In February 2024, my husband and I, both proud Air Force veterans, embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to Havasupai Falls, located deep in the Grand Canyon. It wasn’t just any hike — it was a challenge that tested our physical limits, stretched our patience, and left us with a renewed appreciation for nature and culture. What began as a thrilling idea turned into a humbling experience that taught us valuable lessons we’ll never forget. Let me take you through our journey to Havasupai Falls — from the rugged 10-mile trek to the awe-inspiring falls themselves.
The Night Before the Adventure
Our journey began the evening before our hike, where we stayed at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115 on Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona. It was the perfect starting point — cozy, easy to find, and just a short drive from the trailhead. After checking into the Inn, we were both excited and nervous, knowing that the following day would be physically demanding. We took some time to relax, plan, and mentally prepare for what lay ahead.
One of the things we learned early on is that planning and preparation are absolutely crucial when visiting the Havasupai Falls. The next morning, we made sure to arrive at the tribal check-in location on time — this process is very punctual and specific. Directions for the check-in are clear, and it’s vital to follow them exactly to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. This is part of the Supai tribe’s effort to protect their land and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
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The Trailhead and Our Decision to Hike
After checking in with the tribe, we had a few options for getting down to the Supai village, which serves as the gateway to the falls. We could have taken a helicopter for $100 each way, but we wanted to make this an authentic, challenging experience. So, we decided to hike the 10 miles from the hilltop trailhead down to the Supai village. At this point, we felt confident in our abilities. After all, we’re both veterans and used to pushing ourselves to the limit.
We were carrying 70-pound packs each, and at first, we thought it would be a breeze. The trail was steep, rugged, and challenging, but nothing we couldn’t handle. The terrain was treacherous — rocky, slippery, and extremely uneven. As we descended deeper into the canyon, it became clear that this was no easy feat. But with a little grit and determination, we kept pushing forward, ignoring all the red flags that were telling us to slow down and rethink our approach.
The Reality Sets In
By the time we reached Supai village, we were completely exhausted. The hike down, which seemed like it would be a tough but manageable challenge, turned out to be far more demanding than we had anticipated. Our legs were sore, our muscles fatigued, and it felt like every step took us further into our own limits.
But the reality check didn’t end there. From the village, we still had another 2-mile trek to the campground, and this stretch was even more grueling. The terrain was just as steep, rough, and unrelenting. By the time we arrived at the campground, we were beyond exhausted. We could barely move and had to force ourselves to keep going — because there was no turning back.
As an Air Force veteran, I thought I had experienced physical endurance before, but this hike redefined the meaning of toughness. We were sore, we were hurting, but we were also incredibly proud of ourselves for persevering.
Lessons Learned
This hike taught me several things. First, it reminded me that I’m not 22 years old anymore, and even though I might feel fit, there are limits to what I can handle without proper preparation. For one, we overpacked. Lesson number one: Pack lighter. Secondly, we should have considered renting a mule to carry our gear. It would have saved us some serious strain, especially with the rough terrain we were dealing with. Lastly, the hike was no joke — 10 miles is a long way, and even with all our experience, we couldn’t ignore the fact that this was a challenging trek.
Looking back, I wish we had planned a little more carefully and exercised more in the weeks leading up to the trip. But despite the soreness and the blisters, we were both glad we chose the tougher route, as it allowed us to experience the grandeur of the canyon in its rawest form.
The Beauty of Havasupai Falls
Once we finally arrived at the campground, the physical exhaustion was all but forgotten as we were greeted by one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Havasupai Falls is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which are caused by the high mineral content of the area. The falls are nothing short of breathtaking — towering waterfalls cascading into deep blue pools that sparkle under the desert sun. The color of the water is otherworldly, so vibrant and pure that it almost feels like a dream.
We had the chance to visit several waterfalls within the Supai tribal territory, including the famous Havasupai Falls, Mooney Falls, and Beaver Falls. Each one had its own unique charm, but Havasupai Falls stole my heart. Standing there, feeling the cool mist on my face and hearing the roar of the water crashing down below, I knew this was a place I’d never forget.
The Supai Tribe: Culture and Connection
Our experience in Supai wasn’t just about the physical challenge. It was also an opportunity to learn about and connect with the Supai tribe, who have lived in this remote corner of the Grand Canyon for centuries. The Supai people are welcoming and kind, and they shared their deep connection to the land and their history with us. I learned to respect their land and their culture, and I’ll carry that respect with me long after the trip is over.
One of the most memorable cultural experiences was learning how to make traditional Supai fry bread. It’s a simple, yet delicious dish that is often served with tacos, burgers, or just drizzled with honey. Since returning home, I’ve been making fry bread for my family, and it’s become a favorite in our house. It’s a small way I can continue to honor the culture of the Supai tribe.
A Journey to Remember
As I reflect on our adventure, I realize it wasn’t just the breathtaking views, the physical challenges, or even the fry bread that made this trip so memorable. It was the experience of sharing it with my best friend, my husband, and the bond we strengthened during that grueling trek.
We laughed, we pushed each other, we supported each other, and most importantly, we learned — not just about ourselves, but about the beauty of nature, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of respecting the land and culture of the people who call it home.
This weekend was a perfect mix of adventure, love, strength, and willpower. My body may have ached afterward, but my heart was full. And as we drove back from the Grand Canyon, exhausted but incredibly grateful, I knew this was a trip that would stay with me forever.
If you ever get the chance to visit Havasupai Falls, I encourage you to do so. Just remember to plan ahead, pack light, and be prepared for a challenge that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
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