted.
Waterfalls and Adventures: Mooney, Beaver and Beyond
On day two, the group set out to hike to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, a round-trip adventure of about nine miles. The route to Mooney Falls was not for the faint of heart. To descend the cliff, McNiece and her group had to use chains, footholds carved into the stone and gardening gloves to steady themselves as they made their way down a sheer rock wall. It was slow and challenging, but the effort was well worth it – at the base of Mooney Falls, they were treated to one of the most picturesque vistas of the entire hike, surrounded by lush greenery and the roar of water crashing down from above.
The trail continued on, leading them towards Beaver Falls, where they had to scramble up rocks, climb ladders and navigate wooden planks before finally reaching the falls. The falls were just as stunning, and they spent time swimming and soaking in the beauty of the area.
Rest Day and Route-Finding Adventures
Day three was spent on a more relaxed hike to the village of Supai to mail postcards and pick up souvenirs.
Fun Fact: The village of Supai is the only town in the United States where mules are still used to carry the mail!
Afterward, the group ventured out on a bit of post-flood route finding, making their way to Fifty Foot and Navajo Falls. Here, they took a dip under the moss-covered rocks before heading back to the fry bread stand in the village to indulge in a delicious snack and of course, enjoy one final dip in the iconic Havasu Falls.
Reflections
The group's final day began early, with a 5:45 a.m. wake-up time to catch the sunrise. The weather was cool and cloudy – perfect for hiking out. As they made their way back to the trailhead, McNiece couldn’t help but reflect on the experience.
“There’s something about Havasupai that makes you want to pause and take it all in—the beauty is overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything, to hike every trail and see every waterfall. But sometimes, it’s better to slow down, enjoy the simple moments, and be present. Some of my most cherished memories from the trip were the quiet moments—sitting by the falls, playing cards late into the night and sharing the experience with my mom, who was on her first major backpacking trip,” said McNiece.
McNiece noted that this trip was about so much more than the destination, but rather, the journey and sights along the way. The slower, more deliberate pace of life left her with a greater appreciation for nature and the people who have long called this region home.
Looking back on the experience as a whole, McNiece offered, “If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this oasis, don’t forget to savor the small things—like the joy of a composting toilet or the indulgence of hot fry bread—because it’s those little moments that make this trip truly unforgettable.”
To learn more about the Havasupai Tribe and the land that they have long resided on visit; https://www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com/