PHOENIX — If you're looking for one of the most picturesque places in Arizona, chances are the Havasupai waterfalls -- Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls -- will be somewhere on that list.
To visit the falls, you must have a permit and a campground reservation, which will go on sale on Friday, Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. (Arizona time). Last year, all reservations for the year sold out "almost instantly."
If you're planning a trip up, here is what you need to do and know so you're ready when reservations open.
MAKE AN ACCOUNT
This year, all reservations will be made online. There will be no reservations taken over the phone.
Go to www.havasupaireservations.com to create an account. This will allow you to make a reservation on opening day. It takes a couple minutes, but we're told it will alleviate some stress when reservations go live. Make sure to put your account info and password in a safe place in case you forget it the day of.
At 8 a.m., the page will refresh and the "make a 2019 campground reservation" button will activate. Try to be logged in and on the page before 8 a.m. Make sure to know how many people will be in your group (you can have a max of 12) and when you'd ideally like to visit.
RESERVATION PRICING
Reservations can be made for stays between Feb. 1, 2019 and November. Pricing includes all permits, fees and taxes.
- $100 per person per weekday night (Monday - Thursday)
- $125 per person per weekend night (Friday - Sunday)
According to the website, "[a]ll campground reservations are now 3 Nights / 4 Days so all visitors can fully enjoy their visit!" So, that means a minimum stay would cost between $300-$375 per person, for a three-night, four-day stay, according to the website. If you're looking to stay longer, you'll have to try and make back-to-back reservations.
The campground is "camp wherever you want," according to the website. There is a mile of campground on either side of Havasu Creek where people will be able to set up tents and sleeping bags.
TRANSFERRING PERMITS AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
New this year, people will be able to transfer some or all of their reserved spots using the Havasupai Reservations website. Guests will be able to create a "transfer link" and share that, or have their spots listed on a cancellations page. Once those spots are purchased by someone else, there will be a 10-percent transfer fee, according to the website.
Also new this year, people will be able to use the website to put themselves on a wait list to try and reserve a pack mule to help carry their belongings along the 10-mile trail from the Hilltop Trailhead to the campground. This is the best chance to reserve a pack mule, according to the website. Mules for one-way trips will most likely not be available. Each mule can carry up to four 32-pound bags.
Travel insurance is also a new option that buyers will see, according to the website. It did not specify how much the insurance was or what the insurance requirements entail.
No permits for tour guides: The Tribe also decided this year not to issue permits for tour guides or outfitters. The move does not change the number of permits that will be available each day, which is about 300 permits, a spokesperson said.
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- Each reservation is listed under one name. That person must be with you and stop by the Tourist Check-in Office in the Village of Supai. Bring your ID and a paper copy (or digital screenshot) of reservation.
- All reservations have to be paid in full. People within your group can then pay you back.
- It is a 10-mile hike from the Hilltop Trailhead to the campground, and a 10-mile hike back out. There is an elevation change of 2,450 feet. Hikers should allow 4-6 hours to hike in and 5-7 hours to hike out.
- Hikers should at a minimum have a gallon of water with them per person.
- There is a lot more information at www.havasupaireservations.com.
